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Deadspin | Arsenal eager to regain form vs. Newcastle United Jul 19, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta reacts after the game against MLS of the 2023 MLS All Star Game at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Suddenly struggling Arsenal will try to reclaim first place in the Premier League when they host a Newcastle United squad that also is slumping. Arsenal (21-5-7, 70 points) have only one win in their last six matches (1-4-1) across all competitions, including back-to-back league defeats. The latter, a 2-1 loss at Manchester City last Sunday, paved the way for City to move into first following their 1-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday. City earned the distinction based on the second tiebreaker of more goals scored. It marks the first time since the very early stages that Arsenal haven’t occupied the league’s top spot. But manager Mikel Arteta says there’s not a significant change in mindset. “No, because before the psychological effect was that we were getting chased for many months,” Arteta said. “So, what is better, what is worse? At the end of the day, we know what is the best thing: to win the next game. So the psychological effect is tough regardless of where you are because you have to win the game.” Arsenal will be boosted by the expected return of Bukayo Saka, who has missed about a month with an Achilles injury. The Gunners have posted a 34-3-9 record in Saka’s 46 appearances across all competitions. Newcastle United (12-15-6, 42 points) makes the trip to London mired in a four-match losing run that began with a 7-2 thumping at FC Barcelona in the second leg of a UEFA Champions League round of 16 series. (Barcelona won 8-3 on aggregate.) The Magpies followed that with consecutive 2-1 defeats to derby rivals Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, with the first and last of those at home. “We’re all feeling that pain at the moment. It’s been a difficult period for us,” manager Eddie Howe said. “We’ve prided ourselves historically on if we lose a game, fighting to the end and giving everything to try and get a result. I feel the players are currently at the moment maybe lacking in a little bit of confidence. We’ve lost a bit of our normal regular flow and rhythm that we’ve had.” Newcastle will continue without winger Anthony Gordon, set to miss a second straight league fixture with a hip injury. But Bruno Guimaraes, who leads the Magpies with nine goals, could return to Howe’s starting lineup after he came off the bench in last weekend’s loss to Bournemouth to end a two-month absence caused by a hamstring injury. –Field Level Media –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Arsenal #eager #regain #form #Newcastle #United

Deadspin | Arsenal eager to regain form vs. Newcastle United
Deadspin | Arsenal eager to regain form vs. Newcastle United Jul 19, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta reacts after the game against MLS of the 2023 MLS All Star Game at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Suddenly struggling Arsenal will try to reclaim first place in the Premier League when they host a Newcastle United squad that also is slumping. Arsenal (21-5-7, 70 points) have only one win in their last six matches (1-4-1) across all competitions, including back-to-back league defeats. The latter, a 2-1 loss at Manchester City last Sunday, paved the way for City to move into first following their 1-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday. City earned the distinction based on the second tiebreaker of more goals scored. It marks the first time since the very early stages that Arsenal haven’t occupied the league’s top spot. But manager Mikel Arteta says there’s not a significant change in mindset. “No, because before the psychological effect was that we were getting chased for many months,” Arteta said. “So, what is better, what is worse? At the end of the day, we know what is the best thing: to win the next game. So the psychological effect is tough regardless of where you are because you have to win the game.” Arsenal will be boosted by the expected return of Bukayo Saka, who has missed about a month with an Achilles injury. The Gunners have posted a 34-3-9 record in Saka’s 46 appearances across all competitions. Newcastle United (12-15-6, 42 points) makes the trip to London mired in a four-match losing run that began with a 7-2 thumping at FC Barcelona in the second leg of a UEFA Champions League round of 16 series. (Barcelona won 8-3 on aggregate.) The Magpies followed that with consecutive 2-1 defeats to derby rivals Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, with the first and last of those at home. “We’re all feeling that pain at the moment. It’s been a difficult period for us,” manager Eddie Howe said. “We’ve prided ourselves historically on if we lose a game, fighting to the end and giving everything to try and get a result. I feel the players are currently at the moment maybe lacking in a little bit of confidence. We’ve lost a bit of our normal regular flow and rhythm that we’ve had.” Newcastle will continue without winger Anthony Gordon, set to miss a second straight league fixture with a hip injury. But Bruno Guimaraes, who leads the Magpies with nine goals, could return to Howe’s starting lineup after he came off the bench in last weekend’s loss to Bournemouth to end a two-month absence caused by a hamstring injury. –Field Level Media –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Arsenal #eager #regain #form #Newcastle #UnitedJul 19, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta reacts after the game against MLS of the 2023 MLS All Star Game at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Suddenly struggling Arsenal will try to reclaim first place in the Premier League when they host a Newcastle United squad that also is slumping.

