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Afghanistan, with their fabulous net run rate, will replace Pakistan at the top of Group 2 with a win here

Danyal Rasool28-Oct-2021Big pictureThe rich tapestry of historical connection that tangles Pakistan and Afghanistan is impossible to do justice to in a game preview. As the sub-head suggests, there really is a far more significant big picture to any Afghanistan-Pakistan contest, especially at a World Cup. Pakistan’s assistance to Afghanistan in the early stages of their development played its part in helping an unlikely cricketing destination rise to Full Member in double-quick time, however Afghanistan-Pakistan relations have gone south since.It is the one thing that has remained consistently stable in the country in the past two decades. Despite domestic troubles, their men’s cricket team has found a way to ensure its progress isn’t stunted. New talent keeps coming forth to the extent that Afghanistan’s presence at major ICC events, like this one, is almost beginning to be taken for granted.A clash against Pakistan at this time, though, arguably has as deep and complex a subtext as an India-Pakistan game (of course without the on-field history), but for all that has divided these two nations, they stand side-by-side in one aspect this tournament. Both are unbeaten and both are in the top two of Group 2. Pakistan crushed India, then took down New Zealand while Afghanistan have routed Scotland with a massive net run-rate that might end up being crucial later on.They have, however, played only one T20I against each other – nearly eight years ago – and it’s a pair of recent ODI clashes that provide much of the needle that spices this contest up. Pakistan triumphed twice in the final over, once at the Asia Cup in 2018, and then at the ODI World Cup in 2019, the second of which saw significant crowd trouble.A win here for either side would be a colossal step towards the final four. Pakistan’s victory would effectively put them there, with clashes against Namibia and Scotland upcoming. An Afghanistan triumph would see them leapfrog Pakistan, and with that huge net run-rate lead they’ve sprung out to, possibly only need a win against Namibia to have one foot in their first ICC World Cup knockout round. But while both sides have a point to prove, and two to gain, the bragging rights, though, will be as much a driving factor.Related

How far can Afghanistan's six-centric approach take them?

Form guideAfghanistan: WWWWL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan: WWWLLIn the spotlightNo man personifies that flashing red-light – that is Afghanistan in T20Is – quite as conspicuously for Pakistan as Hazratullah Zazai. Zazai put bowlers in the PSL to the sword, with 212 runs at a strike rate of 185.96 in only five innings. These performances came in the run-shy UAE, against many of the bowlers who he will come up against on Friday. A 35-ball 56 in a warm-up against West Indies was followed up by 44 off 30 in a thumping win over Scotland.While Shoaib Malik was happy, and experienced enough, to play second fiddle to Asif Ali at the death against New Zealand on Tuesday, he might expect himself pressed into more of a leading role against spin-heavy Afghanistan. Malik’s reputation against spin will be put to the test, and the game could well come down to which side negotiates the others’ slower bowlers better. At nearly 40, he does have positive experiences from the past to take inspiration from, particularly the famous Asia Cup contest against Afghanistan that he, and Pakistan, won in the final over.File photo: Imad Wasim is the only injury concern for Pakistan, but is likely to be fit for the contest•AFP/Getty ImagesTeam newsAfghanistan are expected to keep the same XI.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Hazratullah Zazai, 2 Mohammad Shahzad (wk), 3 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 4 Najibullah Zadran, 5 Mohammad Nabi (capt), 6 Asghar Afghan 7, Gulbadin Naib, 8 Karim Jannat, 9 Rashid Khan, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq, 11 Mujeeb Ur RahmanIf Imad Wasim recovers from the blow to the knee he sustained while batting against New Zealand, Pakistan should be unchanged too.Pakistan: (probable): 1 Babar Azam (capt), 2 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 3 Fakhar Zaman, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Asif Ali, 7 Shadab Khan, 8 Imad Wasim, 9 Hasan Ali, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Shaheen Shah AfridiStats and trivia These two sides have only ever played one T20I against each other – in December 2013. Pakistan won with one ball to spare. Tim Southee dismissed Babar Azam for his 100th T20I wicket earlier this week. Rashid Khan now has the chance to make his 100th T20I scalp a Pakistani too; the legspinner is on 99.Quotes”This is a request to all the fans… I hope they remain cool and calm and just focus on enjoying the game. This game is all about enjoyment and bringing nations together and people together.”

