The entire opening day of the third and final Test between England and South Africa was washed out, and the fate of the game remained uncertain after the scheduled second day was called off following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.Play was abandoned without a ball being bowled early on Thursday evening after England captain Ben Stokes had won the toss and asked South Africa to bat first under threatening skies at The Oval.Overnight storms had cleared by match morning, although the outfield remained wet enough to prompt umpires Richard Kettleborough and Nitin Menon to delay the toss by half an hour. Dark clouds then enveloped the ground shortly before rescheduled start time of 11.30am and heavy showers arrived before the players could take the field. Despite a few hopeful movements in terms of cover removal and pitch inspections, the rain set in and play was called off around 4.45pm.But the day’s events in south London were overshadowed by those much further north at Balmoral, where the Royal Family gathered at their Scottish home amid concerns over the Queen’s health. It was confirmed shortly after 6.30pm that she had died at the age of 96.The ECB announced later in the evening that no scheduled cricket would take place on Friday as a mark of respect, with plans for matches beyond that yet to be determined.As confirmed by Stokes on match eve, Harry Brook was named to make his debut in place of Jonny Bairstow, who is expected to spend an extended period on the sidelines after his freak golfing injury. Joe Root presented Brook with his Test cap, while Marcus Trescothick gave James Anderson a cap to mark his 175th Test after the pair played together in Anderson’s debut in 2003.”Massively disappointed for Jonny, he’s been absolutely phenomenal this summer,” Stokes told Sky Sports. “He’s been the spearhead of what we wanted to achieve this summer. Harry Brook gets that opportunity, he thoroughly deserves the situation he finds himself in.”Related

• Race and role-definition collide as Zondo, Markram, van der Dussen jostle for one batting spot

• 'Freak' injury puts Bairstow out of third Test and T20 World Cup

• Dean Elgar shrugs off injury scare as Ryan Rickelton prepares to take his chance

• Harry Brook ready to leap into 'big league' despite Dean Elgar's warning

South Africa made wholesale changes, meanwhile, least surprisingly bringing in Ryan Rickelton for Rassie van der Dussen, who fractured his finger while fielding during the second Test at Old Trafford.Dean Elgar, their captain, revealed at the toss that Lungi Ngidi was injured – he has a hamstring problem – while Aiden Markram and Simon Harmer were omitted. As a result, Marco Jansen returned to the side after being overlooked for the second Test and Khaya Zondo was set to play his second Test after making his debut against Bangladesh in April, replacing Markram, who has struggled for form. Wiaan Mulder returned to the side for his first Test since that home series against Bangladesh, with South Africa seeking to shore up their batting while providing an extra seam option.England: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Alex Lees, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Ben Foakes (wk), 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Ollie Robinson, 10 Jack Leach, 11 James AndersonSouth Africa: 1 Dean Elgar (capt), 2 Sarel Erwee, 3 Keegan Petersen, 4 Ryan Rickelton, 5 Khaya Zondo, 6 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 7 Wiaan Mulder, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Anrich Nortje

Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker has led them to Aston Villa star man Ollie Watkins, with Mikel Arteta’s side having a £60m bid rejected earlier this week.

The Englishman has been a constant source of goals for Unai Emery’s side in 2024/25, registering 11 goals and ten assists in 32 matches across all competitions.

However, whilst he would be a good addition for the Gunners, it’s a huge fee to be paying for a 29-year-old who will be entering the final years of his professional career in the coming seasons.

As a result, Arteta’s men could return with an improved offer for the England international before the end of the window, but they may need to target other options at the top end of the pitch.

Numerous players have already been touted with a move to the Emirates this month, with the hierarchy looking to resurrect previous interest in one talisman before Monday’s deadline.

Arsenal interested in landing European talisman

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are interested in making a late move for Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović to try and hand Arteta the ammunition he’s desired this month.

The 24-year-old has impressed for the Italian giants once again throughout 2024/25, registering 12 goals across all competitions, including four in the Champions League.

The report claims that RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko is Arteta’s main target after having a bid rejected for Watkins, but that Juve are open to allowing the Serbian to depart after landing Randal Kolo Muani from PSG earlier in the window.