Arsenal (21-5-7, 70 points) have only one win in their last six matches (1-4-1) across all competitions, including back-to-back league defeats.

The latter, a 2-1 loss at Manchester City last Sunday, paved the way for City to move into first following their 1-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday. City earned the distinction based on the second tiebreaker of more goals scored.

It marks the first time since the very early stages that Arsenal haven’t occupied the league’s top spot. But manager Mikel Arteta says there’s not a significant change in mindset.

“No, because before the psychological effect was that we were getting chased for many months,” Arteta said. “So, what is better, what is worse? At the end of the day, we know what is the best thing: to win the next game. So the psychological effect is tough regardless of where you are because you have to win the game.”

Arsenal will be boosted by the expected return of Bukayo Saka, who has missed about a month with an Achilles injury. The Gunners have posted a 34-3-9 record in Saka’s 46 appearances across all competitions.


Newcastle United (12-15-6, 42 points) makes the trip to London mired in a four-match losing run that began with a 7-2 thumping at FC Barcelona in the second leg of a UEFA Champions League round of 16 series. (Barcelona won 8-3 on aggregate.)

The Magpies followed that with consecutive 2-1 defeats to derby rivals Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, with the first and last of those at home.

“We’re all feeling that pain at the moment. It’s been a difficult period for us,” manager Eddie Howe said. “We’ve prided ourselves historically on if we lose a game, fighting to the end and giving everything to try and get a result. I feel the players are currently at the moment maybe lacking in a little bit of confidence. We’ve lost a bit of our normal regular flow and rhythm that we’ve had.”

Newcastle will continue without winger Anthony Gordon, set to miss a second straight league fixture with a hip injury.

But Bruno Guimaraes, who leads the Magpies with nine goals, could return to Howe’s starting lineup after he came off the bench in last weekend’s loss to Bournemouth to end a two-month absence caused by a hamstring injury.

–Field Level Media

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Arsenal #eager #regain #form #Newcastle #United

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Jul 19, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta reacts after the game against MLS of the 2023 MLS All Star Game at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Suddenly struggling Arsenal will try to reclaim first place in the Premier League when they host a Newcastle United squad that also is slumping.

Arsenal (21-5-7, 70 points) have only one win in their last six matches (1-4-1) across all competitions, including back-to-back league defeats.

The latter, a 2-1 loss at Manchester City last Sunday, paved the way for City to move into first following their 1-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday. City earned the distinction based on the second tiebreaker of more goals scored.

It marks the first time since the very early stages that Arsenal haven’t occupied the league’s top spot. But manager Mikel Arteta says there’s not a significant change in mindset.

“No, because before the psychological effect was that we were getting chased for many months,” Arteta said. “So, what is better, what is worse? At the end of the day, we know what is the best thing: to win the next game. So the psychological effect is tough regardless of where you are because you have to win the game.”

Arsenal will be boosted by the expected return of Bukayo Saka, who has missed about a month with an Achilles injury. The Gunners have posted a 34-3-9 record in Saka’s 46 appearances across all competitions.

Newcastle United (12-15-6, 42 points) makes the trip to London mired in a four-match losing run that began with a 7-2 thumping at FC Barcelona in the second leg of a UEFA Champions League round of 16 series. (Barcelona won 8-3 on aggregate.)

The Magpies followed that with consecutive 2-1 defeats to derby rivals Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, with the first and last of those at home.

“We’re all feeling that pain at the moment. It’s been a difficult period for us,” manager Eddie Howe said. “We’ve prided ourselves historically on if we lose a game, fighting to the end and giving everything to try and get a result. I feel the players are currently at the moment maybe lacking in a little bit of confidence. We’ve lost a bit of our normal regular flow and rhythm that we’ve had.”

