This was supposed to be the site of India's coronation as 50-over world champions in November 2023. But on an awkward surface, later rated average by the International Cricket Council, their batters struggled and Australia beat them comfortably. Just 28 months later India return to play another World Cup final, in a different format, and seeking a very different outcome.
Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed their starting teams for their meeting at Anfield in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday. The Reds recovered from a narrow loss to Manchester City by recording a 1-0 win at Sunderland on Wednesday, scoring through Virgil van Dijk's second-half header. Brighton arrive after league defeats at home to Crystal Palace and away to Aston Villa, extending their winless Premier League run to six matches.
India and Pakistan renew one of sport's fiercest rivalries on Sunday as they meet in the T20 World Cup 2026 Group A in Colombo. Both nations arrive unbeaten after two matches, with India sitting top of the group thanks to a superior net run rate. With Virat Kohli no longer part of the T20 setup, responsibility with the ball has shifted further towards Jasprit Bumrah, whose control in both the powerplay and death overs remains crucial.
Brentford make one change from their 3-2 win at Newcastle on Saturday, bringing in Yehor Yarmoliuk for Jordan Henderson in midfield. Forward Kevin Schade is suspended and Reiss Nelson is ineligible to play against his parent club, so Luka Bentt replaces the winger on the bench. Midfielders Fabio Carvalho, Antoni Milambo and Josh Dasilva have long-term injuries. Brentford starting XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Ajer, Van den Berg, Henry, Yarmoliuk, Janelt, Ouattara, Jensen, Lewis-Potter, Thiago
Defenders Chris Richards (foot) and Chadi Riad and Daniel Munoz (both knee) are out injured. Midfielder Cheick Doucoure (knee) and widemen Caleb Kporha (back) and Rio Cardines (muscular) are also sidelined. Midfielder Daichi Kamada is expected to be out until February with a hamstring problem. Forward Ismaila Sarr is at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Senegal. Crystal Palace starting XI: Henderson, Lacroix, Guehi, Lerma, Clyne, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell, Devenny, Pino, Mateta
A header from Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry's strike and a Leroy Sane double put Germany firmly on course for 2026 World Cup qualification in their winner-takes-all final match of European Group A against Slovakia. Knowing only victory would be enough to finish top, Slovakia were overwhelmed by their opponents' press in Leipzig, falling 4-0 behind at half-time. Woltemade headed in returning captain Joshua Kimmich's cross before Gnabry slotted in from Leon Goretzka's pass and Sane struck twice from Florian Wirtz assists.
Arsenal last conceded a goal at 5.05pm on 28 September. Since then, they've only allowed 12 shots on target in 12 hours and 56 minutes of football, over eight-and-a-half matches, a sequence that equals a club record established in 1903, when they were still knocking around in Woolwich. Nick Ames digs deeper. Share Sunderland are in If It Ain't Broke mode. They name the same XI that started the 2-1 win at Chelsea and the 1-1 draw with Everton.
Premier League giants Tottenham welcome League One side Doncaster to North London for the Carabao Cup third round. Spurs are only just entering the competition due to their European commitments, but could be tested by a team two divisions below them. Thomas Frank is expected to make wholesale changes for the clash, while Doncaster are likely to throw everything at the match in hopes of causing an upset.