It’s not the first time that the Gunners have pursued a move for Vlahovic in this window, with the former Fiorentina ace previously on their shortlist a couple of weeks ago.

However, should they make a move to land the striker who earns £315k-per-week, as per Capology, it would allow one current first-team member to star upon his return to action from injury.

Why Vlahovic would be perfect for Bukayo Saka

Academy graduate Bukayo Saka has developed into a leading star in European football in recent years, highlighting how crucial the club’s academy setup is to their first-team success.

The 23-year-old has now made over 250 appearances since his debut back in 2018, scoring on 67 occasions – cementing his place in the right-wing position, with Arteta playing a huge role in his development.

The England international was in stellar form during the opening months of the ongoing Premier League, scoring five but registering ten assists, still sitting second in the assist tally throughout the whole division, with only Mohamed Salah posting more.

1. Mohamed Salah

13

2. Bukayo Saka

10

3. Antonee Robinson

9

4. Mikkel Damsgaard

8

= Jacob Murphy

8

5. Trent Alexander-Arnold

6

= Cole Palmer

6

However, he’s been missing since the middle of December after picking up a hamstring injury in the victory over Crystal Palace, with Saka still yet to return to action.

When he does, he could be aided in his efforts within the final third should Vlahovic move to the Emirates, with the Serbian international allowing the youngster to take his game to the next level.

The Juve striker, who’s been described as “world-class” by one analyst, has averaged 1.8 aerials won, providing that focal point that Saka has been craving given his tally of three chances created per 90 along with 2.2 successful crosses.

Vlahovic has also averaged 1.4 shots on target per 90 in Serie A this campaign, potentially thriving alongside the Englishman in attack, with his tally of 0.7 assists per 90 aiding the striker, whilst potentially improving his own tally.

It’s unclear how much a late move for the frontman would cost the Gunners’ hierarchy in the coming days, but the prospect of him linking up with Saka in the final third is certainly a frightening one – allowing the pair to form a deadly partnership.

Their answer to Tel: Arsenal targeting move for "one of the best talents"

Arsenal could land their own Mathys Tle in a late move for an attacking talent.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 31, 2025

Given the club’s 20-year wait for a league title, the striker is arguably the final piece in Arteta’s Arsenal puzzle, massively increasing their chances of ending the generational wait for a top-division triumph.

That could then make Vlahovic the perfect alternative to Watkins, as deadline day looms…

كشف أحمد دياب، رئيس رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة، حقيقة تغيير اللائحة في الموسم الحالي، بعد أزمة مباراة القمة بين الأهلي والزمالك.

وكانت رابطة الأندية قد قررت في البداية اعتبار الأهلي مهزومًا في القمة مع خصم 3 نقاط من رصيده في نهاية الدوري، قبل أن يتم تعديل القرار بإلغاء خصم الـ3 نقاط الإضافية، وأيدت لجنة التظلمات القرار الأخير، ليتم إسدال الستار على أزمة انسحاب المارد الأحمر من القمة.

وقال دياب خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت” لبرنامج “ملعب أون”: “اللائحة تمت صياغتها في الموسم الماضي، وهذه لائحة جديدة تمامًا، سواء الدوري المصري أو كأس العاصمة أو لائحة العقوبات”.

وتابع: “ما أثير في السوشيال ميديا ليس له علاقة بحقيقة اللائحة، تمت مناقشة اللائحة اليوم مع الأندية، بعض المواد التي أثير أنها لا بد ألا تكون موجودة في اللائحة الجديدة، أمر غير صحيح”.

وأضاف: “هذه المواد متواجدة في جميع دوريات العالم، المادة 62 و63، مثال المادة 62 تقول إن هذه لائحة جديدة، فأي تعارض بينها وبين أحكام أي مادة أو أي قرارات سابقة عليها لا يسري إلا في مواد هذه اللائحة، الكلام منطقي، لا يصح في أي لائحة أو أي تشريع ألا تكتب هذه المادة”.