They might only be five points off Manchester City at the moment, but things feel like they are beginning to go wrong for Arsenal this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side dropped points at home to Liverpool just over a week ago, and in a must-win game away to Newcastle United over the weekend, came away empty-handed for the second time in as many seasons.

In all, it’s starting to look like the Gunners’ bid for Premier League glory at the third time of asking is beginning to fall apart at the seams.

However, there is still time for the club to correct their trajectory, and based on recent reports, it looks like they could be about to go big on their first signing in the post-Edu Gaspar era, even if it’s bad news for Kai Havertz.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report out of Spain, via Football 365, Arsenal are now incredibly keen to sign Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.

In fact, the report claims that the Gunners will now ‘go all out’ to land the incredibly talented striker ‘as soon as possible’ and are prepared to make an offer in the region of €120m, which converts to about £101m.

The good news is that, according to the story, while the Toon don’t want to sell the exceptionally gifted Swede, ‘an offer of this magnitude could change their mind.’

It would represent a mammoth investment, but considering Isak’s ability, one well worth making, even if the striker’s arrival would impact Havertz’s game time.

How Isak compares to Havertz

So, if Arsenal were able to get their man in this window or the next, his biggest competition for the starting number nine role would be Havertz, but how do the pair compare?

Well, from a pure output perspective, it’s the Swede who comes out ahead, but it’s not quite as straightforward as it first appears.

For example, in his 40 appearances for the Magpies last season, the former Real Sociedad star racked up an imposing tally of 25 goals and two assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement once every 1.48 games.

In contrast, the Gunners star could only muster up 14 goals and seven assists in 51 matches last season, equating to an average goal involvement every 2.32 games.

However, that number includes the 32 appearances he made in midfield, but when we look at the 18 he made in the centre-forward position, he racked up an impressive tally of eight goals and seven assists, meaning he actually averaged a goal involvement once every 1.2 games.

Moreover, this season has seen the former Chelsea ace score seven goals and provide one assist in 15 games, while the Swedish international has scored four goals and provided one assist in ten matches, equating to an average of a goal involvement once every 1.87 and 2.00 games, respectively.

Okay, so if it’s not entirely clear who the better goalscorer is from their raw output, which international comes out on top when we look at their underlying numbers?

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.68

0.61

Progressive Carries

2.31

2.22

Progressive Passes

1.38

3.22

Shots

3.23

3.11

Key Passes

1.08

0.78

Shot-Creating Actions

2.46

2.78

Goal-Creating Actions

0.31

0.11

Carries into the Penalty Area

1.69

1.22

Unfortunately for the Aachen-born star, this is where his luck runs out, as the Magpie’s “superb” forward, as dubbed by Alan Shearer, comes out ahead in the majority of relevant metrics, including non-penalty expected goals and assists, progressive carries, carries into the penalty area, shots, key passes and goal-creating actions.

Ultimately, it might be a closer comparison than many realise, but as his underlying numbers suggest, Isak is the better overall centre-forward. Therefore, if Arsenal have the chance to sign him either in January or the summer, they have to take it.

Moreover, his arrival doesn’t have to be the end for Havertz, as having both players to choose from can only bolster the club’s chances of finally lifting the Premier League title.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 1, 2024

Both parties are now expected to withdraw litigation, with a new revenue distribution model mapped out

Umar Farooq07-Dec-2021The ongoing legal feud between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan Television (PTV) has been settled outside of court, mediated by the Prime Minister Imran Khan’s office. Both parties are now expected to withdraw litigation. The revenue sharing model, ESPNcricinfo understands, has also been revised, allowing PCB to take 72% of the share while PTV will take 28% out of the commercial deals, a significant change from the previous 57.5 – 42.5 arrangement.Related

