The Pulse of Football

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)

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: 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.

May

2025

Preview: Inter Miami visit Minnesota United for the first time in their history

Inter Miami will be looking to build on last week’s thrashing of New York Red Bulls as they face one of the standout teams from the Western Conference, Eric Ramsay’s Minnesota United, on Saturday.

By James Nalton

Miami, Messi, and Suarez are back

Inter Miami recovered from their Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal loss to Vancouver Whitecaps and a first defeat of the MLS season against FC Dallas by defeating New York Red Bulls 4-1 last weekend.

Messi got on the scoresheet following a well-worked series of one-twos with Telasco Segovia, while Luis Suárez scored one and assisted another.

It was a more familiar look for Inter Miami after their recent struggles, and head coach Javier Mascherano will have been pleased to see Messi get back in the goals following a run of four games without a goal or assist.

Suárez’s assist in that game against the Red Bulls put him back at the top of the MLS assists charts alongside Charlotte FC’s Pep Biel on six.

The Impact of Fafà Picault

The other goal in that 4-1 win came from a more unlikely source.

After being in and out of the side at the start of the season, Fafà Picault started Inter Miami’s last two MLS games and scored in both.

The Haiti international joined from Vancouver Whitecaps ahead of the new season, and looks like he could be a more than useful piece for Mascherano’s side.

His other goal this season came off the bench in Atlanta in May to give Inter Miami a late win, but he could now be set for a more regular starting role on the wing.

Only Suárez and Messi have produced more for Inter Miami this season in terms of expected goals and assists, but on a per-90 basis, he is sandwiched between the two as the team’s second-most-productive player after Messi.

*Inter Miami Goals + Assists per 90, MLS 2025*

With Robert Taylor being traded to Austin FC at the end of last month, Inter Miami will hope Picault’s role reflects the one Taylor performed so effectively earlier on in Messi’s time with the team. So far, so good.

Minnesota United’s Impressive Start

Given the size of MLS nowadays (30 teams), teams in the Eastern and Western conferences don’t face each other every year. As this has worked out, it means this is just the second meeting between Minnesota United and Inter Miami, and the first at United’s home in Saint Paul.

Minnesota, coached by former Manchester United assistant coach Eric Ramsay, have started the season well, sitting second in the Western Conference.

Their only defeats this season came against Los Angeles FC on the opening day and against Concacaf Champions Cup finalists and Western Conference leaders, Vancouver Whitecaps, last month.

Fired on by the dual strike threat of Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi, United are a threat despite having the lowest average possession in the league.

They use counter-attacks and set-pieces to their advantage, while at the other end, goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair has the most clean sheets in the league.

United fans will be looking forward to this one, as it’s the first time they have played Miami in the era of Messi and Suárez.

Prediction

Despite Minnesota’s good defensive record, Inter Miami’s attack will be full of confidence and will be looking to continue where they left off against the Red Bulls with a win on the road.

(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: In form Man City head to basement side Southampton

It’s been seven games since Manchester City lost in the Premier League. They should make it eight against Southampton.

By Ian King

City’s familiar late season uptick

Manchester City arrive for this match having finally woken up. There’s still the chance of silverware in the FA Cup but it was late enough for a round of ‘might Pep quit?’ think-pieces. Their recent run has pushed them up to third in the Premier League and they’re now chasing down Arsenal for second, with three games to go.

Southampton have won twice since 2 November in all competitions. One of those was against a Championship club, and the other was against Ipswich, who will be one again soon. Last week they lost to Leicester. So, their form isn’t great.

Southampton should get past Derby’s record

It looks like the fight over being the worst top-flight team in the entire history of English football could come down to goal difference. In 1890 Stoke got ten points, but that was under two points for a win and they only played a 22-game season. Stoke won more games that season than Southampton have this, by three to two.

In modern times there was, of course, Derby County in 2007/08. They finished the season on 11 with a goal difference of –69. Nice. Southampton’s is –52 with three to play. Southampton should clear that. They haven’t, however, beaten Manchester City in the League since 2020.

Key Players

There are no key players for Manchester City this week, and this is because it’s more or less all of them. They’ve won their last four games in a row, and they’ve had seven different goalscorers in that time, with goals coming from all over the place. Erling who?

Southampton’s key player is Aaron Ramsdale. It seems likely he’ll have a busy afternoon, though since this is his third relegation from the Premier League in the last six years, he’s presumably getting used to it by now.

Team News

Having been out for five weeks, Erling Haaland might just return for this one. He was on the bench for the Wolves game and even warmed up, but he didn’t end up coming on. Rodri and Nathan Aké are both back in training soon, though they won’t be ready for this one.

Southampton are at full strength – whatever exactly that means – bar Charlie Taylor, who may not play again this season.

Prediction

With City this weekend and Arsenal on the final day of the season, it may only be the fact that Southampton have got the goal-shy Everton in between which makes that seventeen goals they’d need to concede to tie with Derby County as the worst team in the history of top-flight football in this country seem unattainable.

And Manchester City ARE ALIVE. They’ve not been spectacular, but getting so comprehensively beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League seems to have shaken them awake. With Erling Haaland potentially returning on top of the fact that they can produce goals from just about any position regardless, you start to feel fearful for Southampton. 5-0 City. Sorry, Saints.

