The Pulse of Football

May

2025

PSG’s Next Gen are here and ready to back up Enrique’s all-conquering first team

Paris Saint-Germain might be the best team in Europe right now. Of course, Luis Enrique’s side will have the chance to prove this against Inter Milan in the Champions League final later this month with the French champions at the peak of their powers. There could, however, be even scarier to come.

By Graham Ruthven

Just days after PSG confirmed their place in the Champions League final with a final four victory over Arsenal, the club’s next generation put on a show, putting four goals past Montpellier. A heavily rotated lineup meant this wasn’t PSG at their strongest, but it offered a hint of just how much stronger they could get in the coming years.

There was a start for 18-year-old Senny Mayulu who opened the scoring with an arrow into the roof of the net following a surging run into the box. 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye was also included and set up Gonçalo Ramos for the second goal of the game with a neat cut-back from a run down the right side.

Luis Enrique started five teenagers against Montpellier, highlighting his faith in the young talent coming through at the Parc des Princes. The Spaniard might have been rotating his squad having wrapped up the Ligue 1 title so early, but the potential of players like Mayulu and Mbaye was clear for all to see.

Mayulu has featured in 26 matches in all competitions for PSG this season. He is a box-to-box midfielder who offers plenty on both sides of the ball, something that makes him a good fit for Enrique’s high-intensity style of play. His goal against Montpellier illustrated the explosiveness with which Mayulu plays.

Mbaye has been on the radar at PSG ever since scoring his first goal for the club as a 16-year-old. The Clairefontaine graduate likes to get in behind with his direct running and could be compared to Bukayo Saka in the way that he wants to stand up his opponent in a one-on-one situation as often as possible.

Then there’s Axel Tape who has started PSG’s last two Ligue 1 games as part of a back three. The 17-year-old made his name in PSG’s youth ranks as a central midfielder, but Enrique has so far deployed him as a defender, making good use of his natural ability on the ball. Against Montpellier, Tape got high and wide on the right side to maintain PSG’s structure without Achraf Hakimi.

Noham Kamara and Yoram Zague have also had an opportunity in recent matches to play as part of a back three. The teenagers are like so many PSG youngsters in that they have been fast-tracked into the senior squad having caught the eye for France’s youth teams. This is the future of the club.

For years, PSG wanted be France’s Galacticos. Their identity was based on the idea they could lure the best, and most expensive, players in the world to the Parc des Princes, something they did by signing the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar. As a team, though, PSG lacked the coherence and structure to win the biggest trophies, namely the Champions League.

Now, the Parisians are trying to be more Parisian. The French capital is Europe’s most prolific hot bed of young talent and PSG are doing their best to establish a pathway into the first team after years of ignoring the quality under their own noses. This new approach is reflected in the make-up of Luis Enrique’s first team, but also in the youngsters still to have truly made it.

PSG’s next generation will have to be patient to truly establish themselves in the first team. This is because the side that has won this season’s Ligue 1 title and reached the Champions League final is only just getting started itself. João Neves is 20. Bradley Barcola is 22. Nuno Mendes is 22. Désiré Doué is 19.

*PSG’s best rated players in Ligue 1 this season*

Enrique has harnessed the exuberance of youth to turn PSG into one of the most fearsome teams in Europe. At their best, the French champions are a force of nature. They can control games through possession. They can swarm opponents when they lose the ball. They even play on the counter-attack as they did at times against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals.

As someone who was steeped in the values of Barcelona both as a player and a manager, Luis Enrique is the perfect figurehead to lead PSG into a new era. This new era would be validated by Champions League glory against Inter at the Allianz Arena later this month, but there could be even more to come for a club that can’t stop producing elite-level prospects.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every PSG game with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2025

Preview: Inter Miami looking to get back on track with trip to San Jose

Inter Miami travel to California for a second game in a row away to Western Conference opponents, where Lionel Messi and co. will be looking to get back to winning ways after a heavy loss at the weekend.

By James Nalton

Inter crisis?

Inter Miami were unable to build on their 4-1 win against New York Red Bulls, losing at the weekend to the same scoreline against a bustling Minnesota United side.

This latest defeat means Javier Mascherano’s side have won just three games of their last ten, and have lost four of their last five matches.

It’s clearly annoying David Beckham, who chimed in when Minnesota United, revelling in their victory, made fun of Inter Miami in an Instagram post. “Show a little respect mnufc be elegant in triumph,” Beckham replied.