Court issues stay order against PCB's suspension of PTV deal

Landmark broadcast deal worth over $200 million falls apart

The PCB had signed a three-year broadcast deal last year in September with PTV to broadcast home cricket, as well as an agreement with I-Media Communications Services, to ensure the PCB’s broadcast content is not redistributed illegally by cable operators. The model could have potentially had them earn in excess of USD $200 million, but last month new PCB chairman Ramiz Raja had unilaterally suspended the deal with PTV and terminated the I-Media contract to open a new tender for the media rights for Pakistan’s upcoming series against West Indies and Australia.PTV had gone to Lahore Civil Court to obtain a stay order against PCB’s abrupt move, and the two parties were struck in a legal wrangle – PCB going to the High Court – with the West Indies series around the corner. The courts adjourned the hearings while the PCB was keen to go into fresh bidding and bring in a new broadcaster; PTV, the state broadcaster, was unhappy with this and had a number of meetings to renegotiate with PCB, citing that they had never violated their agreements or defaulted on their payments.The expected earnings from this deal would come from advertising revenue and also, for the first time in Pakistan, distribution revenue from the cable operators – the equivalent of revenues that broadcasters make from subscriptions – through I-Media. I-Media was meant to ensure that the distribution of cricket content would only be done through licensed cable operators, and the value of the content would be protected against potential illegal distribution. The production rights however had to be regulated by PCB on their own.The deal with I-Media now stands terminated due to non-compliance on payments. The Pakistan government is yet to implement the Digital Pakistan policy, one part of which regulates the illegal cable operator business, though the plan is to have it done within a year.The broadcast deal until last year was signed in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic in a shrinking broadcast market. It ended a long-running broadcast relationship between the PCB and Ten Sports, and there were no potential overseas takers at the time as international rights for PCB’s home series were sold separately to various channels around the world.Recently though, Pakistan has had a few local sports broadcasters to choose from. The ARY Group has launched an HD sports channel, A-Sports, which covered the T20 World Cup and is presently broadcasting the Lankan Premier League. PTV broadcasts its content in standard definition, but ESPNcricinfo has learnt that the state broadcaster is set to upgrade their broadcasting quality to HD within a month.

Season 4 of Ted Lasso will reportedly begin filming in May or June of 2025, with “focus shifting” for Jason Sudeikis and Co. as new stories are told.

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Summer filming schedule being lined upAnother three series reportedly agreedRichmond set to form a women's teamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Apple TVWHAT HAPPENED?

Speculation regarding a return to Apple TV+ streaming services for the award-winning production has been rife since the autumn of 2024. It was claimed back then that leading members of the cast and crew were on board and “excited” to get going.

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There have been regular hints since then that the relevant green lights have been given and that work is underway to bring AFC Richmond back to the small screen. It would appear as though cameras will begin rolling in the summer.

Apple TV/GettyWHAT AN INSIDER SAID

According to Sigmund Judge of the podcast, with the programme about to be taken in a different direction: “London filming for Ted Lasso S4 is now set to begin in May/June with focus shifting at AFC Richmond to the formation of its women’s team.”

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Judge went on to say of plans supposedly being drawn up for three more seasons of Ted Lasso: “Pre-production is in full swing. The original agreement was a three season order, which I believe has been repeated. I’d think it’s safe to assume that the writing rooms have been secretly busy for some time.”

Manchester United may be in line for a transfer boost from Mason Greenwood and Barcelona, with the Liga giants piecing together recruitment plans.

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Greenwood left Old Trafford in 2024Has been starring in France for MarseilleBack on the radar of La Liga giantsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The £27 million ($34m) deal that took Old Trafford academy graduate Greenwood to Marseille in the summer of 2024 includes a 50 per cent sell-on clause. United reportedly have the option to increase that stake in future windows.

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They may not get that opportunity, with reporting that La Liga giants Barca are rekindling their interest in Greenwood. They saw him star in Spanish football last season during a productive loan spell at Getafe.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Barcelona are said to be “planning to look closely at Greenwood's situation in the summer”, with the 23-year-old forward hitting 14 Ligue 1 goals for Marseille this season. Paris Saint-Germain are also being heavily linked with the one-cap England international.

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WHAT NEXT?

Marseille are not expected to do business with PSG, as a direct domestic rival, but Barca could hand United a welcome injection of funds. If they do formalise their interest in Greenwood, then the Red Devils will pocket a tidy sum that could be used to aid their supposed hunt for another proven goalscorer.