Newcastle will continue without winger Anthony Gordon, set to miss a second straight league fixture with a hip injury.

But Bruno Guimaraes, who leads the Magpies with nine goals, could return to Howe’s starting lineup after he came off the bench in last weekend’s loss to Bournemouth to end a two-month absence caused by a hamstring injury.

–Field Level Media

–Field Level Media

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DC vs PBKS IPL 2026: Punjab Kings achieves highest successful run chase in T20s <div id="content-body-70905660" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Punjab Kings completed the highest ever successful run chase in not just the IPL, but T20 cricket, as it defeated Delhi Capitals by six wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday.</p><p>PBKS chased down 264 against DC, breaking its own record for the highest run chase which it set in 2024, when the team chased down 261 against Kolkata Knight Riders.</p><p>Against Delhi Capitals today chasing 264 for the win, PBKS got off to a rolicking start thanks to some explosive hitting by openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh to take the visitor to past 100 runs in the PowerPlay.</p><p>Needing 73 from the last six with captain Shreyas Iyer still at the crease, PBKS managed to overhaul the massive target with seven balls to spare.</p><div class="fact-box"><h5 class="main-title"> Highest successful run chases in IPL history </h5><p> PBKS- 264 against DC in 2026 </p><p> PBKS- 261 against KKR in 2024 </p><p> SRH- 245 against PBKS in 2025 </p><p> RCB- 227 against LSG in 2025 </p><p> RR- 223 against PBKS in 2025 </p></div><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #PBKS #IPL #Punjab #Kings #achieves #highest #successful #run #chase #T20s

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Home favourite Marc Marquez claimed pole position at the Spanish MotoGP in a wet qualifying session at Jerez on Saturday.

The reigning champion edged out Honda rider Johann Zarco by 0.140 seconds, with Fabio Di Giannantonio third, more than a second behind Marquez’s time of 1:48.087 on his Ducati.

Marc’s brother Alex Marquez was quickest in practice on Friday but could not replicate that form in qualifying and crashed at Turn Nine. He recovered to finish fifth.

The Spaniard will start on the second row alongside overall leader Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing and KTM rider Pedro Acosta.

ALSO READ: Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title

“Yesterday in the dry I think Alex was a step ahead of everyone, then the rest of us were there, pretty similar,” Marc Marquez told DAZN.

“However, in the wet, in conditions where you have to flow a bit more without overdoing it and pushing so hard, that’s where I feel more comfortable.”

It was Marc Marquez’s first pole since Hungary in August 2025.

Jorge Martin and Fermin Aldeguer also crashed in the tricky conditions, while several other riders, including Franco Morbidelli and Jack Miller, fell in Q1 earlier.

The sprint race in Jerez takes place later on Saturday.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Spanish #MotoGP #Marquez #secures #pole #Jerez #tricky #wet #qualifying #session">Spanish MotoGP: Marquez secures pole at Jerez after tricky wet qualifying session Home favourite Marc Marquez claimed pole position at the Spanish MotoGP in a wet qualifying session at Jerez on Saturday.The reigning champion edged out Honda rider Johann Zarco by 0.140 seconds, with Fabio Di Giannantonio third, more than a second behind Marquez’s time of 1:48.087 on his Ducati.Marc’s brother Alex Marquez was quickest in practice on Friday but could not replicate that form in qualifying and crashed at Turn Nine. He recovered to finish fifth.The Spaniard will start on the second row alongside overall leader Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing and KTM rider Pedro Acosta.ALSO READ: Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title“Yesterday in the dry I think Alex was a step ahead of everyone, then the rest of us were there, pretty similar,” Marc Marquez told DAZN.“However, in the wet, in conditions where you have to flow a bit more without overdoing it and pushing so hard, that’s where I feel more comfortable.”It was Marc Marquez’s first pole since Hungary in August 2025.Jorge Martin and Fermin Aldeguer also crashed in the tricky conditions, while several other riders, including Franco Morbidelli and Jack Miller, fell in Q1 earlier.The sprint race in Jerez takes place later on Saturday.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #Spanish #MotoGP #Marquez #secures #pole #Jerez #tricky #wet #qualifying #session

Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title

“Yesterday in the dry I think Alex was a step ahead of everyone, then the rest of us were there, pretty similar,” Marc Marquez told DAZN.

