Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been on fire for the Blue Jays throughout the postseason.

While he was quiet during the first two games of the American League Championship Series against the Mariners, Vladdy has since gone 9-of-16 from the plate, and homered in all three of Toronto’s wins to help force Game 7 on Monday night.

Ahead of Monday’s first pitch, Guerrero made quite a bold fashion choice—one that has some Toronto sports fans extremely worried.

As Guerrero made his way to the locker room at the Rogers Centre, he was wearing an Auston Matthews Toronto Maple Leafs jersey.

While it’s hardly uncommon for sports stars to represent the heroes of other local teams in their tunnel walk, invoking the Maple Leafs ahead of a Game 7 in Toronto feels a bit like tempting fate.

Beyond their long wait for a championship in general, the Leafs have notoriously struggled with Game 7s in recent years, having lost eight straight winner-take-all playoff games.

On one hand, Guerrero’s look could be seen as a bold declaration that he is ready to take the burden of an entire city’s sports heartbreak on his shoulders and turn the ship around. On the other, it just seems like tempting fate. Sports fans voiced their concern with Vladdy’s provocative fashion choice, while others credited him for looking the pressure straight in the eye and showing no fear.

Guerrero and the Blue Jays will have their chance to reset the sports vibes across Toronto when they face off against the Mariners on Monday with a spot in the World Series on the line. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.

Shree Charani, Kiran Navgire and Yastika Bhatia are a few players that could fetch big money at the auction

Shashank Kishore26-Nov-2025

N Shree Charani

Uncapped heading into WPL 2025, Charani sparked an intense bidding war between Delhi Capitals [DC] and Mumbai Indians [MI] before eventually going for INR 55 lakh to DC. A left-arm spinner trusted across phases, she offers the kind of control and reliability captains crave. Her stocks have never been higher, having been instrumental in India’s ODI World Cup triumph despite being an unlikely starter as late as June. Composed under pressure and rapidly rising in value, Charani is poised for an even bigger payday.Yastika Bhatia has fully recovered from a knee injury•BCCI

Yastika Bhatia

Bhatia has been part of two title-winning MI squads and enjoyed intermittent success as Hayley Matthews’ opening partner. But a series of injuries stalled her upward trajectory, culminating in the heartbreak of missing the World Cup due to a knee injury. With G Kamalini retained by MI, Bhatia re-enters the auction pool at a time when several teams are actively seeking an Indian wicketkeeper. The past few months have seen her complete her rehab and regain full fitness, and her dual skill set once again makes her a valuable option. As a wicketkeeper-batter, she offers immediate balance and flexibility to whichever team secures her. She last played in August, impressing in the three one-dayers for India A in Australia.Kiran Navgire has often got UP Warriorz off to flying starts•WPL

Kiran Navgire

Navgire last played for India in October 2022, but her power-hitting has remained impossible to ignore in the WPL. In 2025, she walloped a 24-ball half-century as an opener for UP Warriorz against DC. That innings briefly nudged the franchise towards considering her for retention. While that didn’t materialise, an RTM card remains a realistic option. What’s certain is that she won’t come cheap. Navgire’s stock has surged in recent months, especially in the aftermath of her record-breaking 34-ball century for Maharashtra against Punjab – the fastest in women’s T20 cricket, surpassing Sophie Devine.Vaishnavi Sharma picked up a hat-trick in India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph earlier this year•ICC/Getty Images

Vaishnavi Sharma

Another rising star from Madhya Pradesh’s stables after Pooja Vastrakar and Kranti Gaud, Vaishnavi announced herself with a hat-trick in India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph earlier this year. The 19-year-old left-arm spinner then dominated the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets in 11 games at an economy of 6.47, before backing it up with strong performances in the inter-zonal tournament. Having impressed at multiple trials, Vaishnavi is widely praised for her maturity, composure and exceptional control, qualities that mark her out as one of India’s most exciting young spin prospects. Teams that don’t get Charani could be lining up for Vaishnavi.