Players paid 50% of match fees for tournaments missed due to the pandemic

Shashank Kishore02-Jan-2022In a move best described by a domestic player as a “Christmas gift”, the BCCI has begun to disburse the match fees it owes hundreds of domestic cricketers – male and female – for tournaments that had to be shelved due to Covid-19 in the 2020-21 season.ESPNcricinfo understands that players from those associations who have duly sent in the filled in invoices have begun to be compensated 50% of their regular earnings.A number of players are yet to receive payments because of procedural delays with regards to invoices raised. The delays are understood to be due to issues at the state associations’ end. These are expected to be cleared soon upon receipt of invoices.The Ranji Trophy was cancelled for the first time in its 85-year history in 2020-21 for the senior men. In the women’s category, the T20 tournament was shelved due to the severity of the second wave of the pandemic in the country.The compensation payments are in line with the formula worked out by the Mohammad Azharuddin-led seven-member working group, which was tasked with formulating compensation for the Covid-19-affected season by the BCCI.A player who featured in eight games in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy, for example, received INR 11.20 lakh (USD 15,000 approx.), the match fee per day for the four-day tournament being INR 35,000 (USD 470 approx.). For 2020-21, under the compensation structures drawn up, the same player will receive INR 5.10 lakh (USD 6,800 approx.).Players who didn’t make the XI for certain games in 2019-20 will be compensated for 2020-21 on a pro-rata basis. For example, if a player was part of a team’s XI for four games and on the bench for four games in the 2019-20 season, for 2020-21 he will be compensated with 50% of the match fees for four games and 50% of the corresponding fees for players outside the starting XI for the remainder of the games.The clearing of payments coincides with the start of the new Ranji Trophy season from January 13 to March 17 across seven venues, even as confusion reigns among certain players over further tweaks to the scheduling owing to the rise in Covid-19 cases across the country, accelerated by the Omicron variant.Earlier in the week, the BCCI was forced to postpone the Under-16 tournament, the Vijay Merchant Trophy, because “participants are still not vaccinated and as such, are vulnerable” as per BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Those below 18 years of age are still not eligible to take the vaccine in the country; eligible recipients in the age group of 15-18 years will only be administered Covid-19 vaccines starting from January 3.Regarding payments for 2021-22, the board had earlier announced a significant increase in match fees for domestic players. The new pay slabs, which will be in place from this season, will have the senior men earning between INR 40,000 and 60,000 (USD 540 to 810 approx.) per day of cricket while senior women will earn up to INR 20,000 (USD 270 approx.) per day.That hike is a small one for the players in the first category (under 20 matches) but an almost 100% hike for more experienced hands (40-plus games), while those who have played between 21 and 40 matches will earn INR 50,000 (USD 680 approx.). Earlier, senior men’s cricketers earned INR 35,000 (USD 470 approx.) per day for first-class and one-day games regardless of how many caps they had, and INR 17,500 (USD 240 approx.) per game for T20s.Related

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For the senior women players, who earlier earned INR 12,500 (USD 170 approx.) per one-day match and INR 6,250 (USD 85 approx.) per T20 match, the pay has been raised to INR 20,000 for playing XI members and INR 10,000 (USD 135 approx.) for those on the bench in both limited-overs formats. There currently isn’t a first-class competition for women in India, the last multi-day women’s tournament in the country – the 2017-2018 Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Three-Day Game – having been held in March-April 2018.While the hikes have been welcomed by the playing fraternity, there’s disgruntlement at a significant reduction in the number of matches. In 2019-20, for example, each side played eight group matches in the Ranji Trophy followed by three knockout games (if they made the final). This time around, teams will play just five group matches, which significantly reduce the net increase in pay.Players across the country are hoping to address this issue at the conclusion of the current season, when the BCCI organises their annual captains and coaches conclave.

Aston Villa have been blessed with some top attackers over recent years, notably in the striker department, with Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran sticking out of course in Unai Emery’s current camp.

Between them this season – looking at Premier League numbers alone – the electric duo have amassed nine goals as leading men for their side, as the Spaniard hopes they can get back to their best after the international break is up.

There are plenty of other examples away from the here and now too, with Christian Benteke one name that will bring up waves of nostalgia for Villa fans as a sharp shooter from years gone by.

Christian Benteke's numbers at Villa

Benteke is now seeing out his playing days like many waning players of his ilk do, strutting their stuff in the MLS before retirement begins to loom ever closer.

But, before he was a confident goal machine on the books of DC United – who he has bagged an impressive 25 goals for from his last 33 games – the Belgian was a reliable goalscorer for the Villans too, after the Premier League club’s punt on the ex-KRC Genk man more than paid off.

In total, Benteke – who cost £7m to get in through the door in 2012 from his native country – would fire home 49 goals from 101 games in the West Midlands, going down as a modern-day great at Villa Park in the process.

Unfortunately, Benteke would be snapped up by Liverpool after finding the back of the net 13 times during his swansong Villa campaign, costing the Reds a bumper £32.5m to pick up in the summer of 2015.

Regardless of the development that the former Villa number 20 would go on to be an expensive waste at Anfield, his former employers still failed to adequately fill the void left behind by the Belgian in that same transfer window, with one eventual flop meant to soften the almighty blow.