وأوضح: “بمعنى مثلًا الدوري سنة 86 لو هناك مادة تتعارض مع مادة في اللائحة الجديدة، أي منهما سيسير؟، بالتأكيد الجديدة، فهل من المنطقي أن نقوم بإزالتها؟، نفس المادة موجودة في كأس العالم للأندية”.

وواصل: “لجنة المسابقات في حال إصدار قرار، من حق مجلس إدارة الرابطة أن تعدله، ويحدث كثيرًا في دوري الأبطال أو الكونفدرالية إن ناديًا يعاقب بخصم نقاط وغرامة ثم تخفف العقوبة لغرامة فقط، أليس ذلك موجودًا في العالم كله؟”.

طالع | رابطة الأندية تحدد موعد بداية ونهاية الدوري المصري 2025/2026

وأكمل: “حيثيات أزمة القمة لا أريد الحديث عنها، لأن هناك خطوة قضائية جديدة من الأطراف، الرابطة تتعاون مع جميع الأندية ونمثلها وعلى مسافة واحدة من الجميع، فأي قرار فاصل بين طرفين لا يُمكن أن يكون قرار مُرض لكل الأطراف، أي ناد لو اتخذت قرار في صالحه سيشيد به، ولو كان ضده سيشجب القرار”.

وأردف: “مداخلة طه عزت رئيس لجنة المسابقات في رابطة الأندية مع أحد البرامج غير موفقة، الضغوط تكون كبيرة جدًا، لكنه كادر جيد ويقوم بدوره والأندية أشادت به اليوم، وممكن نلتمس العذر بسبب ضغط العمل العام”.

وأتم: “هذه المواد عندما استعرضناها اليوم كل الأندية قالت إنها صحيحة، وبالتالي لا يصح أن يخرج ويقال إنه لا يوجد أحد يفهم ويقرأ اللائحة، أو كيف الأندية وقعت عليها”.

Manchester United are keen on signing a £58 million full back loved by Ruben Amorim this month, and a new report reveals the transfer could now pick up steam.

Man Utd transfer news

It was made clear before this transfer window opened that signing players this month may be a struggle for the Red Devils. However, that has not stopped the speculation, as United continue to be linked with players from England and abroad, with the possibility of cashing in on unwanted squad members aiding their chase for new faces.

Man Utd eye cheaper version of Gyokeres who's "very similar" for just £29m

The Red Devils have their eye on a player Ruben Amorim knows well.

1

By
Brett Worthington

Jan 13, 2025

A story emerged last week that stated United and Juventus were in discussions over a possible swap deal involving Dusan Vlahovic and Joshua Zirkzee. The Premier League side are keen on signing the Serbia international, and the Turin giants want to sign Zirkzee and offer him a fresh start back in Italy.

A fresh development has since emerged, with it being reported that those talks are now at an advanced stage. Both sides are showing a willingness to complete the move, with the Serbian viewed as an upgrade for the Red Devils in attack.

Vlahovic is not the only forward on United’s radar, as a report from Spain has revealed that the Red Devils are interested in signing Conrad Harder from Sporting CP as a “plan B” to Viktor Gyokeres. Lisbon wants around £29 million to sell Harder, whose flexibility in attack makes him a real asset, and he is known to Amorim, as he was the one that brought him to Sporting in the summer.

Man Utd want to accelerate transfer talks to sign £54m ace

Signing a new striker is not the only addition Amorim wants, as a new left-back is also on the shopping list, and according to Caught Offside, Manchester United want to accelerate transfer talks for Nuno Mendes.

The 22-year-old, who has been described as “very exciting,” emerged on United’s radar in December, as he is a player that Amorim knows very well from his time at Sporting CP. United want to sign a new left wing-back, as injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in recent times have left them short in that position, and it still remains an issue for the United boss now.

This report states that the Red Devils remain in talks over a deal to sign Mendes, but they face stiff competition from Real Madrid and arch-rivals Manchester City, who are also monitoring his situation.