Though they will be bitterly disappointed to have been knocked out of the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the recent league form is far from ideal, Inter Miami are still just four points off the top of the Eastern Conference and six off the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings with a game in hand.

Though this isn’t the kind of run that will be expected of Inter Miami, it’s not yet a crisis.

A game against the Earthquakes poses its own problems, though, and Inter Miami will still be still be without Luis Suárez for the trip to San Jose.

Messi still magic

Amid all of this, Messi still found the net against Minnesota, giving all those in Saint Paul who’d come to the game in the prominent pink “Messi 10” shirts something to enjoy.

It was a nice bit of link-up play with Jordi Alba. The left back sent a low ball in directly to Messi’s feet, and the Argentine took one touch to set himself up and another to find the far corner of the goal.

Messi created the most chances in the game with four, and his FotMob rating was level with the highest-rated Minnesota player, Robin Lod, on 8.3.

This is why, regardless of what the stats say, and regardless of form, Inter Miami are always a threat, and will remain so against San Jose.

Earthquakes attack

San Jose Earthquakes are the highest-scoring team in MLS so far this season with 26 goals in 12 games.

The Earthquakes also lead the league for xG and big chances created.

At the other end of the pitch, however, they have allowed plenty of chances and have the second-highest xG conceded in the league.

Their own Argentine attacker, Christian Espinoza, is always one of the outstanding players in MLS, regardless of San Jose’s form.

He’s created the most chances in the league this season with 44, some way ahead of second-placed Albert Rusnak of Seattle, who’s on 33.

Meanwhile, striker Cristian Arango is level with Brian White, Tai Baribo, and Hugo Cuypers at the top of the MLS goalscoring charts on eight.

Like Minnesota, they’ll also pose a set-piece threat, having scored five goals from such situations.

It should make for a high-scoring game in which Bruce Arena’s San Jose side will fancy their chances against this struggling Inter Miami defence.

Prediction

Could another disappointing defeat be on the cards for Inter Miami? A draw could be the more likely result in California, and given the way these teams are playing, a high-scoring one at that.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from MLS live this season with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2025

Preview: Madrid host Mallorca in Carlo Ancelotti’s penultimate match at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid host Mallorca in LaLiga on Wednesday as they desperately cling on to their fading title hopes.

By Matt Smith

Throwing away a 2-0 lead against Barcelona last week summed up their campaign, and they now face a Mallorca side who are pushing to finish in the European places.

The two sides went head-to-head earlier in the campaign in the league, with Mallorca picking up an impressive point. They met again in the Super Cup back in January, but Madrid had too much for them as they ran out 3-0 winners.

The news that Carlo Ancelotti will be leaving to join the Brazilian National Team has recently emerged, so it will be interesting to see how the players react.

Team news

Madrid have a host of injury troubles to contend with heading into this one, recently naming their squad to face Mallorca. Vinícius Junior and Lucas Vázquez have recently joined a lengthy injury list, meaning Ancelotti has named a squad primarily filled with young talents with minimal experience.

Meanwhile, Abdón Prats, Robert Navarro, and Manu Morlanes are missing for the away side, while Chiquinho is a doubt.

Madrid are a little too top-heavy

Scoring goals has been no problem for Madrid this season. The addition of Kylian Mbappé has aided their production in the final third, finding the back of the net 2.1 times per game on average, with only Barcelona managing more. Defensively, however, they haven’t looked like a potential title-winning side.

Madrid have conceded 42.4 expected goals this season, more than seven other teams in the division. Letting in 1.1 goals per game, Ancelotti’s men don’t deserve to lift the title considering how Barcelona have performed, and they face an uphill task to do so from here.

Mallorca polar opposite to Madrid

Mallorca have conceded just three more goals than Madrid this season, but they find themselves sitting in ninth place. Finding the back of the net has been a major problem – the opposite to Madrid – scoring just 33 times in 35 league matches.

A win could take them into the European places, but if they fail to qualify by the end of the campaign, Jagoba Arrasate will be living to regret not getting more out of his players in the final third.

Mbappé has the pressure on his shoulders

With Vinícius and Rodrygo likely to be unavailable for the home side, the pressure will on the shoulders of Mbappé to provide the magic in attack. It’s certainly something he’s not been afraid of this season, best exemplified by his hat-trick against Barcelona last time out.

