The Pulse of Football

Apr

2025

Jean-Philippe Mateta has proven his worth in the Premier League

There’s been a lot of love for the likes of Chris Wood, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha this season. The trio have all impressed this term for their respective clubs. Wood is one goal shy of 20 for the campaign, Mbeumo is on 18 heading into Brentford’s Thursday night clash with Nottingham Forest while Cunha added his 16th of the season on Saturday as Wolves claimed a 3-0 win over Leicester City.

By Sam McGuire

All three players are having the most prolific seasons of their careers in the English top-flight.

However, the fact these players are performing so well has meant a few attackers have gone a little under the radar in the Premier League this term. One such player is Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Many wondered if the Crystal Palace attacker could replicate his 2023/24 form for the Eagles. The 27-year-old scored 13 goals in the final 13 games of the season under Oliver Glasner to end the campaign with 16 goals to his name. It was a career-high return in one of the top five European leagues. He did once score 19 in Ligue 2 during the 2017/18 season.

It seemed to be a bit of a purple patch. Was it going to be another Jesse Lingard on loan at West Ham type spell? Maybe the 2024 version of Michu, where everything he touches just seems to result in a goal?

It did look as though that might be the case too. Mateta started the 2024/25 campaign with four goals in 19 appearances for the Eagles. He’s since scored 10 in 14 in the English top-flight. His last goal in the Premier League was a delightful effort against Arsenal. He capitalised on a William Saliba mistake and floated an effort over David Raya and in off the underside of the crossbar.

*Shot map for Mateta’s goal vs. Arsenal*

“When I started on the bench, I watched the first half. He [Raya] was very high, so I knew if we won the ball high, I could try – so I did, and scored!,” Mateta said to Sky Sports after the match.

“Yes [it’s one of the best goals of my career]. I was scared when the ball hit the crossbar, and I just waited – and after the ball goes in.”

He followed that up with an assist in the FA Cup semi-final win. He did miss a penalty in that game, with his effort striking the post, but it was still an impressive showing from the Palace No. 14. The former Mainz man claimed an assist, won the most duels (seven) in the match, and created two chances for the Eagles, proving himself to be troublesome for Villa. He also completed 100% of his attempted dribbles at Wembley.

His turnaround in form under Glasner has been nothing short of remarkable. Since the Austrian tactician arrived at Crystal Palace in February 2024 only Alexander Isak (33), Erling Haaland (31) and Mohamed Salah (31) have scored more Premier League goals than Mateta (27).

Former Palace forward Clinton Morrison says the reason for these numbers is because of the backing the one-time Bayern Munich managerial target has given his centre-forward.

“I remember speaking to Dougie Freedman, the [former Palace] director of football, and he said ‘he’s a talent, he just needs a run of games’,” Morrison said.

“Glasner has given Mateta confidence, if a manager comes in and tells you ‘you’re playing week in, week out’ and you’re not going to get dragged off after 60 minutes [it will give you belief]. He’s been a revelation, the goal is fantastic, that is a centre-forward in great form.”

It hasn’t all been straightforward though. For example, Mateta was hauled off at half-time against Manchester City recently with Glasner unhappy with the forward’s first-half showing.

“It was a tactical decision to sub Mateta,” Glasner revealed. “Now, I have to say it was the wrong decision. Not taking him off, but changing the formation to a 3-5-2. We wanted to control the midfield more, but it didn’t work.

“Subbing him wasn’t a mistake, he can do better than he did in the first half. He lost too many duels and balls. That’s why we decided to change something. The mistake I made was to change the system, not subbing JP.”

Neither appears to hold a grudge though. Glasner has Mateta back in his team while Mateta continues to perform well.

*Mateta season summary for this season and last*

His form hasn’t gone unnoticed. Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on his situation. Mateta has just 12 months left on his deal at Selhurst Park and despite the club wanting to extend his contract, there could be a move on the cards this summer. Manchester United are also believed to be interested as they look to reshape their attack under Ruben Amorim.

