Arsenal got back to winning ways on Wednesday night, with a 3-0 demolition of Club Brugge in the Champions League.

It was a much-needed result following their 2-1 loss away to Aston Villa in their last Premier League match, and the fifth time this season the Gunners have won after dropping points.

There is something different about Mikel Arteta’s side this season, a sense that this is finally the year in which they’ll get over the finishing line.

Perhaps in a bid to ensure that happens, reports now suggest Arsenal are making a move to sign a seriously exciting attacker next year, someone who could be an upgrade on Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal target Odegaard upgrade

Arsenal did go unusually big in the summer transfer window, but with a potential league title and more on the line this season, they’re being linked with a plethora of potential game-changing talents ahead of the January window.

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RB Leipzig’s £87m Yan Diomande, for example, has been touted for a move to the Emirates, as has Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

However, as brilliantly talented as those two players are, their positions mean that neither would represent an upgrade on Odegaard, unlike Arda Güler.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have reignited their interest in the Turkish wonderkid.

In fact, alongside the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, the report claims that the Gunners have already made their move to sign the Madrid star.

However, the Spanish giants are reportedly still unsure whether they want to keep the 20-year-old, and if not, another report from earlier this month stated that a fee of £88m might be required to get them to sell.

In all, this could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Güler’s ability and potential, it’s one Arsenal should fight for, even if it’s bad news for Odegaard.

How Güler compares to Oedegaard

Now, one of Güler’s best traits is the fact that he can be moved around a bit and, if the manager needs him to, do a job out wide.

However, while he can do this, it would be foolish to sign him to play him in wide areas, as he is now spending most of his time in attacking midfield and playing very well there.

In other words, were Arsenal to sign the Madrid star, one of his main rivals for game time would be Odegaard, but who’d come out on top?

Well, starting with their raw output, it’s the Turkish superstar who comes out on top, and quite comfortably at that.

For example, in 21 appearances this season, totalling 1365 minutes, the “generational talent”, as described by journalist Dean Jones, has scored three goals and provided seven assists, averaging a goal involvement every 2.1 games, or every 136.5 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ captain has provided just two assists in 12 appearances this season, totalling 587 minutes, which is a goal involvement every six games, or every 293.5 minutes.

Okay, what about their underlying numbers, then? Who comes out on top when you take a look under the hood?

Unfortunately for the Norwegian maestro, it is once again his potential rival who comes out looking better, although it is a little closer this time.

For example, the former Fenerbahçe gem comes out on top in most relevant metrics, including shot-creating actions, key passes, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, tackles won and more, all per 90.

Güler vs Odegaard

Statistics per 90

Güler

Odegaard

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.74

0.28

Progressive Passes

7.64

11.7

Shots

2.64

1.73

Shots on Target

1.00

0.86

Passing Accuracy

85.2%

81.1%

Key Passes

3.27

2.39

Shot-Creating Actions

6.18

5.61

Goal-Creating Actions

0.64

1.08

Tackles Won

1.36

0.65

Successful Take-On %

52.2%

50.0%

Aerial Duels Won

0.36

0.22

Ball Recoveries

4.27

5.00

All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season

What’s even more impressive about all of this is that the Ankara-born gem is doing all this and outperforming the North Londoners number eight despite being six years younger than him.

Ultimately, Odegaard is a brilliant player and could play a huge role in Arsenal’s success this season, but Güler looks to be the better player, and therefore, Andrea Berta should do what he can to sign him for the club.

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Arsenal’s title aspirations suffered a crushing blow at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime as Emiliano Buendia’s stoppage-time strike completed a dramatic 2-1 turnaround for Aston Villa.

The Gunners’ remarkable 18-match unbeaten streak across all competitions has now come to an end, with Mikel Arteta’s side sent crashing back down to Earth.

Arsenal dominated possession throughout lengthy spells but ultimately paid the price for failing to convert superiority into goals, succumbing to Unai Emery’s tactical masterclass at a venue where Arsenal ironically boast their best away record in Premier League history.