*Mbappé’s season shot map in LaLiga, 2024/25*

Despite Madrid’s struggles, Mbappé might be feeling like he could have done no more in the final third. Although winning the title is an almost impossible task, they’ll need the French international to continue performing at his best.

Prediction

Despite the injuries, there is too much on the line to predict against a victory for Ancelotti’s side. We’re going for a comfortable 3-1 victory to the home side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from LaLiga with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2025

Luis Diaz wants a new contract – here’s why Liverpool might not agree

Luis Díaz has made it clear he wants a new contract at Liverpool, insisting he would “stay however many years it takes,” but there is no guarantee the club feels the same way.

By Jack Lusby, ThisIsAnfield.com

“Since the first day I arrived, I’ve always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team,” Liverpool’s No. 7 told Colombian media after the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

“We’ll be talking about [a new contract], we’ll talk about it. For me, I’d stay however many years it takes. It also depends on the club, everything; these are details that are worked out separately.

“[I am] very calm, I’m happy and enjoying the Premier League.”

Amid speculation over a summer move to Barcelona or perhaps even the Saudi Pro League, Díaz‘s comments changed the narrative and made clear where his allegiances lie.

*Díaz traits – comparison against similar players in top five leagues*

Nearing the end of his third full season at Anfield and the final two years of his current deal, the Colombian appears to have found a home: and that has reflected in a key role within Arne Slot‘s attack.

Converted from a left winger to a deep-dropping No. 9 – accommodating Cody Gakpo‘s switch back out wide and the poor form of both Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez – he has played the second-most minutes of any attacker behind only Mohamed Salah.

Salah and Alexis Mac Allister are the only players to make more appearances in Slot’s first season at Liverpool and Salah is the only player to have a hand in more goals.

With 17 goals and eight assists in his 48 outings this term so far, Díaz has recorded his second-best tally for goal contributions in a single campaign – his best coming with 22 goals and 11 assists in a 54-game season bridging Porto and Liverpool in 2021/22.

Again, Salah is the only Liverpool player to create more chances than Díaz in the Premier League, while the centre-forward is tied with Curtis Jones for the highest rate of possession won in the final third per 90.

Thrown into an unfamiliar role midway through the campaign, Díaz showed his flexibility and tactical awareness to become a player crucial to Slot’s success.

There are, therefore, many reasons to expect negotiations between a player both eager to stay and vital to the cause to be more straightforward than those of Salah, Virgil van Dijk and, failingly, Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Only Liverpool have other factors to consider when it comes to Díaz, not least his long-term value in a squad which will undergo significant changes over the summer.

Díaz is still tied to the contract he first signed when he made the £50 million move from Porto in January 2022, and though FotMob understands claims he is earning a low £55,000 per week are wide of the mark, he is certainly not among the club’s highest earners.

There will be a motivation from the player’s side to agree terms more appropriate for a player of his importance; but for the club there are other matters to consider.

Firstly, he turned 28 in January and, though part of Slot’s strongest XI this season, there is reason to believe that could change after the summer.

Liverpool are expected to push heavily for a new centre-forward to replace Núñez, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško among the names being considered.

It stands to reason that any incoming No. 9 will be brought in as a long-term first choice, therefore lessening the reliance on an out-of-position Díaz, who could then find himself back in competition with Gakpo – himself only just 26 – for a spot on the left wing.

And while Díaz should back himself to win the battle for a place in the side such is his elite-level ability, there are clearly no guarantees he will be a leading player for Slot’s evolving Liverpool.

That would make it difficult for the club to commit leading wages to a player neither assured of a starting place nor with a reasonable scope to develop into that position with years ahead of him.

Though it sometimes leads to unpopular decisions, Liverpool are a club run more thoughtfully than many of their rivals, and there will be reservations among those on their board at risking a situation akin to that seen at Manchester United.

It could be argued that Díaz has missed the boat, then, when it comes to landing that top contract at Anfield – already in his peak years and, unlike Salah who negotiated a two-year extension at the age of 32, not quite indispensable.

However, that is not to say that Liverpool will not feel the same way as Díaz about prolonging their association, but there is certainly cause to believe the situation may not be as straightforward as his comments would indicate.

Much could depend on whether a lucrative offer arrives from the Middle East, but the ideal scenario may be to hold off and revisit the situation in a year’s time, knowing Díaz will hold his value with 12 months remaining and can still play a key role next season.