Deeya Yadav

A hard-hitting top-order batter from Haryana, Deeya has modelled much of her game on Shafali Verma. Her recent performances suggest she’s charting a similar trajectory, too. She enjoyed a breakout Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, amassing 298 runs in eight innings at an average of 59.50 and a strike rate of 128, including three half-centuries. She carried that form into the inter-zonal T20s, where her strike-rate touched 150 as she powered North Zone to the final. Still only 16, Deeya could be a long-term investment for franchises. Her stable base, excellent hand-eye coordination and raw hitting power have already prompted comparisons to Shafali, with many touting her as Haryana’s next big batting talent.

Melbourne Renegades paid for giving the former Australia captain a life in what became a one-sided derby

AAP29-Nov-2025Meg Lanning made Melbourne Renegades pay dearly for a dropped catch, spearheading Stars to a massive WBBL derby win.Lanning carried her bat through Stars’ innings, scoring 73, and was player of the match as they dominated for a 45-run win on Saturday in bleak, late-spring conditions at Junction Oval.Related

• Devine upstages Capsey as Scorchers seal victory

• Rain, controversial finish rob Thunder of a win

Stars’ first win in four Melbourne derbies gave them top spot, one point ahead of Hobart Hurricanes, who were to host Perth Scorchers on Saturday night. It sets up a pivotal clash on Monday, when Hurricanes host Stars.While Stars posted their fourth-straight win, Renegades were well off the form that took them to last season’s title.Renegades’ fielding in particular let them down, most glaringly when Lanning was on 27 and cut Sarah Coyte to Deandra Dottin at backward point. Dottin grassed the straightforward chance and it proved a pivotal moment in the game.The previous ball, excellent glovework from Nicole Faltum had Amy Jones stumped off Georgia Wareham for 43 to break a dangerous stand of 62 with Lanning.Lanning hit seven fours and a six in her 58-ball knock. Captain Annabel Sutherland whacked two sixes off consecutive balls from Coyte on her way to a quickfire 27.In the same over, Alice Capsey and Naomi Stalenberg collided when chasing a ball and Lanning contributed a third six off the hapless Coyte.Stars’ Georgia Prestwidge caught Renegades’ malaise, dropping an easy chance from Dottin on the first ball of the innings. But fellow opener Courtney Webb spooned the easiest of return catches to Marizanne Kapp soon after and Renegades lost wickets steadily.Sasha Moloney took a scorching catch at backward point to claim the crucial wicket of Wareham for a first-ball duck off Maisy Gibson. Dottin and Faltum made 23 and Gibson claimed 3 for 17 from 2.3 overs.The undoubtable shining light for Renegades in the dreary conditions was Milly Illingworth, who snared 3 for 19 from four overs.Stars will now lose Kapp to South African international duties, while Sophie Molineux was a key absentee for Renegades.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk showed off his supreme FIFPro World XI knowledge as he successfully named the defenders of the World XI for the past five seasons. The Dutch international defender himself has featured in three of those five line-ups, while Manchester City's star centre-back Ruben Dias has featured in two of those teams.

• Van Dijk showed off supreme FIFPro World XI knowledge

  Van Dijk, over the years, has grown into one of the best defenders in the Premier League and across the world and is a key pillar in the Liverpool side, which has won two Premier Leagues, a Champions League and a couple of domestic cups in recent years. His impressive performances for the Reds have earned him a place in three out of the last five FIFA FIFPro World XI sides. He featured in the teams of 2020, 2022 and 2024. Van Dijk is followed by City's Dias, who made it into the line-ups in 2021 and 2023.

  In a chat with GOAL, Van Dijk was asked to name the defenders from the last five FIFPro World XIs and, quite surprisingly, the Dutchman named each backline accurately for all five seasons.