Nuno Mendes’ PSG stats
Apps	101
Goals	5
Assists	13

It is reported that United are the team that is most advanced in their interest, although they are yet to make a breakthrough in terms of agreeing to a transfer, as PSG hold out for €65 million, which is roughly £54 million.

Amorim sees Mendes as the ideal signing for the left wing-back role, and the fact that the defender has refused to sign a new contract with PSG could help the Red Devils secure a transfer. The Portuguese’s contract is valid until 2026, so if United make an offer near the £54 million PSG want, then surely a deal can be made this month, but it will be tight for the Premier League outfit and may depend on shifting current players first.

Fabrizio Romano has shared late-window transfer news involving Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca’s side expected to orchestrate some last-gasp activity as we fast approach the deadline on 3rd February.

Enzo Maresca shares transfer update out of Chelsea

By Maresca’s own admission, nothing can be ruled out in the next 48 hours at Stamford Bridge, with incomings and departures expected to take place.

Chelsea plan January move for £80m forward in the coming hours after talks

The west Londoners are after an attacker.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 30, 2025

According to credible media sources, Chelsea have been targeting a new forward and midfielder for Maresca, while it is rumoured that the likes of Axel Disasi, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and others may well leave the club (Simon Phillips).

When asked about what Chelsea are planning in these final days of the window, Maresca remained coy, but did suggest that the club will be active.

West Ham (away)

February 3rd

Brighton (away)

February 14th

Aston Villa (away)

February 22nd

Southampton (home)

February 25th

Leicester City (home)

March 9th

“You can expect players to arrive, and you can expect players to be leaving,” said Maresca on the rest of Chelsea’s transfer window.

“It is like this in this moment. I don’t have any ideas about the ones that can leave and the ones that can arrive. Anything can happen. For me, the main focus is on 48 hours, the game and is the main focus and the most important thing.”

Nicolas Jackson has failed to score in his last seven league games, with his last goal coming midway through December against Brentford, and this may have prompted Chelsea to look at alternatives to the Senegalese.

Chelsea hold a serious interest in signing Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, and the possibility of a swap deal involving Nkunku has been floated by the press.

While those talks have died down in recent weeks, Chelsea’s pursuit of Tel is an ongoing situation.

Chelsea "in contact" over signing Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich

According to Romano, via X, Chelsea are “in contact” over signing Tel from Bayern after he rejected a move to Tottenham – but they still face plenty of competition.

“Mathys Tel and his agent are in Munich together to assess all options after rejecting Spurs proposal,” said Romano.

“Tottenham will explore other targets while Tel will consider other bids for loan/permanent move. Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa, all in contact.”

The 19-year-old, who can play anywhere across the frontline, is a striker capable of scoring 40 goals a season, according to former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, but he hasn’t quite managed to become a mainstay under Vincent Kompany.

Spurs agreed a £50 million fee with Bayern for his services, so Chelsea know the price required to lure him away from Bavaria if they wish to strike a permanent move.

“He does extraordinary things,” said Thierry Henry.

“When he enters a match, you see it. Already, he is scoring goals. When he comes on, he always faces forward. And even if he plays only one minute, he creates two chances.”

Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo continues to "brighten up every game" and remains capable of scoring "amazing goals", claims Paulo Sergio.

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• Showing no sign of slowing down
• GOAT status already secured
• Remains a source of inspiration

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo has earned all-time great status as a result of his ability to illuminate almost any contest that he graces. A remarkable career has taken him from Sporting to Saudi Arabia via Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  At 40 years of age, CR7 is showing no sign of slowing down. He has hit 32 goals through 36 appearances for Al-Nassr this season and continues to chase down 1,000 in total before any thought is given to retirement.

• WHAT PAULO SERGIO SAID

  Fellow Portuguese Paulo Sergio, who is also in the Saudi Pro League as manager of Al-Okhdood, remains in awe of Ronaldo. He has told : “Cristiano is a flag bearer for the championship. He drives all the marketing around this league, gives it a lot of visibility and continues to score amazing goals and brighten up every game he takes part in.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Ronaldo helped to break down barriers when moving to the Middle East in 2023, with Paulo Sergio impressed with how quickly the Saudi league has developed since his previous stint with Al Taawoun in 2019. He added: “At the time, it was already a championship with a lot of good players. Now, with permission to play with eight foreigners and with a very strong investment in football, it is a well thought out and structured project. Top-notch players are coming here, who would certainly be playing in the best championships in Europe.”