Why wouldn’t they be? They need a reliable goal threat. And Mateta is exactly that. He ranks eighth for Expected Goals in the Premier League this term and ninth for goals.

*Mateta shooting stats, Premier League 2024/25*

Mateta has an xG per 90 of 0.45 in the top flight for the Eagles from a relatively low shots average of 2.28. In a better team, creating more chances, there’s no reason he couldn’t scale his output.

In a summer in which the likes of Isak (£120million) and Hugo Ekitike (£65million) could be moving for huge money, Mateta could be one of the bargains of the transfer window if a team manages to pry him away from Palace.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Apr

2025

Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain is more than a semifinal

When Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain step onto the pitch on Tuesday, they won’t just be fighting for a place in the UEFA Champions League final, they’ll be squaring up against history.

By David Skilling

Neither club has ever lifted European football’s most coveted trophy, and that absence has loomed large in the identity of both institutions, something opposing fans take a lot of enjoyment out of. The weight of expectation, past failures, and their intertwined stories, particularly through a French lens, make this one of the most culturally charged semi-final ties in recent memory.

For all their stature, both Arsenal and PSG remain members of the “you’ve-never-won-it” club. Arsenal came agonisingly close in 2006, losing 2-1 to Barcelona in a match that still haunts the Gunners’ faithful today. That night in Paris, ironically, is etched into the club’s collective psyche, a missed opportunity that has defined their European narrative since.

*The PSG starting XI for the ill-fated 2020 Champions League Final*

PSG’s scars are more recent. The 2020 final in Lisbon saw them fall 1-0 to Bayern Munich, despite being spearheaded by Neymar, Mbappé, and a billion-euro project designed specifically for nights like that. It was supposed to be their moment. Instead, it served as a harsh reminder that money can build the stage, but it can’t guarantee the performance.

Now, both teams find themselves closer than they’ve been in years. Arsenal are back in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since that 2006 run, with a new identity forged under Mikel Arteta, a team that blends youth, belief, and tactical clarity. PSG, meanwhile, are navigating a post-Galáctico phase with more balance, less glitz, and a squad that finally looks like a team rather than a brand.

This tie isn’t just tactical or historical, it’s personal, especially for Arsenal. The club’s French DNA runs deep, thanks to Arsène Wenger’s 22-year reign. Wenger didn’t just change Arsenal, he changed English football, bringing in a wave of French influence that redefined the club’s playing style, recruitment, and cultural footprint.

Think Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pirès, icons who made North London feel like a second home for French football royalty. The football club is still shadowed by their legacy, and this semi-final offers a subtle nod to that era. Arteta, although Spanish, embodies some of Wenger’s core principles: elegant build-up play, technical proficiency, and a commitment to attacking football.

For PSG, the French connection is less nostalgic and more political. As the club that represents France’s capital city, they carry the burden of national expectation. While Marseille remains the only French club to win the Champions League (in 1993), it’s PSG that’s constantly cast as France’s best hope of cementing French football on the international map. Domestically dominant yet internationally unfulfilled, the pressure to win Europe’s top prize is immense, especially given the Qatari investment and the club’s role as a soft-power project for its owners.

Arsenal and PSG couldn’t feel more different in terms of how they’ve built their squads.

Arsenal’s recent resurgence has been built on smart recruitment, patience, and a clear vision. Players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard represent a generation that grew up watching the club get knocked out of Europe, and are now rewriting that narrative. Their style is slick but grounded in tactical discipline, with an edge that’s been missing since the Invincibles era. We saw against Real Madrid what this team is capable of, and it was special.

PSG, on the other hand, have often relied on individual brilliance. But this version, under Luis Enrique, has transitioned well in the wake of the club’s superstar era, with a solid and well-oiled team that includes Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and the exciting young Désiré Doué breaking through. There’s a sense of hope in Paris; this project has been years in the making, but it looks like the new approach might have been what fans needed all along.