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• Van Dijk frustrated with Liverpool's poor defensive show this season

  On the pitch, the Reds' title defence campaign has turned out to be a nightmare. They started 2025-26 with five Premier League wins in a row but thereafter their form took a major dip as they have managed to win only two out of their next eight league games. Liverpool are currently eighth in the Premier League table and have conceded 20 goals already – the joint-most along with Manchester United among the top 10 teams in the league.

  After the club's disastrous 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest last month, Van Dijk lashed out at his colleagues as he told reporters: "We concede too many easy goals. They scored obviously from a set piece again. You can ask if he was in front of Alisson, but it counted, so we're 1-0 down. We were not good in terms of battles, challenges, the fight, too rushed. It's a very difficult situation at the moment. There was nervousness after we conceded, but not before. We tried to rush things and that's human when you're in a difficult moment. We cleared the ones before and in the end, we'te in a very difficult moment. We don't get out of it by just speaking about it. It will take a lot of hard work. 

  "It's a problem. Everyone in the team has to take responsibility as well. Football is a team and everyone has to take responsibility. We have to digest this and take it on the chin. We need to work harder. We have to keep going. Everyone is disappointed, like they should be, because losing at home to Nottingham Forest is, in my eyes, very bad. That's the least I can say about it. Those goals we conceded are far too easy and we all have to look in the mirror. I've been at this club so long now and we've been through adversity. We will bounce back but it doesn't happen overnight. I'm not a quitter and we will keep going. I can't decide what the supporters are doing if they leave early. I know the fans have been through thick and thin with us. They will be there with us when we come out of this because we will come out of this."

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  Liverpool eyeing comeback after win over West Ham

  Arne Slot's side finally ended their three-game losing streak last weekend as they beat West Ham on Sunday, courtesy of Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo's strikes. They now have a very hectic December as they are set to play eight matches before New Year's Day. The busy schedule starts with a Premier League match against Sunderland on Wednesday.

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has admitted that he was 'on his knees' to join Manchester City before completing his move to Stamford Bridge. The Spanish full-back left Brighton to join the Blues in the summer of 2022 as Chelsea beat the Cityzens to secure his transfer for a whopping £55 million (€65m/$67m) plus a potential £7m in add-ons.

How Chelsea beat Man City to sign Cucurella

City wanted Cucurella during the summer of 2022 but the club did not agree with the £50m valuation of the player. The Cityzens submitted an initial bid of £30m, which was rejected and then put forward an improved offer of £40m, which was also rebuffed by the Seagulls. Barcelona were also one of the suitors of the Spain international defender and he was open to a move back to the Catalan outfit. However, the deal could not go through as Brighton stuck to their price tag. Chelsea were given a window to initiate talks and the Blues agreed to pay the amount. During the negotiations, Brighton were also pushing to sign youngster Levi Colwill, who eventually moved to the Seagulls on a season-long loan deal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCucurella was ready to 'go on his knees' to join City

Speaking to Informe, Cucurella claimed that he was elated to play under Pep Guardiola when he learned about City's interest, as he said: "Man City wanted me before I joined Chelsea. They were on fire, one of the best teams in the world. I wanted to go. When they come like they did, when Guardiola asks, you’ll go on your knees if necessary. But the clubs couldn’t reach an agreement."

Cucurella credited for helping Estevao in Chelsea's win over Barcelona

Cucurella was instrumental in keeping compatriot and Barcelona's star attacker Lamine Yamal quiet on the left flank as Estevao starred with a goal in the Blues' thumping 3-0 win over the Spanish champions in the Champions League last month. According to the , Cucurella used Esetvao during Chelsea's training sessions and pulled off some really important tackles as he prepared to face Yamal.

The left-back later confirmed this by saying: "Not Yamal vs Cucurella, it's Chelsea vs Barcelona." When asked about his preparation in training for his battle against Yamal, Cucurella added: "I told Estevao to put shin pads on this week because I’m going to be practising on him."