“However, in the wet, in conditions where you have to flow a bit more without overdoing it and pushing so hard, that’s where I feel more comfortable.”

It was Marc Marquez’s first pole since Hungary in August 2025.

Jorge Martin and Fermin Aldeguer also crashed in the tricky conditions, while several other riders, including Franco Morbidelli and Jack Miller, fell in Q1 earlier.

The sprint race in Jerez takes place later on Saturday.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Spanish #MotoGP #Marquez #secures #pole #Jerez #tricky #wet #qualifying #session">Spanish MotoGP: Marquez secures pole at Jerez after tricky wet qualifying session

Home favourite Marc Marquez claimed pole position at the Spanish MotoGP in a wet qualifying session at Jerez on Saturday.

The reigning champion edged out Honda rider Johann Zarco by 0.140 seconds, with Fabio Di Giannantonio third, more than a second behind Marquez’s time of 1:48.087 on his Ducati.

Marc’s brother Alex Marquez was quickest in practice on Friday but could not replicate that form in qualifying and crashed at Turn Nine. He recovered to finish fifth.

The Spaniard will start on the second row alongside overall leader Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing and KTM rider Pedro Acosta.

ALSO READ: Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Betis, Barcelona moves closer to title

“Yesterday in the dry I think Alex was a step ahead of everyone, then the rest of us were there, pretty similar,” Marc Marquez told DAZN.

“However, in the wet, in conditions where you have to flow a bit more without overdoing it and pushing so hard, that’s where I feel more comfortable.”

It was Marc Marquez’s first pole since Hungary in August 2025.

Jorge Martin and Fermin Aldeguer also crashed in the tricky conditions, while several other riders, including Franco Morbidelli and Jack Miller, fell in Q1 earlier.

The sprint race in Jerez takes place later on Saturday.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Spanish #MotoGP #Marquez #secures #pole #Jerez #tricky #wet #qualifying #session
Deadspin | F Arnau Farnos signs first-team contract with NYCFC Apr 14, 2026; Mount Vernon, NY, USA; New York City Football Club midfielder Arnau Farnos (87) reacts after scoring a goal against the Westchester SC during the first half of the US Open Cup at Mount Vernon Memorial Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images New York City FC signed forward Arnau Farnos to a first-team contract through the rest of this season, the team announced Saturday. The deal also has an option for an extension through the 2027-28 season. Farnos, 23, previously signed four short-term agreements with the franchise. “Arnau has taken advantage of his opportunities with both the first team and New York City FC II and has shown that he belongs,” NYCFC sporting director Todd Dunivant said. “His soccer IQ has earned the trust of his teammates and the staff, and we are looking forward to his continued progression.” Farnos made his MLS debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on April 11. He also competed against FC Cincinnati on April 22. He appeared as a substitute in both games. He recorded a goal in NYCFC’s 5-2 win over Westchester SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. “I’m super thankful for the club and for the staff for giving me the opportunity to be part of this team,” Farnos said. “I’m really happy to continue my journey as a professional soccer player and look forward to continuing to develop and help this team achieve its goals this season.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Arnau #Farnos #signs #firstteam #contract #NYCFCApr 14, 2026; Mount Vernon, NY, USA; New York City Football Club midfielder Arnau Farnos (87) reacts after scoring a goal against the Westchester SC during the first half of the US Open Cup at Mount Vernon Memorial Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

New York City FC signed forward Arnau Farnos to a first-team contract through the rest of this season, the team announced Saturday.

The deal also has an option for an extension through the 2027-28 season.

Farnos, 23, previously signed four short-term agreements with the franchise.


“Arnau has taken advantage of his opportunities with both the first team and New York City FC II and has shown that he belongs,” NYCFC sporting director Todd Dunivant said. “His soccer IQ has earned the trust of his teammates and the staff, and we are looking forward to his continued progression.”

Farnos made his MLS debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on April 11. He also competed against FC Cincinnati on April 22. He appeared as a substitute in both games.