Arsenal, long considered outsiders in Europe, now feel like a genuine powerhouse in the making. PSG, long seen as overhyped pretenders, have quietly matured. They are both trying to outgrow their narratives, and this is a battle that could go either way.

For each side, progression to the final isn’t just about this season, it’s about legacy. Win it all, and they join the elite. Lose, and the “nearly men” tag continues to cling like smoke to a suede jacket.

Should Arsenal win, they will have slain Real Madrid in emphatic fashion and then PSG in back-to-back rounds, a statement run that even opposing fans would have to acknowledge. If PSG advance, they’ll have conquered Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal, a huge statement to the world that they’re capable of dominance over teams from the Premier League.

Whoever comes out on top won’t just reach the final, they’ll take a decisive step toward rewriting their legacy.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from MLS on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Apr

2025

Preview: Arsenal and PSG kick off the Champions League semifinals

Well at least now they know it’s over. But how do Arsenal react to Liverpool lifting the Premier League against PSG in the competition they’ve had a better chance of winning all along?

By Ian King

Premier League runners-up vs. Ligue 1 champions

Arsenal have reserved their best performances this season for the Champions League, whether the two-legged disembowelment of Real Madrid or rattling seven past PSV in Eindhoven. But the Premier League has been different, recently. They’ve drawn five of their last eight, and those ten dropped points are essentially the reason why Liverpool were celebrating at Anfield on Sunday.

PSG are already the champions of France but finally lost for the first time in Ligue 1 last weekend, 3-1 at home to Nice. They’ve already knocked out two Premier League teams in the Champions League knockout phase this season. They might not be invincible in Ligue 1 but everybody knows the threat they pose.

History

Omens are good for Arsenal, who beat PSG in the Cup WInners Cup semi-finals upon their first meeting in 1994. They drew the first leg in Paris 1-1, and won the second 1-0 at Highbury. They’ve remained unbeaten against PSG throughout three Champions League matches since then, including, of course, winning 2-0 at The Emirates in the MegaGroup last October.

*The League Phase meeting between the two*

Key Players

The key man in that match was Kai Havertz, and without his services this time around attention turns to Leandro Trossard, who is now chasing Havertz down as top goalscorer in all competitions, with his goal against Crystal Palace last week taking him to four short, on eleven. If they’re going to take a commanding lead to Paris, they may need more from him.

The biggest threat to their defence remains Ousmane Dembélé, who’s scored 32 in 44 in all competitions for PSG so far this season, though he now hasn’t scored in his last six. Bradley Barcola has been rather living in Dembélé’s shadow this season, but he’s scored 18 goals and is a threat, though it’s not even certain that he will start this game. If he doesn’t it’ll likely be Désiré Doué, who himself has scored 13.

Team News

Mikel Merino and Ben White have picked up knocks, but both are expected to start. But the bigger news is that Riccardo Calafiori may be returning to their squad for the first time since he picked up a knee injury during the last international break. PSG have no injury concerns at all.

Prediction

It’s easy to start checking out early from a competition that you can see fading from view, and this could be the reason for Arsenal’s patchy Premier League form of late. But they have been uniformly excellent in the Champions League, with only one defeat from twelve games – which came at the start of November – and home and away wins against Real Madrid already under their belt. PSG are good in Ligue 1. Properly good. But they’ve also lost five games in this season’s Champions League already, including one each to Aston Villa and Liverpool, and this contrast is why I’m saying 3-1 to Arsenal, and PSG to be left with much to do in Paris.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Champions League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, player ratings, and a new super-intuitive knockout stage bracket. Download the free app here.

Apr

2025

Preview: Back to league action for Inter Miami

Inter Miami return to MLS action this weekend against FC Dallas. It’s a home game sandwiched between two big continental matches for Lionel Messi and co., and getting the balance right between rotation and momentum will be key.