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AFPHow long will Cucurella stay at Chelsea?

The European championship-winning Spanish defender still has three years left in his existing contract, although at the start of the 2025-26 campaign he confirmed that the club have initiated contract talks with him and wants him to remain in west London.

The former Brighton defender said, via : "Yes, it's [the contract renewal] done. We already did it. I'm very happy, the club gave me the confidence and I'm very happy to be here. Hopefully, I will have a great year."

The 27-year-old will be back in action for Enzo Maresca's side on Wednesday as they take on Leeds United away from home. 

South Australia secured a Sheffield Shield double against Tasmania, beating them for the second time in four weeks.After winning in Hobart last month, the reigning champions backed it up by completing a comprehensive 10-wicket win at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday.Even without captain Nathan McSweeney (Australia A) and star quick Brendan Doggett (Ashes duty), SA proved too strong for Tasmania at home. The hosts claimed a first-innings lead of 231 after centuries to Jake Lehmann and Liam Scott powered them to 426.Related

• Buckingham claims four to put South Australia on top

• Scott, Lehmann tons help SA dominate Tasmania

Tasmania, missing Test opener Jake Weatherald and allrounder Beau Webster, were skittled for just 195 on day one. They didn’t fare much better in their second innings, but at least were able to force SA to bat again.Tim Ward (66), captain Jordan Silk (46) and a solid contribution from allrounder Nikhil Chaudhary (42) helped Tasmania to 260. Nathan McAndrew ended Ward’s resistance when he nipped one between bat and pad.Jordan Buckingham was the star with the ball, collecting 4 for 49 and 4 for 58. On the third day he trapped Ruwantha Kellapotha lbw with a full toss and had Nikhil Chaudhary pulling down the leg side.SA had no problem chasing down the minuscule target of 30, with Mackenzie Harvey and Henry Hunt completing it in six overs.A win was vital for SA, who entered this round in fourth spot on the ladder, just behind Tasmania. After a drought-breaking title win last season, SA started slowly with three-straight losses, but are in striking distance of another final berth going into the BBL break.

The magnitude of Tottenham Hotspur’s victory over Brentford in the Premier League last weekend cannot be understated. Had the Bees taken the spoils against their old boss, Thomas Frank, the atmosphere down N17 may have become poisonous.

But Spurs rallied after a tough run of results, secured three points, restored the faith that this new system, more pragmatic, better organised, will stop spinning its wheels and start showcasing actual progress.

The magnitude of Xavi Simons’ magnificent solo goal, breaking his duck, cannot be understated, but neither can the fact that some Lilywhites are still flattering to deceive after last season’s inconsistency, and that needs to change.

Spurs' most disappointing players in 25/26

Simons has probably been the most salient disappointment at Tottenham this season, but there is hope that the Dutch playmaker has turned a corner after a standout showing last time out.

However, Randal Kolo Muani’s struggles rage on, the French loanee yet to score in a white shirt. There’s a real player in there, but given Spurs’ attacking problems, Frank will expect more.

Analyst Raj Chohan clearly feels Tottenham need to make a change in the engine room, calling Rodrigo Bentancur a “candidate for worst centre-midfielder at a big six club”.

Bentancur is directly inhibiting Spurs’ central build-up play, but he’s not alone in flattering to deceive, with Pedro Porro’s creativity unable to detract from some really poor defensive displays, lacking awareness and physicality in the challenge.

1.

Mats Wieffer

19

2.

Neco Williams

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3.

Pedro Porro

17

4.

Hugo Bueno

16

5.

Matty Cash

16

Porro has been well below the standard this season, but he is not alone in struggling to adapt to Frank’s tactics. Indeed, there’s another defender who simply can’t bring it all together at the moment, and in this, he runs the risk of becoming the London club’s new version of Ryan Sessegnon.