The defeat allows Man City the opportunity to reduce the gap at the summit to just two points, piling pressure on Arteta’s men as they navigate a mounting defensive injury crisis.

Villa deservedly seized the initiative in the 36th minute when Matty Cash powered home from the back post, meeting a deflected cross with a thunderous half-volley that caught David Raya flat-footed.

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The right-back’s spectacular finish rewarded Villa’s aggressive pressing and energetic start, with Arsenal struggling to establish their usual rhythm against Emery’s well-drilled side.

Arteta responded decisively at the interval, introducing Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres for the ineffective Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino. The Belgian substitute needed just seven second-half minutes to justify his manager’s faith, pouncing on a loose ball after Emiliano Martínez could only parry Bukayo Saka’s initial effort.

Trossard’s predatory instincts breathed life into Arsenal’s challenge and appeared to shift momentum decisively towards the visitors.

Emiliano Martínez

7.8

Declan Rice

7.7

Matty Cash

7.5

Boubacar Kamara

7.5

Martin Odegaard

7.2

via WhoScored

Arsenal dominated proceedings thereafter, pinning Villa deep inside their own territory while creating numerous opportunities to snatch victory.

Declan Rice orchestrated attacks from deep despite struggling with the calf complaint that nearly ruled him out, while Saka tormented Villa’s left flank repeatedly. Noni Madueke came agonizingly close late on, firing into the side netting when well-positioned at the back post.

However, Emery’s inspired tactical substitution proved decisive.

Buendia’s introduction for Cash in the 85th minute pushed Villa into a more aggressive attacking configuration, with Lamare Bogarde dropping to right-back. The Argentinian playmaker delivered the killer blow deep into stoppage time, reacting quickest to a scramble inside Arsenal’s penalty area and firing home emphatically to send Villa Park into raptures.

The defeat represents a significant setback for Arsenal’s title ambitions, particularly given the circumstances surrounding their performance.

Arteta’s side controlled vast stretches of play, registered more shots and dominated possession statistics, yet left the Midlands empty-handed.

Villa’s victory extends their remarkable home form to just one defeat in their last 25 league matches at Villa Park, underlining the fortress mentality Emery has built there.

The result lifts Villa within three points of Arsenal while maintaining their challenge for Champions League qualification, perhaps even the title itself.

Mikel Arteta confirms Cristhian Mosquera blow after Aston Villa defeat

With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes already sidelined, the loss of Cristhian Mosquera to injury against Brentford forced Jurrien Timber into an unfamiliar centre-back role alongside Piero Hincapie.

Reports have suggested that Mosquera faces several weeks out through injury, and that’s now been confirmed by Arsenal’s manager.

Speaking after the match, Arteta said that the 21-year-old faces a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury against Brentford, stating the layoff is ‘much more’ than they initially expected.

The Spanish defender underwent tests on Friday, with initial assessments already suggesting a potential absence of six to eight weeks.

Arteta described Mosquera’s situation as “more complicated” when addressing the media ahead of kickoff, acknowledging the injury represents another substantial blow to Arsenal’s already weakended defence heading into the congested festive schedule.

For the north Londoners, it is yet more bad news after what was a gutting defeat in the Midlands.

Liverpool are already reportedly working on their move to sign a £100m winger to replace Mohamed Salah, who was left out of the squad entirely for their trip to face Inter Milan.

Thierry Henry: Salah "wrong" for public Liverpool spat

In truth, Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Elland Road feels like an eternity ago such is the drama that’s unfolded since. Salah’s bombshell is still leaving shrapnel around Anfield and around the Premier League, with Jamie Carragher delivering a brutal assessment on Monday Night Football and Thierry Henry since adding to that in midweek.

The Frenchman said on CBS’ Champions League show: “Look, nobody is talking about what Mo Salah has achieved in the game. We’re talking about a moment in time that I think he got wrong.

“You do not talk about your personal situation openly when your team is struggling. You do it in a dressing room. I’ve done it. I went to the dressing room and smashed everything in. I went to the office of the boss and complained about stuff.

“When I was at Barcelona, I went away with the team. They put me in the stand. Did you hear me talking about it? No. There is a team. You need to protect your team at all costs, all the time.”