By James Nalton

Messi remains MLS’s best

Inter Miami have not set the league alight this season, and Messi has not stood out as obviously as he did at times last year.

Despite this, Messi remains the biggest attraction in the league, is undoubtedly still MLS’s best player, and Inter Miami are still the best team in the Eastern Conference on points per game.

Being the best player in the league and being the best performer in the league are not always the same thing, and Messi will probably need to do more than he has been doing if he’s to retain his status as the league’s MVP for a second year running.

*Top average FotMob ratings in MLS this season*

At this stage of the regular season, he’s happy to operate in cruise control, and he’ll be hoping that’s enough to help his Miami team maintain their record as the only unbeaten team in MLS this year.

That’s been as much thanks to their defensive record as it has been down to Messi, as head coach Javier Mascherano has arranged a team that boasts the joint-fewest goals conceded this season.

Canadian continental hangover

Inter Miami come into this game on the back of a high-profile defeat in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Thursday.

Messi’s team have reached the semifinals of the region’s version of the Champions League/Copa Libertadores, but were defeated 2-0 in the first leg by an increasingly impressive Vancouver Whitecaps team on Canada’s west coast.

A crowd of 53,837 turned up in Vancouver to watch the Whitecaps (an MLS-era record for the club) and no doubt had an eye on watching Messi, too.

They were treated to another top performance from the home team, typical of their season so far.

For Miami, as one of the favourites to win the tournament, it was a blow, and they’ll be looking to turn things around in the second leg, though it won’t be easy.

Preparation for that begins with this game against FC Dallas.

Dallas Stars

The Texas team swooped for one of the best players in the league, and indeed in MLS history, when they signed Luciano Acosta from FC Cincinnati during the off-season.

The Argentinian feels like an MLS veteran at this stage, having also played for DC United, but is still only 30 years old.

It promises to be a battle of the Argentine No. 10s should he and Messi take to the field.

Inter Miami will be relieved if they don’t have to contend with Croatian striker Petar Musa, who was Dallas’ top scorer last season with 16 and already had three goals and three assists in eight games in 2025 before picking up an ankle injury.

Prediction

FC Dallas have players capable of troubling the Miami defence, and will be looking to catch their opponents off guard as they prepare for a big game in the Champions Cup. It could well be another draw for Miami as they nevertheless retain their unbeaten record.

(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.

Apr

2025

Preview: The time is now for Liverpool as Spurs visit Anfield

It is a matter of when and not if the Premier League title makes it to Anfield this season. Following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening, Liverpool are one point away from being named champions of England for the 20th time. They can win it in front of home fans on Sunday afternoon as they host Spurs.

By Sam McGuire

History favours Liverpool

Ange Postecoglou has faced the Reds five times as Spurs manager across all competitions.

He’s been the victor on two occasions. One was the controversial game in which Liverpool had Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota sent off, as well as a legitimate Luís Diaz goal wrongly ruled out after a VAR miscommunication. The other arrived earlier in the season in the first leg of the Carabao Cup. Again, there was some controversy with the match-winner, Lucas Bergvall, avoiding a red card just moments before scoring the only goal of the game.

Liverpool have won the other three matches. And when the Reds win, they do it emphatically. They romped to a 4-2 win under Jürgen Klopp, a 6-3 triumph in the league under Arne Slot and then a 4-0 victory in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

The Reds have scored 15 goals in five games against Postecoglou’s Tottenham, averaging three per game. You wouldn’t necessarily be shocked if they manage that again this weekend, with Spurs being a bit of a disaster defensively this season.

Tottenham’s defensive woes

Only six teams are conceding more goals than Spurs (1.5) on a per 90 basis and three of those have been relegated to the Championship.