The top four teams on the table will advance to semi-finals; tournament final slated for October 15

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Sep-2022Hosts and defending champions Bangladesh will kick off the 2022 Women’s T20 Asia Cup against Thailand on October 1, with India taking on Sri Lanka in the second match of the day, in Sylhet on October 1, Jay Shah, the president of ACC, announced on Twitter on Tuesday. The semi-finals will be played on October 13, with the title clash scheduled for October 15. Pakistan will open their campaign against Malaysia on October 2 and will meet India on October 7.As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the T20 tournament will be played among seven teams with UAE making their debut in the competition. The fourth edition of competition will be played in a round-robin format, with each team playing six matches and the top four sides advancing to the semi-finals. The last two editions saw the teams finishing in the top two in the league stage play the final.Related

All you need to know about the Women's Asia Cup 2022

Jahanara, Fargana return to Bangladesh squad for Women's T20 Asia Cup

Fit-again Rodrigues returns to T20I squad for Women's Asia Cup

Fatima Sana out of Women's Asia Cup with twisted ankle

Sylhet to host 2022 Women's Asia Cup starting October 1

This is also the longest Asia Cup for women, with seven teams – India, the most successful team in the history of the competition, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and UAE apart from the hosts Bangladesh – taking part in it. All the matches will be held at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium and Sylhet Outer Cricket Stadium, with the first match beginning at 9am and the second at 1.30pm local time.No women’s international games have been held in the country since Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh in October 2018. The 2022 Asia Cup will also be the first time since the 2014 T20 World Cup that Sylhet will host any women’s international fixtures.

I am extremely delighted to announce the schedule for the 8th edition of the #WomensAsiaCup 2022 @ACCMedia1
Get set for some amazing matches & watch the women create history starting 1st October, with the final showdown on 15th October#PlayBeyondBoundaries #ACC #GetReadyForEpic pic.twitter.com/ifj43xzBs0

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) September 20, 2022

The Women’s Asia Cup has been played in the T20 format since 2012. In 2018, perennial underdogs Bangladesh emerged victorious in a final-ball thriller over six-time winners India in Kuala Lumpur, winning a major title for the first time. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition, which was slated in Bangladesh and later postponed to 2021, was eventually cancelled.UAE and Malaysia booked their berths through the qualifying route after entering the final of the 10-team ACC Women’s T20 Championship that took place in June. UAE, undefeated and eventual champions in that competition, defeated the hosts Malaysia in the final by five wickets.

Both teams will be hurting from their early exit in the tournament, with little but pride and game time to be accrued on Thursday

Shashank Kishore07-Sep-2022

Rohit Sharma and India need a win on Thursday to avoid finishing last in the Super 4s•AFP/Getty Images

Big Picture
It’s a dead game as far as the tournament goes but try telling that to India and Afghanistan – both hurting after a series of heartbreaking losses. Now, before they hop on an early flight home, there’s pride and some game time to accrue as they build towards the T20 World Cup.Surely neither side would’ve thought this game would decide who finishes last in the Super 4s. So much for the general assumption and hype surrounding India vs Pakistan and their “three-match series.”The clash will be particularly tough for Afghanistan for obvious reasons. Physically, the heat and humidity would’ve taken its toll on the players because they will have to turn up fresh less than 18 hours after their potboiler against Pakistan in Sharjah. That isn’t all. There’s also a matter of trying to lift themselves mentally and emotionally after Wednesday’s heartbreak.Related

Rishabh Pant: calculative and effective in Tests, unorthodox and out of breath in T20s

Shastri: 'Mohammed Shami sitting at home and cooling his heels baffles me'