He recorded a goal in NYCFC’s 5-2 win over Westchester SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

“I’m super thankful for the club and for the staff for giving me the opportunity to be part of this team,” Farnos said. “I’m really happy to continue my journey as a professional soccer player and look forward to continuing to develop and help this team achieve its goals this season.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Arnau #Farnos #signs #firstteam #contract #NYCFC">Deadspin | F Arnau Farnos signs first-team contract with NYCFC Apr 14, 2026; Mount Vernon, NY, USA; New York City Football Club midfielder Arnau Farnos (87) reacts after scoring a goal against the Westchester SC during the first half of the US Open Cup at Mount Vernon Memorial Field. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images New York City FC signed forward Arnau Farnos to a first-team contract through the rest of this season, the team announced Saturday. The deal also has an option for an extension through the 2027-28 season. Farnos, 23, previously signed four short-term agreements with the franchise. “Arnau has taken advantage of his opportunities with both the first team and New York City FC II and has shown that he belongs,” NYCFC sporting director Todd Dunivant said. “His soccer IQ has earned the trust of his teammates and the staff, and we are looking forward to his continued progression.” Farnos made his MLS debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on April 11. He also competed against FC Cincinnati on April 22. He appeared as a substitute in both games. He recorded a goal in NYCFC’s 5-2 win over Westchester SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. “I’m super thankful for the club and for the staff for giving me the opportunity to be part of this team,” Farnos said. “I’m really happy to continue my journey as a professional soccer player and look forward to continuing to develop and help this team achieve its goals this season.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Arnau #Farnos #signs #firstteam #contract #NYCFC

A mid-season clash between two struggling sides – Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders – in IPL 2026 can either simmer into a slow burn or explode into a high-stakes shootout as both teams push to revive their campaigns.

Given the setting, the former appears more likely, despite the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow being one of the spicier venues in this edition.

LSG coach Justin Langer likened the red soil surface to the WACA in Perth, known for its pace and bounce. While the home side’s pacers – Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, and Prince Yadav – relished hitting the deck hard, batters struggled on a pitch that offered more swing and seam movement than most grounds this year.

Super Giants have lost all three of their home games so far, with captain Rishabh Pant admitting the batting unit hasn’t adapted well to the conditions.

However, come Sunday, there will be a slight change in conditions, with KKR facing a black-soil surface in an evening game.

IPL 2026: Slow-burn action on offer as LSG, KKR face off on Lucknow’s black soil A mid-season clash between two struggling sides – Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders – in IPL 2026 can either simmer into a slow burn or explode into a high-stakes shootout as both teams push to revive their campaigns.Given the setting, the former appears more likely, despite the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow being one of the spicier venues in this edition.LSG coach Justin Langer likened the red soil surface to the WACA in Perth, known for its pace and bounce. While the home side’s pacers – Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, and Prince Yadav – relished hitting the deck hard, batters struggled on a pitch that offered more swing and seam movement than most grounds this year.Super Giants have lost all three of their home games so far, with captain Rishabh Pant admitting the batting unit hasn’t adapted well to the conditions.However, come Sunday, there will be a slight change in conditions, with KKR facing a black-soil surface in an evening game. The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY Ideally, the Knight Riders would have enjoyed these conditions with a full-strength pace attack, but injuries have left them stretched, with Kartik Tyagi stepping up consistently.Despite Vaibhav Arora’s underwhelming start, captain Ajinkya Rahane will hope the movement on offer gives him a lift. The bigger puzzle, however, lies in filling out the rest of the pace attack.Cameron Green has bowled in patches so far, but his overs could be crucial here. If he can deliver a full quota, it would add much-needed balance on a surface where slower variations on the back of the length can be effective.LSG brought back Mayank Yadav in its last home game. However, with conditions likely to slow down as the game progresses, the Super Giants could revert to a spinning option – either Shahbaz Ahmed or Manimaran Siddharth.Spinners have had minimal impact so far in three games here, on two red soil games and one mixed clay surface – just five wickets in three matches compared to 23 for pacers. Things could change if the surface plays as per its characteristics.Similar batting returnsThe pitch is unlikely to ease batting concerns for either side. It has the lowest scoring rate this season (7.93) and a boundary percentage of just 17.18. LSG is the poorest boundary-hitter at 17.53 per cent, with KKR only marginally better at 20.05 per cent.The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. With early elimination pressure building, another high-intensity contest can’t be ruled out.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #IPL #Slowburn #action #offer #LSG #KKR #face #Lucknows #black #soil

The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY

lightbox-info

The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY

Ideally, the Knight Riders would have enjoyed these conditions with a full-strength pace attack, but injuries have left them stretched, with Kartik Tyagi stepping up consistently.