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Arne Slot, meanwhile, is still awaiting an apology and has at least seen his side bounce back from the Leeds game with a professional 1-0 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro.

The Athletic believe that Salah’s outburst was either aimed towards securing an exit away from the club or to put pressure on Slot’s position. If it is the former and there really is no way back then the Reds could reportedly turn their attention towards Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool begin "work" on Barcola move

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are already “working” on a move to sign Barcola in an attempt to replace Salah in 2026. The PSG man is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal in France, leaving the door ajar for those at Anfield to make their move.

Sources told Caught Offside: “Liverpool have already begun background work on replacing Salah. A player they really like, and have been following closely for some time, is Bradley Barcola.”

Even though he’s yet to sign a new deal, Barcola’s current contract doesn’t expire until 2028. That means Liverpool will likely have to pay a premium fee to secure his signature, with reports in the summer suggesting that PSG value their winger at as much as £100m.

Dubbed “special” by Como scout Ben Mattinson last year, it’s easy to see why Barcola has emerged as an option to replace Salah. In 1,274 minutes so far this season – the same as around 14 games – the Frenchman has scored five goals and assisted another three from out wide.

Replacing Salah will be one of the toughest jobs that Richard Hughes has had as sporting director, but he may already have an ideal candidate in mind.

He could be captain after Van Dijk: £35m star very keen on joining Liverpool

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke is looking to follow in Marcelo Bielsa’s footsteps by steering the club clear of relegation in their first season back in the Premier League.

After a run of four straight losses, the Whites have picked up four points and scored six goals in two matches against Chelsea and Liverpool in the top-flight, which has pushed them out of the bottom three.

Farke has needed his players to step up in recent games to climb back out of the relegation zone, and several stars have shown that they have what it takes to deliver in the Premier League.

Ranking Leeds United's top performers this season

Joe Rodon, who has started all 15 games, has proven to be a reliable option at the heart of the defence, winning 69% of his ground duels in the top-flight, per Sofascore.

Gabriel Gudmundsson, signed from Lille in the summer, has also caught the eye at left-back, with 3.1 tackles and interceptions and 1.3 dribbles completed per game, per Sofascore, whilst exciting fans with his bombing runs down the left flank.

£17.4m signing Anton Stach has been one of the top three performers for the Whites, though, with his return of two goals and two assists as a box-to-box midfielder.

Leeds United’s top 5 performers this season
Rank	Player
1	Ethan Ampadu
2	Sean Longstaff
3	Anton Stach
4	Gabriel Gudmundsson
5	Joe Rodon

As you can see in the ranking above, we have placed Sean Longstaff in second place. He leads the team in ‘big chances’ created (six), but he has also only started ten of the 15 league games, per Sofascore.

That leaves the captain, Ethan Ampadu, in first place as Leeds United’s best Premier League performer since they sold Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City in 2022.

Why Ampadu is Leeds United's best Premier League player since Phillips

After Phillips was sold to City for £45m, after emerging as an England regular at Elland Road, the Whites were relegated from the top-flight in the 2022/23 campaign. No other player was able to step up and save them from trouble.

The English star was particularly impressive with Marcelo Bielsa, as shown in the graphic above, and he averaged 3.9 tackles and interceptions per game in midfield in his last Premier League season with Leeds.

Ampadu, now, is looking like the club’s best top-flight performer since Phillips departed. He was judged as an “indispensable” part of Leeds’ midfield in the words of scout Jacek Kulig when promotion was being eyed up, and since moving up a division, he has been a rock on the pitch in the middle of the park. It’s safe to say he could be the first player to lead the team to safety since the Man City midfielder was at the club.

Off the pitch, teammate Karl Darlow described him as a “brilliant” person who has “handled the pressure” of captaining Leeds in the Premier League, which speaks to the qualities that he provides as a leader within the group, and perhaps explains how the team pulled off the last two results despite such a poor run of form that preceded them.

On the pitch, his performances have been impressive. Ampadu lined up in the middle of the park in the games against Chelsea and Liverpool and caught the eye with his defensive nous.