Rohit ready to take losses in stride with T20 World Cup in mind

As such, international cricket can be demanding, but their scheduling, in these oppressive conditions, has been anything but kind. But it’s likely Afghanistan, who’ve seen far worse in life and otherwise, will turn up and try to give India a run for their money.It shouldn’t be lost on anyone that victory by no means is a formality for India. They will still have to turn up and fight for every run, every wicket. It’s a reality check for them even as they grapple with selection challenges and template changes looking ahead to the World Cup. Against a world-class spin attack that can challenge the best in the world, this will be another big test.Afghanistan have twice lost games they have been in control of and will have another opportunity to fight jangling nerves to close out games. It’s just a question of trying to go a step further. Either way, expect an engaging contest with no clear favourite for this one. Form guide
India: LLWWW (win-loss in last five games, most recent first)
Afghanistan: WLWWLIn the spotlightBhuvneshwar Kumar has had two poor outings, especially in the death overs. He’s been tasked with the tough penultimate overs, both against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They’ve costed 19 and 14 respectively. This meant young Arshdeep Singh had six to defend off the final over in both games. Bhuvneshwar will be hoping this slight dip is momentary, for India have the returning Jasprit Bumrah, Harshal Patel, and possibly Deepak Chahar, waiting to have a crack at opponents in Australia. Among them, it’s Bhuvneshwar’s tussle with Chahar that is like-for-like, given they’re both swing bowlers. Bhuvneshwar has the backing of Rohit Sharma and the team management, but there’s nothing like a good performance under your belt to make the world better again.Mujeeb Ur Rahman seemed to have lost a bit of his sting and X-factor due to form and injury concerns, leading to his T20 stocks taking a dip. But solid performances so far in the Asia Cup have helped him return as one of Afghanistan’s premier spinners alongside Rashid Khan in their first XI. He has so far picked up seven wickets in four games at an economy of 5.12 in the tournament. He’s been so good that Afghanistan have had to keep out Qais Ahmed, because they also have a third spin option in captain Mohammad Nabi. Mujeeb and Afghanistan will hope this surge continues leading into Australia.Pitch and conditions
Surfaces are slowly losing sheen, and it’s becoming more helpful for the bowlers, especially if they’re prepared to dig it in. However, the same surfaces seem to get just a tad quicker at night, making it easy for the chasing team despite the absence of dew. Only two of the 19 games have been won by the team batting first since January 2020 here. That’s quite a damming statistic for the team losing the toss, because captains invariably choose to bowl first. Weather-wise, it’ll continue to remain hot and muggy, although the temperatures have dipped just a touch in the evening. From early 40s, we’re down to the late 30s (Celsius) at night.Team news
Deepak Chahar was officially drafted into the squad on the eve of the game, replacing the ill Avesh Khan. Chahar has been a regular feature at training, and bowled full-tilt prior to the start of the Sri Lanka game. They could also bring in Dinesh Karthik and Axar Patel for Rishabh Pant Deepak Hooda.India (probable): 1 KL Rahul, 2 Rohit Sharma (capt), 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7 Axar Patel, 8 Deepak Chahar, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 R Ashwin/Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Arshdeep SinghAfghanistan will have a tough call, depending on how the players pull up following their game against Pakistan.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Hazratullah Zazai, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3 Ibrahim Zadran, 4 Najibullah Zadran, 5 Mohammad Nabi (capt), 6 Karim Janat, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 Azmatullah Omarzai, 9 Naveen-ul-Haq, 10 Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi.Stats and trivia
Prior to Wednesday’s game, Rashid had picked up only 13 wickets in 13 T20Is played this year. However, he’s been economical, conceding 6.26 runs per over. In the last 10 T20Is where India batted first, they have won on each of the six occasions where they’ve made 185 or more. They’ve failed to defend in three of the four games where they’ve fallen short of this score. Indian pacers have picked up only three wickets in the powerplay overs in this Asia Cup, averaging 58.66 at an economy rate of 8.06.

Chido Obi-Martin has admitted that Ruben Amorim told him to "be humble" as the youngster pursues a starting role at Manchester United.