Despite Vaibhav Arora’s underwhelming start, captain Ajinkya Rahane will hope the movement on offer gives him a lift. The bigger puzzle, however, lies in filling out the rest of the pace attack.

Cameron Green has bowled in patches so far, but his overs could be crucial here. If he can deliver a full quota, it would add much-needed balance on a surface where slower variations on the back of the length can be effective.

LSG brought back Mayank Yadav in its last home game. However, with conditions likely to slow down as the game progresses, the Super Giants could revert to a spinning option – either Shahbaz Ahmed or Manimaran Siddharth.

Spinners have had minimal impact so far in three games here, on two red soil games and one mixed clay surface – just five wickets in three matches compared to 23 for pacers. Things could change if the surface plays as per its characteristics.

Similar batting returns

The pitch is unlikely to ease batting concerns for either side. It has the lowest scoring rate this season (7.93) and a boundary percentage of just 17.18. LSG is the poorest boundary-hitter at 17.53 per cent, with KKR only marginally better at 20.05 per cent.

The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. With early elimination pressure building, another high-intensity contest can’t be ruled out.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#IPL #Slowburn #action #offer #LSG #KKR #face #Lucknows #black #soil">IPL 2026: Slow-burn action on offer as LSG, KKR face off on Lucknow’s black soil A mid-season clash between two struggling sides – Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders – in IPL 2026 can either simmer into a slow burn or explode into a high-stakes shootout as both teams push to revive their campaigns.Given the setting, the former appears more likely, despite the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow being one of the spicier venues in this edition.LSG coach Justin Langer likened the red soil surface to the WACA in Perth, known for its pace and bounce. While the home side’s pacers – Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, and Prince Yadav – relished hitting the deck hard, batters struggled on a pitch that offered more swing and seam movement than most grounds this year.Super Giants have lost all three of their home games so far, with captain Rishabh Pant admitting the batting unit hasn’t adapted well to the conditions.However, come Sunday, there will be a slight change in conditions, with KKR facing a black-soil surface in an evening game. The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY Ideally, the Knight Riders would have enjoyed these conditions with a full-strength pace attack, but injuries have left them stretched, with Kartik Tyagi stepping up consistently.Despite Vaibhav Arora’s underwhelming start, captain Ajinkya Rahane will hope the movement on offer gives him a lift. The bigger puzzle, however, lies in filling out the rest of the pace attack.Cameron Green has bowled in patches so far, but his overs could be crucial here. If he can deliver a full quota, it would add much-needed balance on a surface where slower variations on the back of the length can be effective.LSG brought back Mayank Yadav in its last home game. However, with conditions likely to slow down as the game progresses, the Super Giants could revert to a spinning option – either Shahbaz Ahmed or Manimaran Siddharth.Spinners have had minimal impact so far in three games here, on two red soil games and one mixed clay surface – just five wickets in three matches compared to 23 for pacers. Things could change if the surface plays as per its characteristics.Similar batting returnsThe pitch is unlikely to ease batting concerns for either side. It has the lowest scoring rate this season (7.93) and a boundary percentage of just 17.18. LSG is the poorest boundary-hitter at 17.53 per cent, with KKR only marginally better at 20.05 per cent.The numbers point to a slow grind on a warm evening here, but these are the same two sides that produced the season’s first thriller not long ago, when Mukul Choudhary snatched victory from Kolkata in the final over. With early elimination pressure building, another high-intensity contest can’t be ruled out.Published on Apr 25, 2026 #IPL #Slowburn #action #offer #LSG #KKR #face #Lucknows #black #soil

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