Ethan Ampadu	Vs Chelsea	Vs Liverpool
Minutes	90	87
Pass accuracy	86%	87%
Tackle success rate	100%	100%
Duels won	6/11	3/6
Interceptions	2	1
Dribbled past	0x	0x
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Wales international was perfect in his tackles and did not allow an opposition player to dribble past him a single time, which shows how combative and reliable he was in midfield.

Ampadu has started all 13 of his appearances in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, and averaged an eye-catching 3.7 tackles and interceptions per game, which is just shy of the 3.9 that Phillips averaged in his final season with the club.

The former Chelsea starlet offers a similar presence to the England international at the base of the midfield for Leeds, sitting in front of the back four and screening play, making vital defensive interventions to regain possession and start attacks for his side.

He has won 60% of his ground duels and 53% of his aerial duels, per Sofascore, whilst only being dribbled past 0.6 times per match, which shows that Ampadu has been efficient and reliable in the middle of the park for Farke, as an ever-present when fit.

The new Rutter: Leeds open talks to sign £21m star in "the last few days"

Daniel Farke could win himself a new Georginio Rutter by securing this £21m star at Leeds United.

By
Kelan Sarson

7 days ago

Overall, the Welshman may well be the club’s best Premier League player since Phillips, not just for the quality that he clearly provides as a holding midfielder, but also for his leadership skills and how he handles the pressure of leading a Premier League side.

تمكن منتخب العراق من تحقيق فوز هام على حساب البحرين بنتيجة 2-1، في المواجهة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن لقاءات بطولة كأس العرب.

وأقيمت المباراة بين العراق والبحرين على أرضية استاد ملعب 974، وذلك ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من مرحلة المجموعات لـ كأس العرب.

وكان التعادل السلبي قد حسم مباراة السودان والجزائر، في الجولة الافتتاحية، لتظل بطاقتا التأهل مفتوحتين أمام جميع المنتخبات، قبل انطلاق الجولة الثانية.​

طالع.. فيديو | منتخب العراق يهزم البحرين في افتتاح مشواره بـ كأس العرب 2025

ويستعد منتخب السودان لاختبار جديد، عندما يلتقي منتخب العراق في الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات، في مواجهة تحمل أهمية كبيرة للفريقين، من أجل تعزيز حظوظهما في التأهل للدور ربع النهائي.​​ موعد مباراة العراق والسودان في كأس العرب

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباراة العراق والسودان يوم السبت 6 ديسمبر 2025، في تمام الساعة 6:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسودان، و7:00 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية وقطر والعراق.

Everton are now reportedly keeping close tabs on a Premier League gem who’s been compared to Aston Villa’s Jadon Sancho.

Everton ready to pounce in Zirkzee race

Everton’s January transfer window may well centre around Premier League talent. The Toffees already enjoyed great success in the summer when they welcomed out-of-favour stars Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Now, The Friedkin Group could look to repeat that act of genius.

Despite the fact that Thierno Barry finally scored his first goal for the club against Nottingham Forest last time out, it seems as though those in Merseyside still intend to target an attacking reinforcement.

Reports have even gone as far as to claim that they’re ready to pounce in the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United in January. The forward has fallen down the pecking order since the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, but could have his season saved by the Toffees.

Zirkzee may have struggled at Old Trafford, but Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall are living proof that a move to Merseyside can quickly revive a career.

Patrick Boyland heaps praise on "brilliant" Everton star who gave Barry first goal

The Toffees made it back-to-back wins.

ByTom Cunningham Dec 6, 2025

Even if Barry now kicks on, David Moyes could do with that extra attacking addition, given that Beto is yet to show signs that he’ll become a viable goalscoring option for Everton.

That’s not to say Zirkzee is their only target, however. Alongside the Man United forward, the Toffees have also reportedly set their sights on signing Chelsea’s young, versatile winger, Tyrique George.

Like Zirkzee, the youngster has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and is now looking to leave Chelsea when the winter window swings open in less than a month.