Tottenham are struggling. They have six clean sheets this term and only four teams have fewer. Again, three of them have already been relegated. Their xG Conceded total of 54.3 is the fourth worst in the English top-flight. Yep, you guessed it. The only teams with a higher xG Conceded total are Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton.

Spurs last kept a clean sheet in the Premier League in February. Their inability to defend is why they’re in real danger of finishing 17th this season. It’s why they’ve taken just three points from the last 15 on offer.

Right now, West Ham are occupying that position, one point behind Postecoglou’s men with five games remaining. And the two teams face off next weekend.

Are Liverpool stumbling over the line?

The narrative being pushed recently is that the Reds have struggled over recent weeks and their season has stuttered. Defeats to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League no doubt play a part in this idea. The loss to Fulham won’t have helped either.

But Slot’s men have actually taken 12 points from the last 15 on offer. In fact, they’ve won eight of their last nine in the Premier League. If this is stumbling over the line, what has Arsenal’s title challenge been? The Gunners have taken just 17 points from the past 30 available.

The Reds might not be sweeping teams aside, they’ve scored just nine across their last five outings, but they’re keeping clean sheets and winning games. They’re doing what is required to win the Premier League.

The current state of play

Joe Gomez is going to miss this game for Liverpool. The versatile defender is still out with a hamstring issue. Other than that, the Reds have a full squad to pick from. Trent Alexander-Arnold returned last week to score the winner against Leicester City and he might force Conor Bradley onto the bench for this game.

Spurs, meanwhile, might be without skipper Son Heung-Min while Radu Drăgușin is definitely out with a cruciate injury. Son missed the defeat to Nottingham Forest on Easter Monday and might be saved for the Europa League clashes.

Prediction

Liverpool only need a draw but we think they’re going to win. And we think they’ll do it in style with a 3-0 win.

(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.

Apr

2025

Preview: Bournemouth take on Manchester United at Dean Court

Will it be a case of, “Oh, we don’t like to be beside the seaside” for Manchester United at Bournemouth?

By Ian King

Work to do

Neither Bournemouth nor Manchester United come into this game in great form. Bournemouth have won just one of their last eight and have seen fleeting aspirations of European football fade from view, while United have only beaten Ipswich and Leicester in the League since the end of January. United had the dopamine hit of that last-gasp win against Lyon in the Europa League, but that didn’t seem to have had many lasting effects, if their performance against Wolves the following weekend was anything to go by.

*The earlier meeting at Old Trafford this season*

History

In 1957, when AFC Bournemouth were still Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic, these two met in an FA Cup quarter-final at Dean Court. United won 2-1 that day, but 27 years later the Cherries got revenge, winning 2-0 in the Third Round under the leadership of a promising young manager called Harry Redknapp. Curiously, they were drawn together three times in six seasons in the 1980s. United won 3-0 at Old Trafford in 1985 and 2-1 after a replay in 1989. United haven’t won any of their last three meetings, and Bournemouth won the corresponding fixture in December, 3-0 at Old Trafford.

Key Players

Of all the most impressive cogs in the machine built by Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth this season, one that has really stood out has been Justin Kluivert. When he’s on his game, he brings an extra dimension to any attacking position as well as an air of unpredictability. Manchester United’s occasionally supine defence may look like something of an open invitation.

There haven’t been many bright spots to United’s season, though the growth of Kobbie Mainoo has stood out. His injury was a big blow, and his return is just about the only bit of good news to have come from Old Trafford these last few weeks. He demonstrated why he was missed with the equalising goal in that extraordinary 5-4 win against Lyon.

Team News

The latest addition to the Manchester United treatment room is Joshua Zirkzee, who won’t play again this season. Toby Collyer is understood to be close to returning, but isn’t quite there yet. Altay Bayındır missed the Wolves game, and whether he will start this one or whether Andre Onaná remains in goal is an open question. Bournemouth are definitely missing Enes Ünal and Ryan Christie and, while there’s been talk that Luis Sinisterra could return before the end of this season, there’s been no actual sign of it yet.