The same could apply to Jota, a loyal player and a deadly finisher when fit, and elsewhere in the squad with Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo.

Liverpool will need those stalwarts to ensure consistency in a season where they will defend the Premier League title with a number of new faces in their ranks, but it should also be recognised that this a squad of champions in transition.

Díaz is perhaps in the most difficult position of the lot: a player caught in the liminal space between one of Slot’s staples and one who could soon find his importance diminish as progress is made in building a new-look Liverpool.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

To keep up to date with everything Liverpool, make sure you click follow on the team profile in the FotMob app. Download the free app here.

May

2025

What is the cause of Girona’s drop off this season?

Not so long ago, Girona were on the come up. Finishing third in LaLiga last season and earning a place at the big boy’s table, qualifying for the Champions League. What a difference a year(ish) makes.

By Alex Roberts

At the time of writing, with three rounds to play, Girona currently face the very real threat of relegation. Sitting fifteenth with 38 points from their 35 games, just four points above Leganés in the final relegation spot, it’s been a dismal season.

Their next game, a trip to already-relegated Real Valladolid, is crucial, there is no other way to put it. Win, they should be fine, lose, and coach Michel faces the mammoth task of getting his players’ heads right and prays those below them are worse.

But how did they fall so far? Well, first things first, last summer was a disaster. Savinho, who was on loan from fellow City Group club Troyes, didn’t return, and was instead shuffled around the pack to parent club Man City for a fee of around £30m.

The Brazilian was a key part of Michel’s system, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists in his 41 games, and he wasn’t the only one to leave. Right back Yan Cuoto returned to City before being sold to Borussia Dortmund.

Top goal scorer Artem Dovbyk joined Roma, Aleix García ended up at Bayer Leverkusen and two more loanees, Pablo Torre and Eric García both went back to Barcelona. Losing all those players is hard, failing to replace them makes the situation even worse.

Like every modern manager, Michel has a particular way of playing, wanting his players to get the ball out wide before midfielders and full backs join the fray to create overloads and pull opposition players out of position, so if Savinho goes inside, Couto goes outside and vice versa.

Dovbyk, a fairly large combative striker, would then attack the space in behind and either produce an attempt on goal or bring in a player joining the secondary line of attack. Their current crop of players doesn’t have the same profiles.

Most notably, Abel Ruiz, the man they signed to replace Dovbyk, is a completely different type of striker. Quick and nimble, he loves to drift out on to the wing before cutting inside and having an attempt on goal.

As a result of Girona’s failure to recruit the right players, their numbers have taken a nosedive. While the amount of possession has remained largely the same, last season, they created the most ‘big chances’ (131), this season, 63.

Their xG has dropped from 71.8 in 2023/24 to 39.5 this time around. It doesn’t end there, touches in the opposition box is down from 1048 to 810 and the most important stat of all, goals scored, 41 scored in 2024/25 (so far) compared to 85 in the previous season.

Cristhian Stuani is a fine player whose had a fantastic career but at 38 years of age, he shouldn’t be relied upon as Girona’s primary goal threat, yet here we are, and he’s their top goal scorer with nine LaLiga goals.

It’s a similar story elsewhere. The club signed Arnaut Danjuma on loan and Yáser Asprilla for a club record €18m, but neither have been able to even slightly replicate what Savinho did, providing just eight goal contributions between them.

It would appear their distinct lack of form has seen them both fall out of favour with neither starting more than once in Girona’s last five games. It shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that only one goal has been scored by either player in that time.

Girona used to be fearless, supremely confident that no matter who they played, they were capable of outscoring them and claiming the three points – twice beating Barcelona 4-2 in 2023/24 are testament to just that.

By design Michel is a risk-taker, happy to forego defensive solidity in search of the next goal, now they play with an anxiety so apparent it’s verging on paranoia, terrified to make that line splitting pass or a run that would break formation.

Finally, as is so often the case when less established sides qualify for the Champions League, they weren’t ready for the number of games. Bryan Gil, Donny van de Beek, Miguel Gutiérrez, and Yangel Herrera have all had lengthy spells on the sidelines, and that’s just to name a few.

Speaking after a heavy 4-0 Champions League defeat to PSV, Michel admitted the volume of games was an issue, telling reporters: “It’s very easy to make the lineup, but it’s very difficult to manage the games.