Everton keeping close tabs on Tyrique George

According to TeamTalk, Everton are now eyeing a move to sign George and have joined Leeds United in the early race to secure the 19-year-old’s signature.

Compared to Sancho by Italian media, George wouldn’t be the first struggling Chelsea star to find life at Everton. His former teammate, Dewsbury-Hall has undeniably thrived since arriving in Merseyside.

Ultimately, fresh faces have forced George down the pecking order in West London, but Enzo Maresca was certainly impressed by the teenager last season.

The Chelsea boss told reporters after George’s display against Man United in May: “Very good. Very good. Brave. He was a threat in behind. Not easy for him because on the other side you have Maguire, you have Lindelof, you have Shaw.

“He was fighting against important defenders. But again, we tried to find a solution with a player from the academy. Overall I think also he had the penalty moment, so he works quite good.”

Whether it’s Everton or Leeds, both would benefit from George’s arrival in the January transfer window and the striker himself desperately needs senior minutes if he is to kick on.

MatériaMais Notícias

Os familiares de Artur Jorge, técnico do Botafogo, desembarcaram no Rio de Janeiro pela primeira vez para aproveitar as férias. O treinador português tem três filhos (Artur Jorge, Maria e Bárbara) e três netos.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasBotafogoCitado na investigação, Luiz Henrique, do Botafogo, pode ser punido em ‘Caso Paquetá’?Botafogo25/05/2024Futebol NacionalCBF altera data de jogos do Brasileirão a pedido da GloboFutebol Nacional24/05/2024BotafogoJúnior Santos assume protagonismo e Botafogo rejeita negóciosBotafogo24/05/2024

➡️ Tudo sobre o Fogão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Botafogo

Artur Jorge se reencontrou com a família pela primeira vez desde que chegou ao Brasil. Vale lembrar que o técnico do Botafogo está no Rio de Janeiro, com a esposa, há dois meses.

Os europeus tiraram fotos na orla da praia da Barra da Tijuca. Além disso, experimentaram açaí. A visita foi em meio a uma período mais leve do calendário do Botafogo.

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CONFIRA OS REGISTROS DE ARTUR JORGE COM A FAMÍLIA:

O Botafogo vai viajar neste domingo (26) para Barranquilla, na Colômbia. O Alvinegro fará a última partida da fase de grupos da Libertadores, justamente contra o Junior Barranquilla. Mas antes, a equipe fará um treino aberto, às 10h, para arrecadar doações para o Rio Grande do Sul.

Tudo sobre

Artur JorgeBotafogoFutebol Nacional

Devine first top-scored with 40 and then picked up 4 for 25 to down Renegades

AAP02-Dec-2025

Sophie Devine’s 4 for 25 wrecked Melbourne Renegades’ chase•Getty Images

A devastating all-round performance from captain Sophie Devine powered Perth Scorchers to a crucial 30-run win against Melbourne Renegades at the WACA in Perth.After top-scoring with a breezy 40 off 28 in Scorchers’ 184 for 5, Devine backed it up with the ball by snaring 4 for 25 as Renegades limped to 9-154. The Renegades’ chase started on the wrong foot at 2 for 2, then 34 for 4, ensuring they were already out of contention and Scorchers would celebrate in front of their home crowd.To win, the reigning champions would have needed to pull off the joint third-highest run chase in the history of the tournament.After the early carnage, wicketkeeper Nicole Faltum (28) and Georgia Wareham (43) attempted to steady the Renegades. But their 55-run stand ended as Faltum and Wareham both fell to star Scorchers spinner Alana King. Devine, who recently ended her glorious ODI career for New Zealand, showed she is still a major weapon in T20s, 19 years after making her international debut.It was the 36-year-old’s second fourth-wicket haul in the WBBL, falling short of her best figures (5 for 41).Sophie Devine top-scored for Perth Scorchers with 40 off 28 balls•Getty Images

Earlier, Devine combined for a 69-run stand with Maddy Darke (36) to put the pressure on the Renegades’ stacked bowling attack. King made an important cameo at the end, whacking 22 from eight balls to take Scorchers into territory Renegades would struggle to chase down.The result led to the Scorchers jumping from sixth into third on the points table, with just one match remaining. Renegades, meanwhile, slumped to sixth position.If they are to be any chance of backing up last year’s title triumph, Renegades will need to defeat the in-form Sydney Sixers in their final match of the tournament on Friday. Scorchers should be able to book a finals spot, with their last match against the struggling Brisbane Heat back in Perth on Saturday night.