Prediction

Manhcester United may be distracted by their upcoming Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, and Bournemouth are just the sort of team to be able to pick off opponents who aren’t paying attention. Their own form has been patchy, but they remain a fluid, organised unit of a team. United’s Premier League season is fading from view early, just like the last time around. 3-0 Bournemouth, with everything resting on Europe for their visitors.

(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.

Apr

2025

Preview: Nottingham Forest and Man City clash at Wembley

Nottingham Forest and Manchester City meet on Sunday with a place in this season’s FA Cup final on the line. The winner will face Crystal Palace.

By Graham Ruthven

History beckons

No matter what happens over the final few weeks of the season, the 2024/25 campaign has been a memorable one for Nottingham Forest. Sunday’s match, however, could make it legendary.

The City Ground outfit are just one win away from their first FA Cup final in over three decades. Nuno Espírito Santo’s team have already beaten Manchester City once this season. Another victory over the same opponents would arguably be Forest’s biggest single result in a generation.

*This season’s league meetings between the two*

City won’t remember this season fondly, no matter what happens at Wembley this weekend. Nonetheless, winning the FA Cup would at least be something for Pep Guardiola and his players to celebrate.

Last season’s surprise defeat to Manchester United might still be lingering in the minds of the City squad and so this is an opportunity for redemption, especially after a season which has caused many to question the Citizens.

Key players

Few could have predicted that Chris Wood would become one of the most potent centre forwards in English football this season, but the numbers speak for themselves. Indeed, the 33-year-old has scored 19 league goals and will lead the line against City.

Elliot Anderson will be important to giving Forest dynamism through the centre of the pitch. If Nuno’s team are to counter attack effectively, they’ll need the former Newcastle midfielder to act as a valve.

Nikola Milenković and Murillo will need to be at their defensive best to keep City’s forward line at arm’s length, as will Matz Sels in between the posts.

Kevin De Bruyne could start in an advanced position once again with Omar Marmoush the attacker who will give Manchester City some verticality. The Egyptian has scored three goals in his last six games.

*Marmoush’s season summary at Frankfurt and City*

Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes could be key to Guardiola’s game plan. They have been pushed into central midfield from the full back areas in recent weeks and this ploy could give City control of the match, certainly in terms of possession.

Team news

Ola Aina is Nottingham Forest’s biggest absentee. The right back has been a big miss in recent weeks and could force Nuno to start Neco Williams in his place with Àlex Moreno at left back.

Nuno also faces a decision over his attacking lineup with Callum Hudson-Odoi potentially a casualty of Forest’s need to have more defensive organisation against the ball in the centre of the pitch.

Erling Haaland and Rodri remain sidelined for Manchester City while Nathan Aké and John Stones are also injured and will miss the rest of the season including Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final at the national stadium.

Ederson is another absentee for City, meaning Stefan Ortega will start. Manuel Akanji has featured from the bench in his last two games following injury and could receive more game time this weekend.

Prediction

This is a big occasion for Forest, the 12th visit to Wembley in their history, and only their second since the famous old stadium was rebuilt. So perhaps City’s greater experience on the big stage will see them qualify for a third straight FA Cup final: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Man City.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Apr

2025

Preview: Palace and Villa meet in Wembley semifinal

It’s the first FA Cup semi-final of 2024-25 as Crystal Palace and Aston Villa face off at Wembley on Saturday. One of these sides will earn the honour to play either Nottingham Forest or Man City under the famous arch once again next month.

By Alex Roberts

We’ve reached the point where there are no dark horses, every side still in the tournament has earned the right to be here. It’s been 29 years since Villa last won a trophy, while Palace have never won a piece of ‘major’ silverware.

Both Unai Emery and Oliver Glasner will need to put that out of their respective minds, however. In order to make history, they need to focus on the present.

Trouble in paradise?