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Obi-Martin made his United debut in FebruaryHas since been used sporadically by AmorimAdvised to keep head down and wait for opportunitiesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 17-year-old forward, who made his senior debut in February, has already accumulated five appearances off the bench, the latest coming in the recent loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Obi-Martin’s rapid progress at United has begun turning heads, with the teenage striker continuing to push for a larger role in the senior setup.

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Despite his growing presence under the spotlight, United boss Amorim has made sure to temper the rising expectations, offering a piece of advice intended to keep the young striker’s feet firmly on the ground. However, the Portuguese manager is keeping a regular eye on the teenager as he has been given the opportunity to train with the senior squad.

WHAT OBI-MARTIN SAID

"He’s just told me to be humble and keep working hard every day,” Obi-Martin said to United media. “And hopefully, I get more opportunities soon. My Dad and my Mum always told me to be a good person and listen to my coaches because they want me to get better, so it’s good."

He added: "I’ve learnt to be smart and to think quicker by training with the first team because the game is quicker compared to Academy football. It helps me a lot, training with them every day.”

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With Rasmus Hojlund currently experiencing a rough spell in front of goal, Obi-Martin’s rise comes at a crucial time for the Red Devils. The Danish striker has just three goals in 28 Premier League appearances, which might open the door for Obi-Martin to get more minutes at the business end of the season.

West Bromwich Albion supporters will pray that all the ongoing drama involving a new manager failing to be found doesn’t derail their long-term promotion aspirations, with only two wins picked up now from their last five Championship encounters.

Of course, Chris Brunt should take some credit for the fact only one league defeat has been tasted since he’s taken on the interim reins, but they do at least now have Tony Mowbray through the door.

Unsuccessfully finding a successor for Carlos Corberan will have been hindering West Brom but with Mowbray now appointed, they can go all out in January to acquire new talents.

The main target wanted by West Brom's promotion rivals

The main name that keeps popping up is Tom Cannon, as the likes of Sheffield United and Sunderland situated near the top of the table like the Baggies fight it out for his in-demand signature.

The Stoke City loanee does boast an impressive nine goals next to his name in league action to date, with West Brom reportedly keen on a slice of the Republic of Ireland international themselves back in October before this new interest emerged.

Cannon could be set to leave parent employers Leicester City permanently – if his Stoke stint is cut short – for around the £13m mark, with that proposed amount perhaps going down as a bargain if the 22-year-old was to then fire home some vital goals to help his new employers clinch promotion.

The Baggies have their own version of Cannon situated in the West Midlands already, who had been outscoring the 22-year-old and lighting up the Championship before injury disaster struck once more.

Maja's increasing transfer value

The player in question here is Josh Maja, who West Brom will be certain of keeping at the club no matter what happens this January, despite interest once popping up from the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

The ex-Sunderland man will have felt a sense of pride that both of these London giants were eyeing him up, having been put through the wringer during his first season at the Hawthorns with just one start coming his way in league action owing to injury issues.

Starting his 2025 off on the best possible footing with a brace against Preston North End, the clinical 26-year-old now finds himself on 12 second-tier strikes for the campaign, with only Borja Sainz at Norwich City beating him in terms of goals in the league with a stunning 15 tallied up for the Canaries.

But, in a cruel twist of fate, Maja now looks as if he will be sidelined for the foreseeable with a nasty leg injury requiring surgery.

Maja’s league numbers (24/25) vs Cannon’s
Stat	Maja	Cannon
Games played	26	22
Goals scored	12	9
Assists	2	1
Expected goals (xG)	9.99	8.80
Scoring frequency	173 mins	207 mins
Current value	£15m	£13m
Stats by Sofascore

Regardless, Maja has been outperforming Cannon in many different areas of their respective attacking games – away from merely weighing up their goal totals and transfer values side by side – with his side now feeling vindicated that they persisted with the 26-year-old when he was situated in the treatment room with a previous serious injury.

They will have to exercise this same level of patience owing to his latest setback, however, with the Baggies no doubt having to buy a new striker now too in order to make up for their star-man missing so many games again.

New West Brom boss must sell Albion ace who earns more than Maja

The next West Bromwich Albion manager will have a decision to make about this player’s immediate future.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jan 13, 2025