Opener Campbell Kellaway also impressed for Australia A on a dominant day for the hosts

AAP05-Dec-2025Jhye Richardson has announced his triumphant return to bowling, taking four wickets in his second game back from injury as Australia A punished a hapless England Lions.The hosts went to stumps on day one of their four-day match in Brisbane at 155 for 2, after Richardson had taken 4 for 35 to help bowl the Lions out for 166.Richardson would almost certainly have figured in Test contention for this summer, had he not been recovering from shoulder surgery. He went wicketless during 20 overs for a CA XI against the Lions late last month, but was back bowling at pace at Allan Border Field on Friday.Richardson had Ben McKinney dropped at first slip in his third over of the day, before running through the tourists in the second session. He bowled James Rew for 7 when the left-hander inside-edged a ball that angled across him onto his stumps, before Richardson’s pace had Ben Kellaway playing on.In almost comical fashion, Kellaway defended a delivery from the quick before he was unable to stop the ball rolling back onto his stumps.Richardson then had both Matthew Fisher and Nathan Gilchrist edging behind the wicket, as the Lions fell from 72 for 1 to all out for 166 in 50 overs.Richardson played his last Test in December 2022, but has battled constant shoulder and hamstring injuries since then. His recovery from last season’s dislocated shoulder ruled him out of contention for the start of the Ashes, with Brendan Doggett debuting in Perth.Todd Murphy and Xavier Bartlett also took two wickets each for Australia A, before Campbell Kellaway flew to 71 off 75 balls in the final session.Earmarked as a Test opener of the future, Kellaway’s runs came after he also hit a half-century for the Prime Minister’s XI against England last weekend.Kellaway produced one of the shots of the day with a cracking pull shot off Gilchrist, before he later pulled the quick straight to mid on.England spinner Shoaib Bashir meanwhile had an unhappy afternoon, taking 0 for 22 from three overs after being overlooked for the Gabba Test.Nathan McSweeney (40 not out) pulled Bashir’s first two balls for four, before Kellaway also took to him in the next over and he was dragged out of the attack.

Big picture – all eyes on Kane Williamson

The Christchurch Test against West Indies will mark the start of New Zealand’s World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle and Kane Williamson’s return to Test cricket.Williamson’s previous Test was in December last year, and quite a lot has happened since.He has tapered back his international commitments, playing more games for others during this period. He has also retired from T20Is, and the entire cricketing landscape seems to be changing in New Zealand as well, with plans being developed for a T20 league in the country in 2027.After the three-match Test series against West Indies, New Zealand fans may have to wait until late 2026 to watch Williamson in Test action at home again (if he continues to play on). This is a rare chance for them, then, as speculation around his international future grows.Related

• Zak Foulkes gears up for 'really special' homecoming at Hagley Oval

• Roach, Hodge recalled to WI squad for NZ Tests

• Williamson returns for WI Tests; Jamieson held back

While New Zealand have won 11 ODI series in a row at home, their recent home Test record isn’t as formidable. They have won just two of their last seven home series, with one of those coming against a second-string South Africa side. A number of New Zealand players are currently injured – or working their way back from injuries – but despite that, they will start as favourites because West Indies have bigger problems to deal with.Both the Josephs – Alzarri and Shamar – are nursing injuries, and West Indies have sent an SOS to Kemar Roach, who hasn’t played Test cricket since January. They have also called up Ojay Shields, a former high-school PE teacher. While Jayden Seales is available for this Test series, before joining the ILT20 in the UAE, there are serious concerns around West Indies’ depth, or lack of it.John Campbell and Shai Hope offered a sliver of hope with the bat in decent batting conditions against India in Delhi, but can they do the job on potentially green pitches in New Zealand? Who should be their No. 3, Alick Athanaze or Brandon King? Can West Indies relieve Hope of wicketkeeping duties, trust Tevin Imlach, and find the right balance? Johann Layne or Anderson Phillip? The visitors find themselves with more questions than answers.History is also against West Indies: the last time they won a Test in New Zealand was way back in 1995.An on-song Jayden Seales can single-handedly carve up batting line-ups with his swing, bounce and control•AFP/Getty Images