Star striker Ollie Watkins has found himself dropped for some of Villa’s biggest games of the season, including Tuesday’s defeat to Man City. Emery decided to go with Marcus Rashford in the number nine spot, a decision that paid off to an extent considering he scored, albeit a penalty.

Watkins recently admitted he was left ‘fuming’ after missing out on a starting place in both of the Champions League quarter final games against Paris Saint Germain, and although Emery brushed off any notion of a bust-up, things don’t appear like they once were.

Top quality number nines are hard to come by nowadays, and Watkins is certainly one of them. Emery is risking unsettling the England international. Despite what many may think, Rashford is not an out and out striker. Dropping Watkins in yet another massive cup tie would be risky business from Emery.

Daniel Muñoz is a star

The right-wingback is absolutely thriving under Oliver Glasner at Palace. Solid defensively as well as a consistent attacking threat, Muñoz has already scored twice in his four FA Cup games, playing a key role in getting them here.

In the league, he’s proven to be their best tackler with 2.2 successful tackles per 90 minutes and a 64.2% success rate. He’s genuinely hard to get past, and some of the best wingers in the country have tried and failed to get the better of him.

He fits Glasner’s system like a glove but of course links with a move away have started to circulate despite the recent signing of a new contract. Palace are a side on the up under the Austrian, reaching the FA Cup semi-final is testament to how far they’ve come. Showing that kind of ambition will keep players like Muñoz at the club.

An ex-wonderkid living up to the hype

For those of us who are old enough to have played FIFA 16, we all saw this Youri Tielemans renaissance coming from a mile away. It’s been a roundabout journey, from Anderlecht, to Monaco, and then Leicester City but now he’s finally the main man for one of the best sides in England.

Aging like fine wine, he’s arguably the best midfield general in the Premier League right now. Sitting just ahead of the defence or a little further forward, he has an impressive 88.3% pass accuracy rate, created five chances, and 12 accurate long balls in his previous four FA Cup appearances. A true midfield orchestrator.

*Tielemans player traits, comparison against similar players in Europe’s top five leagues*

He’s what every club in the world wants and needs, a player who turns up in the big games, and this may be the biggest of his Villa career… so far. Tielemans starred in the 3-2 win over PSG and then the 4-1 victory over Newcastle. We’ve now reached the business end of the season, it’s time to reach that 88 potential rating.

Prediction

To quote almost every pundit in the country, it’s going to depend on “who wants it more.” This is the type of game where form goes out the window but one of them needs to win. We’re going to go with 2-2 after extra time and then Villa on penalties.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Apr

2025

Preview: Chelsea take on Everton in battle of the blues at the Bridge

Chelsea host Everton at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca’s side remain in the fight to finish in the Champions League places.

By Matt Smith

The game means very little to the Toffees, who are now mathematically safe and are simply playing to finish as high in the league as possible.

The last time the two sides met, a 0-0 draw was played out at Goodison Park. Everton won’t want to remember their previous trip to Stamford Bridge, with the Merseyside club losing 6-0 under Sean Dyche.

Team news

Maresca‘s Chelsea have received a recent injury boost, with Roméo Lavia slowly making his way back to full fitness. Unfortunately, Malo Gusto has suffered a muscle injury, meaning we could see Reece James come into the starting XI at right-back.

James Tarkowski, who has started every Premier League game for Everton this season, pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury last time out. The English defender missed training this week, so he’s likely to miss out.

Neto the man of the moment

Chelsea’s attacking options haven’t been firing on all cylinders of late, but Pedro Neto was the man to step up last time out. It’s been a difficult season for the Portuguese international, but he struck late on against Fulham to secure the victory in their previous game.

Maresca will be hoping the goal is what he needed to start producing regularly for Chelsea. There’s no doubt Neto has plenty of talent, and the supporters at Stamford Bridge will be looking to see the player who was on fire for Wolves before they signed him.