Spurs' new version of Ryan Sessegnon

In 2019, Tottenham signed Sessegnon from Fulham for a whopping £25m fee. He had enjoyed a stunning start to senior life at Craven Cottage, but fell by the wayside after incessant hamstring injuries, five in five years down N17.

One half-season loan spell aside, in 2020/21 with Hoffenheim in Germany, the fact that the 25-year-old only made 57 appearances tells much of his problems, unable to reach the potential that was clear for all to see.

Sessegnon is now enjoying a measure of revival back at Fulham, but his door at Tottenham has been closed, and fans may be worried that lightning is striking twice with Destiny Udogie, who has struggled for form this season after a few injury-hit years in the capital.

Udogie, 23, also has a shoddy track record on the fitness front, with Frank confirming ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League tie against Slavia Prague this week that the Italy international is sidelined until the new year after tweaking his hamstring against Brentford.

For a player who was considered by Clinton Morrison on BBC Sport to be “the best left-back” in the country when he broke onto the scene in 2023/24, this is a real concern. Udogie appears somewhat stagnant, having yet to raise his level to the standard that he can surely reach.

There will be heightened fears that this season could become another write-off after this latest blow. Udogie needs stability and a landscape on which he can take forward strides, and having been ruled out for the remainder of the calendar year, Spurs’ left-sided balance has been knocked out of kilter and so have the defender’s chances of restoring full fluency.

Sofascore outline the player’s struggles, and it’s not pretty reading. Udogie has only won 46% of his duels in the Premier League this season, completing 27% of his dribbles and averaging only 0.6 key passes per match. One coach said that he “needs to wake up” from a defensive perspective this term.

So much has been left to be desired by a rising star who has ebbed and flowed and found himself lower on the chart than he would have envisaged a few years ago.

If injuries continue to weigh him down, we may be looking at Sessegnon 2.0 here.

Their new Son: Spurs have held advanced talks to sign a future £100m player

Tottenham are looking to add fresh quality to their attacking flanks in 2026.

1 ByAngus Sinclair 4 days ago

Leeds United have now joined the race to sign a “remarkable” midfielder, with their plans for the January transfer window being revealed.

Leeds' January transfer window plans now taking shape

Leeds may have to enter the market for a new central midfielder and winger in the upcoming transfer window, given that Daniel James is set to be out for at least eight weeks after suffering a hamstring injury, while Sean Longstaff could be out for around six weeks due to a calf issue.

Speaking about how James’ injury setback will impact his plans for next month, Daniel Farke said: “He’s an important player for us. In the summer, we spoke about doing more in the offensive positions. It influences your planning for January. But right now, we are fully focused on the upcoming games.”

The Whites are entering a busy period of the season, and there are some tough games on the horizon, taking on Chelsea at Elland Road this evening, before hosting reigning Premier League champions Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

Consequently, Farke’s side are at real risk of being in the relegation zone by the time the January window comes around, and it has now been revealed they are planning to make a couple of new signings, who could help save their season.

That is according to a report from Football Insider, which states bringing in a new central midfielder and winger is a priority for Leeds this winter, and they have now joined the race to sign Tromso star Jens Hjerto-Dahl.

Regular checks have been made on the 20-year-old, but there could be competition for his signature, with Brighton & Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth also being named as potential suitors.

Leeds lining up January spending spree for "phenomenal" Farke replacement

Daniel Farke will reportedly be sacked if Leeds lose their next two matches.

ByBen Goodwin Dec 1, 2025

With the youngster’s contract set to expire in 2027, the Premier League trio have been alerted to his potential availability ahead of the January transfer window, and the Norwegian is regarded as one of his country’s best young talents.

"Remarkable" Hjerto-Dahl impressing in the Eliteserien

Hailed for his “remarkable” decision-making and vision by scout Drin Gashi, the starlet has a keen eye for creating chances and scoring goals, finding the back of the net four times in the 2025 Eliteserien, while also providing six assists.