“There is always a risk of injury, we cannot do rhythmic training and we have played every three days. It’s complicated for everyone, but you have to face it with mentality and personality. The most important thing is to always be ourselves.”

It’s been a rough season for Girona but it could be worse. Being a member of the City Group means their finances should be sound, let’s not talk about the City’s alleged 115 charges, that’s a story for another time.

Results may not have gone his way recently but with Michel at the helm, they have a tactically astute coach who will doubtless be determined to make things right. It wasn’t too long ago he was touted as Pep Guardiola’s eventual successor.

For now, they need to take it game-by-game, remaining in the Spanish top flight is the absolute priority.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from LaLiga with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2025

Premier League Team of the Week: Matchday 36

Again, the FotMob Team of the Week is missing players from the top two in the Premier League after Liverpool and Arsenal played out a 2-2 draw at Anfield.

By Sam McGuire

Crystal Palace have three in the team following their 2-0 win over Spurs while West Ham have three representatives in the starting XI here following their 2-0 victory against Manchester United. Who made the cut though and why?

Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola

The 32-year-old was in fine form for West Ham as they claimed a 2-0 win over Manchester United. The shot-stopper made five saves against the Europa League finalists and faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target total of 1.22. His exploits between the sticks earned him a FotMob rating of 8.6.

Right-Back: Mats Wieffer

Wieffer was deployed at right-back in Brighton’s 2-0 win over Wolves and that might be his position for the Seagulls moving forward. He earned a FotMob rating of 8.4 for his performance at full-back, winning the most duels (14), completing 86% of his attempted passes, completing 100% of his dribbles and winning five of his nine tackles. It was his highest rated performance of the season and it arrived against an in-form Wolves team.

Centre-Back: Michael Keane

Keane was making his first start since January. If his showing against Fulham is anything to go off, he might retain his place in David Moyes’ starting XI for the rest of the season. The 32-year-old completed 90% of his attempted passes, he scored a goal, made five interceptions and six clearances. Keane earned himself a FotMob rating of 8.1 for his performance against the Cottagers at Craven Cottage.

Centre-Back: Marc Guéhi

Guéhi was at his best for Crystal Palace in their 2-0 win over Europa League finalists Tottenham Hotspur. The skipper completed the most passes (54) and had a pass success rate of 90%. He even created a chance for the Eagles. The England international won 60% of his tackles, made three interceptions and recovered the ball on eight occasions. Guéhi also won six of his seven duels to cap off a fine defensive display, playing his part in a clean sheet for Oliver Glasner’s side.

Left-Back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Wan-Bissaka terrorised his former employers. The 27-year-old completed the most dribbles (five) of any player. He finished with a pass success rate of 86%, created two chances and claimed an assist in West Ham’s 2-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The versatile full-back also won two of his three tackles and won 50% of his ground duels.

Midfield: Sandro Tonali

Tonali has been one of the best midfielders in the league this season. He chipped in with another big goal for the Magpies on Sunday, this time in their 2-0 win over Chelsea. The Italy international completed 90% of his attempted passes, created two chances for teammates and won 60% of his duels in an impactful showing for Newcastle in a game that would prove decisive in their quest for a Champions League place.

Midfield: Daniel Muñoz

Muñoz claimed an 8.3 rating as Palace won 2-0 against Spurs. The 28-year-old hit the woodwork, carved out three chances and finished with an assist. He was an asset going forward and defensively. As a wing-back, he played his part in a clean sheet, winning 50% of his tackles, recovering the ball three times and winning two ground duels. The Colombian was an outlet down the right flank for Glasner’s side.

Midfield: Morgan Gibbs-White

A goal and an assist for Gibbs-White as Nottingham Forest drew 2-2 with already relegated Leicester City. Failure to win dents their hopes of a top five finish, but the Forest skipper played his part in trying to almost single-handedly getting them over the line here. He had five shots and created two chances. He also won 100% of his tackles and was involved in eight duels, ensuring he put himself about at the City Ground.

Midfield: Tomáš Souček

Souček put in a good showing for Graham Potter’s side in their victory against the Red Devils. The 30-year-old opened the scoring in the 2-0 win and played a key role in the Hammers keeping a clean sheet. He won 100% of his tackles, made four headed clearances, recovered the ball twice and won 75% of his aerial duels at Old Trafford. A solid performance capped off by an important goal.