The striker signed to replace Benteke

Rudy Gestede would join the top-flight titans a month after Benteke’s exit to the Reds, costing just £6m, as Villa were made to regret not splashing their newly obtained millions on replacing their former hero with a star of a similar quality.

The former Blackburn Rovers man’s ‘physical presence brings comparisons to Christian Benteke’ – as the Daily Mail noted at the time – while then-boss Tim Sherwood described his new signing as “better than anything I’ve seen around in English football”, with regard to his “immense” aerial presence.

As it was, Gestede – who “terrorises defenders”, according to Sherwood – very much struggled to cope with the demands of the league above after being fished out of the Championship, scoring just five times in the Premier League during his debut season which ended in his new employers suffering relegation.

Jordan Ayew

Christian Benteke

Jordan Amavi

Fabian Delph

Jordan Veretout

Andreas Weimann

Rudy Gestede

Yacouba Sylla

Joleon Lescott

Darren Bent

Micah Richards

Matthew Lowton

Looking at the notable ins and outs from that fateful summer, it’s no real shock that Villa struggled in the manner they did, with Fabian Delph’s exit also hitting the Villans hard centrally, on top of both Andreas Weimann and Darren Bent leaving depleting the firepower even more.

Still, Gestede should have gone on to shine in his new location after relegation, considering he had been snapped up after helping himself to 20 goals for Blackburn in the second tier.

Yet, the goals just weren’t forthcoming here either, as the now-retired 6 foot 4 forward only mustered up ten strikes in total for the West Midlands side, before being sold to Middlesbrough for £6m.

That means Gestede was sold for around £26m less than what Villa managed to get out of Liverpool for Benteke, as he never went on to become a hero in a similar manner to the Belgian, now arguably ranking among the worst Villa signings of modern memory, considering the expectation levels when he signed.

It’s clear now that the former Benin international just couldn’t handle the bright lights of the Premier League after making such a big move, nor the unhelpful label put above him that he could replace such an icon immediately.

Aston Villa had a gem who wanted to be Grealish 2.0, now he's in League One

The former Aston Villa starlet had hopes of being the next Jack Grealish.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 12, 2024

Rejaur Rahman Raja took two wickets on BPL debut to seal a comfortable victory

Mohammad Isam24-Jan-2022How the match played outChattogram Challengers outplayed Khulna Tigers by 25 runs, securing a second win in three games in the BPL. A big-hitting powerplay and death overs propped their score up at an above-average 190 for 7 in 20 overs, before Rejaur Rahman Raja made a stunning BPL debut with three fiery overs.The uncapped Raja dealt Khulna an early blow when he struck Andre Fletcher on the neck. He removed Sikandar Raza, Fletcher’s concussion substitute, and Thisara Perera, apart from going for just nine runs in his first 18 deliveries. Left-arm quick Shoriful Islam was on the mark too, taking two wickets although he had Tanzid Hasan dropped at mid-on.Nasum Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Benny Howell took one wicket each, as Chattogram won the game comfortably.That comfort came via two important batting periods. Chattogram struck 64 runs in the powerplay, and another 62 runs in the last five overs.Big hitChattogram’s openers got out trying to be too aggressive. Will Jacks and Kennar Lewis blasted off with 23 off the first over. The fifty was up in 3.3 overs, but both openers were gone by the fourth over with only 17 and 25 next to their names. After Afif Hossain and Sabbir Rahman batted steadily, Miraz and Howell got the run-rate back up.Miraz struck four boundaries in his 23-ball 30 while Howell struck an unbeaten 34 off 20 balls, with a bit of innovation in his five boundaries, that included an upper-cut six.Khulna had no such luck as their top order caved in with Fletcher being stretchered off. ESPNcricinfo understands that he is “feeling okay” but was taken to hospital as a precaution. Yasir Ali stood form, adding 43 runs for the fifth wicket with Raza. Yasir made 40 off 26 balls with three sixes and two fours, trying to keep Khulna in the game against the tide of a very high asking rate.Big missKhulna made an inauspicious start when Sohrawordi Shuvo, in his first BPL over in five years, conceded 23 runs. It also happened to be the most runs in the first over of a BPL innings. The previous highest was Chittagong Vikings’ 22 runs against Rajshahi Kings in the 2018-19 edition. Shuvo slipped a wide four off the first ball before Lewis slog swept him for a six. Jacks struck him down the ground for a four and followed it up with a swept six over long leg for the second six in the first over.Khulna would also hope that the veteran Mushfiqur Rahim comes good after he has had two low scores to start off the tournament.