Form guide

New Zealand: WWWLL
West Indies: LLLLL

In the spotlight: Tom Latham and Jayden Seales

Since leading New Zealand to a historic 3-0 sweep of India in India in November last year, Tom Latham has endured a difficult time. He oversaw New Zealand’s 2-1 defeat to England at home last December and then missed the Zimbabwe Test series with injury. His last Test hundred came in December 2022, but he has some recent form on his side, having compiled a half-century for Canterbury in the second round of the Plunket Shield. Prior to that, Latham had hit two fifties in three innings in the one-day Ford Trophy, which had kicked off New Zealand’s domestic seasonJayden Seales barely found support at the other end in India, and could face a similar scenario in New Zealand. But an on-song Seales can single-handedly carve up batting line-ups with his swing, bounce and control. His battle against Williamson is one to watch out for – the two have never faced each other in international cricket before.Against West Indies, New Zealand will have to choose between Devon Conway and Will Young•Zimbabwe Cricket

Team news: Devon Conway or Will Young?

With Williamson back, New Zealand will have to choose between Devon Conway and Will Young. On the bowling front, they might also have to choose between Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner. Local boy Zak Foulkes addressed the media on the eve of the game, which was perhaps a hint that he may play. Daryl Mitchell, one of the mainstays of the batting line-up, has recovered from a groin injury that had kept him out of the last two ODIs against West Indies.New Zealand (probable): 1 Tom Latham (capt), 2 Devon Conway/Will Young, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Rachin Ravindra, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Mitchell Santner/Michael Bracewell, 8 Zak Foulkes, 9 Nathan Smith, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Jacob Duffy/Blair TicknerWest Indies’ team management had suggested they had picked Alick Athanaze in India for his ability to counter spin. In seam-friendly New Zealand, they might consider bringing back Brandon King, who is proficient against pace, and leaving out left-arm fingerspinner Jomel Warrican for an extra seamer. It remains to be seen if Jamaican fast bowler Shields gets a debut at 29. Captain Roston Chase could pitch in with his offspin when the quicks need a break.West Indies (probable): 1 John Campbell, 2 Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 3 Alick Athanaze/Brandon King, 4 Shai Hope, 5 Kavem Hodge, 6 Roston Chase (capt), 7 Tevin Imlach (wk), 8 Justin Greaves, 9 Kemar Roach, 10 Jayden Seales, 11 Johann Layne/Anderson Phillip/Ojay ShieldsNew Zealand have beaten West Indies in their last five Tests•Associated Press

Pitch and conditions

The conditions at Hagley Oval aid swing, though New Zealand surfaces are often misleading with the grass at the toss rarely lasting much beyond the first session. The weather is likely to be clear on the first day, but some showers have been forecast for the second in Christchurch.

Stats and trivia

• Matt Henry has a good Test record at his domestic home ground: 36 wickets in seven games at an average of 23.91, including two five-fors.
• Since his debut in November 2022, Tagenarine Chanderpaul has faced 1564 balls in Test cricket. Only Kraigg Brathwaite (2376) has faced more balls than Chanderpaul for West Indies during this period.
• New Zealand have beaten West Indies in their last five Tests, including three innings wins at home.

Quotes

“It’s the purest form of the game, really, and it’s the first Test series for me at home, and I’m really excited. In December, the Test cricket arena is always the best time of the year, and [this is] certainly a format this team prides itself on playing well.”
“Any bowler will want to come in these conditions and bowl because it’s not too hot. So when it’s nice and cool, the fast bowlers like to bowl very long. The ball is bouncing and seaming around, so the guys are very happy about that and ready to bowl.”