WHAT’S HOT WHAT’S NOT

HOT SERENA WILLIAMS

PROOF that Williams can be a force for good comes with news that players returning from maternity absence will be able to use the same world ranking they had before they took time out. This seems only right and was originally the 23-time major champion’s idea.

DEJAN LOVREN

THE Liverpool and Croatia centre back faces a deserved run for his club after injuries to Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. Lovren told reporters at the World Cup that he was one of the best defenders on the planet, but he didn’t look it as Romelu Lukaku bullied him at Old Trafford last season, so tomorrow at Anfield feels big for both players.

THE BHA

NINE months after six horses died in a brutal Cheltenham Festival, it has emerged the total was actually seven after another, Melrose Boy, was subsequently put down. The British Horseracing Authority have presented the results of their review and admitted something has to change. We don’t doubt their intentions, but last March’s heavy ground was a contributing factor to the carnage and it is hard to see what can be done about that.

NOT JERMAIN DEFOE

MUCH sought-after when he left Sunderland 18 months ago amid talk of an England recall, Defoe’s return on good wages at Bournemouth has been modest. He scored four Premier League goals last season and this time he’s played only 22 minutes as a substitute. Last week the 36-year-old was on the bench against Liverpool despite the absence of Callum Wilson and as Bournemouth chased the game he stayed there.

MICHAEL JORDAN

NOW the owner of Charlotte Hornets, Jordan clipped young guard Malik Monk twice round the back of the head after he erred towards the end of a game against Detroit Pistons. It has caused a stir in the States but what harm was really done? Manchester United’s struggling stars must only hope the Glazers weren’t watching.

OLIVER BURKE

EYEBROWS were raised in August 2016 when the young midfielder went to RB Leipzig from Nottingham Forest for £13million. Nobody in football thought he was worth that. Now, after a season-and-a-half at West Bromwich (transfer fee £15m) he has made two league starts. Injuries have played a part, but the 21-year-old has much to do.