West Bromwich Albion have been deep in the waters of the Championship for some time now, having been absent from the exclusive club of the Premier League since 2021.

This is the Baggies’ fourth straight campaign in the second tier, therefore, with one promotion near miss suffered along the way as Carlos Corberan’s side tripped up in the playoff mix last season to eventual promotion winners Southampton.

The Spaniard occupying the Hawthorns dug-out will just want his players to step up more with exciting displays to really push for a space in the top flight, with Matheus Pereira acting as a memorable hero for the Baggies last time the sweet taste of promotion was lapped up.

Pereira's promotion heroics

Pereira would become a modern-day icon in the West Midlands during the 2019/20 season, with his heroics in terms of scoring goals and supplying chances galore for teammates undoubtedly helping his side reach the promised land of the Premier League.

In total, during that memorable promotion-winning campaign, the captivating South American would fire home eight goals and pick a ridiculous 20 assists in the league, as the ex-Baggies number 12 made the second tier his playground at points.

He would later go on to be a hit in the top flight too, before breaking West Brom hearts everywhere when leaving for Al-Hilal in 2021, but he is still fondly remembered for being a major reason why Slaven Bilic’s men soared up to the top-flight.

Corberan will pray he has his own version of Pereira right now – even as his side routinely fire blanks in the Championship – in this sharpshooter up top.

Corberan's very own Pereira

Josh Maja has already bettered Pereira’s goalscoring numbers in the league with nine strikes notched up from just 15 league clashes, with the ex-Sunderland attacker hopeful other members of the camp can do the heavy lifting on the assist front.

Still, every good promotion-winning side needs a deadly centre-forward and the Baggies have thankfully uncovered that in Maja, who was having a rocky time of things at the Hawthorns before coming alive this season.

Stat

23/24

24/25

Games played

12

15

Games started

1

15

Goals scored

1

9

Assists

0

1

Last campaign, Maja’s injury demons got the better of him with just one start coming his way in the league for Corberan’s men. Whereas, this season he has been a consistent starter when injury free, as West Brom’s patience paid off.

Corberan even labelled the 25-year-old attacker as “special” during the heights of these previous issues in the Hawthorns treatment room and his glowing praise has now been very much vindicated, with stylish finishes like this one away at Luton Town at the start of the month the mark of a striker overflowing with confidence.

He has also played in the big time during his varied career to date, where he has bagged a respectable three goals from 15 appearances, meaning he could also follow in Pereira’s footsteps in taking the step up in his stride.

There are even rumours linking Maja with a bumper move away from the West Midlands this January, as reports begin to tout him with a £16.7m switch to Celta Vigo when the manic transfer window reopens.

Corberan will hope Maja remains loyal to the club that stood by him during his issues last season, because if he does stay put, he could be the club’s next Pereira by firing in all the pivotal goals that see the Baggies leap back up to the Premier League.

West Brom could make Maja even more unplayable by signing EFL sensation

Josh Maja would love to line up next to this new signing at West Bromwich Albion.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 18, 2024

The pop superstar’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour has forced a change of venue for the Liga MX side’s last-16 Champions Cup tie.

Monterrey's home leg against Vancouver Whitecaps moved to TorreonBBVA Stadium unavailable due to Shakira's world tourFans express frustration over last-minute venue switchGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Monterrey FC has been forced to relocate their CONCACAF Champions Cup last 16 second leg against Vancouver Whitecaps due to a scheduling conflict with Shakira's world tour. The match, originally set to take place at BBVA Stadium on March 12, will now be held at Estadio Corona in Torreon, home of Liga MX side Santos Laguna. Reports indicated that the Liga MX side considered pushing the game but that option was scrapped after they found a replacement.

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Monterrey are heavy favorites for their tie against the MLS side. In addition, the Liga MX side has a strong history in the Champions Cup, having won the tournament five times — the last win coming in 2021.

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Vancouver doesn't have the same level of history as Monterrey in the Champions Cup. The farthest the team has gone in the tournament was in the 2016-17 season, where the club reached the tournament's semifinal.

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Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

Before their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Monterrey, Vancouver Whitecaps will focus on their second league game of the season against LA Galaxy on March 2. After that, the Whitecaps host Monterrey at the BC Place on March 6 and then welcome CF Montreal in the MLS before facing Monterrey in the second leg of their last 16 tie.