Tarkowski will be a huge miss

Everton’s defensive solidity has undoubtedly been a key reason why they have comfortably escaped the drop this season. The Toffees have conceded just 1.2 goals per game, with only three sides in the Premier League managing fewer.

*Tarkowski’s defensive numbers, Premier League 2024/25 – ranking against other Premier League centre-backs*

The partnership of Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite has been imperative for David Moyes’ side, but that could be broken up on the weekend. With Tarkowski likely unavailable due to injury, it will be interesting to see whether Everton can maintain their stubbornness at the back.

Ndiaye v James

Iliman Ndiaye has been a bright spark in an underwhelming season for Everton, providing a real threat on the left-hand side of attack. His mazy dribbling and eye for goal make him a nightmare to play against, and Reece James could have a difficult afternoon on his hands.

The Chelsea right-back has struggled with fitness issues over the last few years, and he’s going to have to be at 100% to deal with Ndiaye at Stamford Bridge. James hasn’t played a lot of football in recent months, so it could be an area for the Toffees to target.

Prediction

With Everton having little to play for, Chelsea supporters will be hoping Maresca’s side will be more up for this one. The west London club are just three points off fourth, so a win would be crucial in their race for the Champions League. We’re going for a 2-1 victory to Chelsea.

(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.

Apr

2025

Preview: Barcelona take on Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey Final

Spain’s biggest two clubs are head-to-head for Spain’s biggest two trophies; this weekend the first will be decided as the Copa del Rey final hopes to see another dramatic edition of El Clásico.

By Karl Matchett

The one team you can’t lose to

While the meeting of Barcelona and Real Madrid is neither a new phenomenon nor an infrequent one when it comes to dishing out silverware, it does remain one of the game’s great spectacles. Midweek lineups from both teams attests to such, with some changes in place as each secured a narrow win in LaLiga.

It’s Barcelona who will feel they have comfortably the upper hand when it comes to enjoying the better 2024/25 season, but that may only mean Real go all out here to ensure this cup goes back to the capital. With the Supercopa won, top spot in the league being held and European success still a possibility, it could prove an incredibly memorable campaign for Hansi Flick and his side. For Carlo Ancelotti, then, the next month or so must be about trying to secure a domestic double before a potential exit – starting with this final.

Both sides have elite attacks, yet look precarious in defence at times. Playing to their strengths may just then see Saturday’s 90 minutes be one of the most attractive of the year – if tempers or officiating don’t get in the way.

Recent form

Aside from a second-leg defeat in Europe to Dortmund, Barcelona have been relentless: 27 games since the turn of the year, four draws and just that one loss. Otherwise, it’s wins all the way to put them in the driving seat in league terms and favourites elsewhere. Real Madrid have lost three and won three in the last six, on the other hand. Big games have too often passed them by when in previous years, form meant nothing and they’d raise their game. It won’t have gone unnoticed by Barcelona, who trounced them in the Supercopa final of course.

*Barcelona have won the three competitive and non-competitive Clásicos played this season*

Team news

Barcelona’s big recent miss is Robert Lewandowski, who has a hamstring injury. Alejandro Balde and Marc-André ter Stegen remain out too.

Kylian Mbappé faces a race to be fit after an ankle injury for Real Madrid, with Ferland Mendy also still on the comeback trail but pushing for involvement soon. Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga are all out.

Key player

With Lewandowski out, look to perhaps player of the season Raphinha to take the lead for Barca in a scoring and a creating capacity. The Brazilian has been excellent and in his last nine appearances has six goals and five assists. On a longer-term capacity he ranks higher than 97% of similar players in Europe’s top leagues over the last year for chances created, than 98% for shots taken and than 99% for goals scored. A magnificent campaign regardless of whether he’s playing right, left or centrally behind the No. 9.

Prediction

Barcelona to make it two trophies from two in an event-filled encounter: Barcelona 4-2 Real Madrid.

(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.