Midfield: Eberechi Eze

Eze appears to be finding form at the perfect time for Crystal Palace. Following his double against Spurs, he has five goals in his last four outings. He’s also scored in four successive matches for the Eagles. He was the player of the match for the Eagles on Sunday, claiming a FotMob score of 8.9. Eze scored twice, carved out a chance for a teammate, attempted three dribbles and won four of his duels in what was an all-star showing.

Attack: Beto

The centre-forward was a machine for Everton in their win over Fulham. He won the most duels (10), including 73% of his aerial duels. He created a chance, missed a big chance and scored for the Toffees in what was a quintessential display from the big striker. The 27-year-old isn’t the most consistent in front of goal but he’s a nuisance and that’s why he’s such a handful for the opposition. No matter what, he’ll cause problems for teams and he did that against Marco Silva’s side.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2025

Preview: Barcelona take on Real Madrid in last Clasico of the season

Sunday’s Clásico could have a big bearing on the Spanish title race with just four points between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

By Graham Ruthven

Title decider

El Clásico is always one of football’s most consequential fixtures. Even by the usual standards of the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, though, Sunday’s meeting has a lot riding on it.

A Barca win would essentially crown Hansi Flick’s team champions. A Real Madrid victory, however, would electrify the Spanish title race, pulling the defending champions within one point of top spot.

With just four games left of the season, there’s no margin for error. Barcelona have looked the stronger of the two teams recently, but might not be so fresh after playing 120 minutes against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Barcelona edged a thrilling Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid last month with the Catalans also overcoming their rivals in the Supercopa and the league meeting at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier this season.

Real Madrid will do everything they can to get in behind Flick’s high defensive line. Despite defeat, there were signs in the Copa final that Los Blancos have a better idea of how to exploit this space compared to earlier in the campaign when Barcelona’s offside trap troubled them so much.

In a season of blockbuster clashes between Spain’s Big Two, this match has the potential to be as meaningful as anything witnessed so far.

Key players

At the age of only 17, Lamine Yamal is arguably the best player in the world at the moment. While the teenager was kept quiet by Inter on Tuesday, he has 18 goal contributions in LaLiga this season and is capable of producing a match-winning moment at any time.

The same could be said of Raphinha who has 25 goal contributions to his name. Between the pair, Barca have wide attackers who like to cut inside and pose a goal threat in and around the penalty area.

Pedri will be the creative heart for Barcelona in the centre of the pitch with Dani Olmo and Fermín López vying to feature in midfield alongside Frenkie de Jong and Gavi. Barca will look to control things in the middle.

Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior will be a threat in behind the Barca high line with Jude Bellingham another player capable of finding the back of the net from inside the box. Fede Valverde’s energy will also be important.

Thibaut Courtois could be in for a busy afternoon, especially with so much of Real Madrid’s first-choice defence missing. Real Madrid might have to play on the edge to get the better of Barca and keep their title hopes alive.

Team news

Barcelona have several injury concerns that will shape their lineup in Saturday’s Clásico.

Indeed, Alejandro Balde is expected to miss the meeting with Real Madrid just as he did the Champions League defeat to Inter, meaning Gerard Martín will likely keep his place at left back.

Jules Koundé is another absentee through injury while Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal remain sidelined. Robert Lewandowski, however, could be fit enough to start following a period out.

Real Madrid are still extremely thin on the ground for defensive options with Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba also likely to miss Sunday’s match at Montjuïc.

Prediction

Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid, continuing Hansi Flick’s hold over Ancelotti’s Madrid this season. And to take another potentially decisive step towards the title.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from LaLiga with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2025

Preview: First vs. Second as Liverpool host Arsenal

For a while, the clash between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield was circled in the calendar as a potential title decider. Here we are now though, the Reds are champions and the Gunners, without really realising, find themselves in a battle to claim a Champions League place.

By Sam McGuire

The match on Sunday might not be as important as it could’ve been, but it’s still massive.

An Arsenal capitulation?

Believe it or not, Arsenal have taken just six points from their last five Premier League matches. This collapse is why Liverpool were able to claim the title with four games to spare. The Gunners just stopped putting pressure on the Reds.