The maestro has already established himself as a key player for Tromso, making 87 appearances for the Norwegian club since breaking through in 2023, and his performances across the 2025 campaign suggest he may now be ready to test himself in one of Europe’s major leagues.

That said, while Hjerto-Dahl could go on to be a future star, he remains inexperienced at the top level, so Leeds should try to get a more experienced midfielder through the door too this winter, and it was recently revealed they have made an enquiry over a deal for Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.

Manchester City closed the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League to just two points after they beat Sunderland 3-0 at The Etihad on Saturday.

A screamer from Ruben Dias set the Cityzens on their way before Rayan Cherki provided a genius rabona assist for Phil Foden to seal all three points with the third goal.

Despite a run of five wins in their last six matches in the Premier League, there is always room for improvement at Manchester City for Pep Guardiola, which means that they could be active in the upcoming January transfer window.

Man City scouting Bundesliga star

One thing that the Cityzens do not have in abundance is players with real speed who can run off the last line, but they are now looking at a star who could provide that.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a potential swoop to sign RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande in the January transfer window.

The report claims that the Premier League side have sent scouts to watch the Ivorian talent in action in the Bundesliga this season, ahead of a possible move for him next month or next summer.

It adds, though, that Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool have also been watching the 19-year-old starlet, which suggests that there could be plenty of competition for his signature.

CaughtOffside reveals that insiders believe that his value could rise as high as £87m amid interest from a host of top European clubs, whilst his contract does not expire until 2030.

Why Man City should sign Yan Diomande

The Cityzens should push to win the race for the teenage whiz’s signature because he could be Guardiola’s new Sterling, as a rapid right-footed right winger who can provide a real threat in behind.

In Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki, City have a collection of right-sided attackers who are at their best dropping into play to take the ball with their back to goal or on the half-turn, but they do not have a natural right winger who wants to run in behind.

U23 scout Antonio Mango described Diomande, meanwhile, as a “crazy speedster” who has become a “weapon” in the final third by adding goals and assists to go along with his electric pace.

The Ivorian star scored a hat-trick against Frankfurt in a 6-0 win for Leipzig at the weekend, taking his tally for the season to seven goals in 15 appearances for the German side.

Diomande has scored six goals from 3.03 xG and registered two assists from two ‘big chances’ created, per Sofascore, in the Bundesliga for his club, whilst he has also completed 2.8 dribbles per game, which speaks to how direct and purposeful his play is.

As you can see in the table above, Sterling was also a player who provided quality in the final third to go along with the pace that he used to run in behind opposition defenders.

The fact that the England international and Sergio Aguero are the only two players who feature in the top seven for both goals and assists speaks to how effective he was for Guardiola on the right wing as both a scorer and a creator.

Diomande is a talented young player who has the potential to follow in Sterling’s footsteps, because he has already shown that he can provide quality on a regular basis in the Bundesliga with Leipzig this term, with eight goal contributions so far.

Like Sterling, the 19-year-old winger is a dynamic forward who can go down the line or run in behind on his right foot, but he can also drop deep and come inside onto his weaker foot, having scored four goals with his left foot and two with his right, per Sofascore.

Man City make approach for 'frustrated' Arsenal star as three more clubs line up

The Gunners have responded.

By
Emilio Galantini

7 days ago

This is why City should be pushing to get a deal done for the youngster when the January transfer window opens, because Diomande could provide Guardiola with a right-sided option that he has not had since Sterling left the club.

The crew gets together to answer questions like why is Shami not being picked, is he better than any current fast bowler in the side, how can he make a comeback, and more

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Nov-2025Why has Mohammed Shami – one of India’s top fast bowlers – been sidelined? Join Dustin Silgardo, Sidharth Monga, and Karthik Krishnaswamy as they dive deep into Shami’s legendary career, the chatter around his selection, and what makes him unique in Indian cricket. Hear untold stories from his journey, data-driven analysis, and the inside track on Indian fast bowling with banter and perspective.