As a result, Mikel Arteta’s side found themselves ninth in the form table heading in to the weekend. Their season really has fizzled out. Their title challenge ended in April. Their pursuit of Champions League glory ended in Paris on Wednesday night with a 3-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal now find themselves in a strange predicament. They start the match on Sunday two points Manchester City, after the former champions drew with Southampton on Saturday. They might also be just three points clear of Newcastle and Chelsea. They still have to face the Magpies before the season comes to an end too.

So, they went from being in a fairly comfortable position to potentially needing to win two of the next three to claim a Champions League place. Getting up for these games will be a big ask following the disappointment of losing to PSG.

Attacking myths

All you hear from Arsenal fans and pundits is that the Gunners need a striker to transform them from runners-up into champions.

But how true is that narrative?

The data seems to dispute this idea. Arteta’s side are fourth in the English top-flight for goals this term with 64. Only Liverpool (81), Newcastle (66) and Manchester City (67) have more. Yes, they’re significantly behind the champions, but they’re not far off of their other rivals.

What is interesting is when you look at their underlying numbers. Arsenal are seventh in terms of Expected Goals with 56. It highlights their creative issues rather than their inability to finish. If anything, their overperformance in finishing has saved their campaign. Adding a striker to the mix won’t help if you’re simply unable to create. They’re sixth in big chances created with 101, a stat that further backs up the idea they aren’t much of a creative threat, despite the narratives suggesting otherwise.

Arteta’s system isn’t one that gets the best out of attackers. He’s not been let down by the board not signing a striker. He’s let his attackers down by shackling them.

What reception will Alexander-Arnold get?

This is the first game for Trent Alexander-Arnold since he announced he would be leaving Liverpool on a free transfer.

The right-back is expected to join Real Madrid in July, though Los Blancos want him earlier for the Club World Cup. The England international released a video, and a statement, earlier in the week explaining it was a difficult decision and he wanted to get out of his comfort zone.

While rivals and journalists have had their say on this and believe he should be thanked for his time at the club, Liverpool fans, at least those online, feel a little differently. It’ll be interesting to see what sort of reception he will get from an Anfield crowd that will be in celebratory mode following the title win over Spurs.

In fact, it’ll be interesting to see if Arne Slot even starts the No. 66. The Dutchman might favour Conor Bradley there given he’ll likely be starting for the Reds in that role next season.

A record for Salah?

Mohamed Salah is just one goal involvement away from matching the record held by Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer. The duo lead the way with 47, though they achieved this in a 42 game campaign.

The Liverpool No. 11 is two goals off 30 for the Premier League campaign and two assists away from 20. If he does the latter, he’ll be the first player since Thierry Henry to hit 20+ goals and manage 20+ assists in a single season. Records could tumble for the soon-to-be four-time Golden Boot winner.

And he has a fairly good record against the Gunners, with a goal in each of his last three games against them and five in his last seven.

Injuries

Liverpool are still without Joe Gomez while Arsenal will be without Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz for the trip to Anfield.

Slot made changes to his starting XI for the game against Chelsea last weekend but you have to assume the Dutch tactician will go strong against Arsenal to make a statement. He’ll also want his key players in the starting XI for the guard of honour they so richly deserve.

Prediction

We’re going with a 3-1 win for Liverpool. The Reds will want to make a point and Arsenal may be feeling the effects of crashing out of the Champions League.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2025

Preview: Man United are back at Old Trafford for West Ham clash

Manchester United host West Ham United in the Premier League at Old Trafford just days after Ruben Amorim’s side secured their place in the Europa League final.

By Matt Smith

Both sides have little to play for in this one, but the two managers will be desperate to end the season positively after disappointing campaigns so far.

West Ham came out on top when the two sides met earlier in the campaign, with Jarrod Bowen scoring a last-minute penalty to secure the three points. Erik ten Hag was relieved of his duties the day after this particular loss, with Amorim taking over a few weeks later.

Team news

The Red Devils appear to have no fresh injury concerns after their Europa League victory over Athletic Club. Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot, and Lisandro Martínez are among those who remain on the treatment table, while Matthijs de Ligt was unavailable during the week.

Crysencio Summerville and Michail Antonio should be the only absentees for the Hammers. Graham Potter confirmed this week that Edson Álvarez would be available after missing West Ham’s previous three games.

Europa League taking focus for United

Amorim’s first Premier League campaign is virtually over, and Man United are simply playing for pride and to finish as high as possible. The Red Devils will be unable to finish in the top half, and it’s been clear that their focus has been on the Europa League, considering their domestic performances of late.

Only Southampton have picked up fewer points than United over the last five games, but the supporters might not mind if they lift the Europa League trophy. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Amorim rest some key players for this game considering the importance of saving their season in Europe.

West Ham’s issues are clear

West Ham’s primary issue this season has been finding the back of the net, and their striker situation hasn’t helped their cause. Niclas Füllkrug was signed in the summer, but he failed to hit the ground running before picking up an injury, and Antonio has missed the majority of the campaign.

Only the three relegated sides and Everton have scored fewer goals than the Hammers, which has massively contributed to a hugely disappointing season. West Ham currently sit in 17th place, but if they can solve their goalscoring issues and secure three points against the Red Devils, they could climb above them and into 14th.

Mason Mount a surprise difference-maker

It’s been a difficult start to life at Old Trafford for Mason Mount, who has struggled to make an impact, partly due to injuries but also down to a lack of contribution when fit. Arriving for big money from Chelsea, a lot of expectation was placed on Mount’s shoulders, but he’s failed to deliver so far.

That being said, over the last two games, Mount has struck three times, coming off the bench last time out to score twice. With Amorim likely to rotate his side against West Ham, Mount could continue his momentum and be the difference-maker in this one.

Prediction

Despite little to play for, Manchester United might have the edge due to their players battling for a place in the starting XI for the Europa League final. We’re going for a 2-1 win to Amorim’s side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2025

Preview: Newcastle and Chelsea square off on Tyneside

With qualification for next season’s Champions League on the line, this may well be the biggest game of 2024-25 for both Newcastle and Chelsea. It’s not exactly make or break but it’s about as close as it gets.

By Alex Roberts

Newcastle are starting to stumble, losing, winning, and drawing their last three games, in that order, while Chelsea are starting to pick up a little bit of form. That famous St James’ Park crowd are needed now more than ever.

Cole Palmer is back, baby

Yes, we wrote those exact words after he scored in Chelsea’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Bournemouth earlier in the season, he then went 18 games without a goal. We were wrong, but hear us out, this time we think he really IS back.

In the 3-1 win over Liverpool, it wasn’t just his late penalty that made us realise, it was a moment before that. Palmer, running along the byline, hit the post from a tight angle, nearly catching Alisson out.

It was the type of move he was doing when he was at his best, supremely confident in his abilities. The net didn’t ripple but the glint in his eye was back. He’s still Chelsea’s best attacking threat with 15 goals and eight assists in his 34 league games. Don’t be surprised if he adds more to that.

No Joelinton, no party

The big Brazilian was a big miss in the 1-1 draw with Brighton. Newcastle have arguably the best and most balanced midfield three with him, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães roaming the pitch, when one of them are missing, it’s a little off.

Joe Willock has his qualities but as demonstrated in their previous fixture, without Joelinton’s physicality, the other two aren’t able to operate as high up the field as they would like to create.

With 59 aerial duels won, 149 recoveries, and a 61.4% tackle success rate in the Premier League this season, Joelinton’s transition into midfield is one of the great success stories. Losing him now could not have come at a worse time.

“O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?”

Speaking of deeply missed midfielders, Roméo Lavia is starting to show just how good he is at football. In the win over Liverpool, there is an argument to be made he was the best player on the pitch.

100% of his passes met their mark, 100% of his passes were completed and with six defensive actions, he hardly put a foot wrong. Of course, Enzo Maresca is right to be cautious considering his recent injury struggles, bringing him off in the 78^th minute.

It was only his 16^th game for the club, but it looked like his 100^th. It poses the question; would Chelsea have struggled if Lavia had been fit all season?

The bigger picture

Either one of Newcastle or Chelsea could lose this one and still look good for a top five finish once the season ends. Points will be dropped in the six-club race (yes, we’re including Arsenal) for a CL spot, it’s all about concentrating on your own game.

*The Premier League table going into the weekend*

No matter what happens between Villa and Bournemouth, Unai Emery’s side are unlikely to enter the top five due to their goal difference (+6). Nottingham Forest play just after this one and with one win in their last five, a visit from already-relegated Leicester could be worse.

With no relegation battle or title challenge, all the drama has come down to the race for CL qualification. No pressure lads.

Prediction

There is a lot at stake here, this will likely be one of the cagier games of the run-in. That home advantage should see Newcastle through, however. We’re going with a 2-1 win for Eddie Howe’s side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.