(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

FPL tips from the reigning champ: GW36

Get ahead of the Group Chat thanks to our new regular column from FPL expert Jonas Sand Låbakk.

By Graham Ruthven, in conversation with Jonas Sand Låbakk

Introducing our expert

Jonas is a 21 year old student who, like FotMob, hails from Norway. He was Fantasy Premier League champion for the 2023/24 season, finishing ahead of 11 million other managers. So who better to provide expert advice?

Read his expert advice every week.

*Don’t forget the FPL deadline for this round – make your transfers and get your team sorted before 1.30pm BST on Saturday 10th May*

The Eye Test vs. The Stats

Kevin De Bruyne (9.5m) hasn’t reached the heights this season that he has in past campaigns with the Belgian set to leave Manchester City this summer.

Indeed, De Bruyne has started just 17 Premier League games when previously he was one of the first names on Pep Guardiola’s team sheet.

However, the 33-year-old has looked more like his old self in recent matches and is currently playing a more prominent role for City. This is reflected in De Bruyne’s return of two goals and one assist in his last four appearances.

De Bruyne has also played over 80 minutes in each of his last five league outings. Over the last five gameweeks, the Belgian is actually Manchester City’s top FPL points scorer.

City’s only goal in the GW35 win over Wolves was notched by De Bruyne who is operating as a number 10, and sometimes a False Nine, in Guardiola’s side. This could, however, change now that Erling Haaland is back fit.

Statistically, De Bruyne’s 0.59 Expected Goal Involvements per 90 minutes is slightly below what you might expect for a player at such a high price point.

Nonetheless, De Bruyne will be eager to end his Manchester City career on a high with favourable fixtures against Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham rounding off the campaign.

*De Bryne still compares favourably to similar players in Europe’s top five leagues*

Chris Wood (7.1m) is having the season of his life having registered 19 goals for Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest. This makes him the Premier League’s fourth-top scorer.

The New Zealand international has grossly over-performed his underlying numbers, notching 22 goal involvements from an xGI of just 12 this season. Wood’s recent form has cooled, perhaps pointing to an unsustainable streak.

However, Forest have a potentially kind fixture against already relegated Leicester City in GW36 and so Wood will surely fancy his chances of adding to his tally this weekend. With the centre forward also Forest’s first-choice penalty taker, he could be a smart pick.

Long shot

Kevin Schade (5.1m) has been one of the most underrated assets in FPL this season.

At his modest price point, there is only one midfielder ahead of the Brentford man with more points – Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy. While some FPL managers have been put off by Schade’s uncertain minutes, the German winger has started every game since GW23. His minutes should now be secure.

Schade’s stats of 7.66 Expected Goals (xG) and 1.63 Expected Assists (xA) are impressive for a player at such a low price point. With the German owned by just 1.2% of FPL managers, he could prove to be a strong differential for your team.

Brentford will face Ipswich Town this weekend. The Tractor Boys are already relegated and so this could be an opportunity for Schade to return a big haul. After this, Brentford have games against Fulham and Wolves where there could be goals.

Upcoming games to follow

There are a number of fixtures worth motoring in GW36 with the three relegated teams (Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton) giving their opponents the opportunity for a sizeable return in terms of FPL points.

Brentford take on Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday. The Bees boast several strong options with Bryan Mbeumo (8.2m), Yoane Wissa (6.7m) and Schade all worthy of your attention.

Manchester City’s clash with bottom-of-the-league Southampton also stands out as a fixture that could be fruitful for options like Kevin De Bruyne, Omar Marmoush (7.6m), Joško Gvardiol (6.4m) and Haaland (14.8m) if he is fit enough to feature.

Finally, Nottingham Forest’s home game against Leicester City could produce a number of returns.

Leicester have struggled badly in an attacking and defensive sense this season and so Forest assets like Wood, Nikola Milenković (5.2m), Neco Williams (4.5m) and Matz Sels (5.2m) could be good picks for your FPL team as the 2024/25 season gets close to a conclusion.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

Did you know that you can track live Fantasy points with FotMob? Simply select any Premier League game, swipe to the Lineup tab, and press the big ‘Fantasy’ button! Download the free app here.

May

2025

Arda Guler: Ready to step up in an improved role at Real Madrid?

Arda Güler has endured a difficult season, but recently demonstrated why so many at Real Madrid still believe he is a future Galactico in the making.

By Graham Ruthven

Just days after the painful defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, Arda Güler’s standout performance against Celta Vigo gave Real Madrid reason to believe again. A difficult transitional season could have shaken faith in the Turkish youngster’s potential. Instead, his standing as a future Galactico is firmer than ever.

After starring for Türkiye at Euro 2024, Güler might have expected to play a more significant role in Carlo Ancelotti’s team this season. However, the addition of Kylian Mbappé and Endrick limited the youngster’s minutes when Güler would have been a key difference-maker for most other teams in Europe.

Real Madrid, of course, aren’t like most other teams in Europe. Galacticos must earn their place and competition for places is so stiff that Güler found himself behind Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz on the right side. His Man of the Match performance against Celta Vigo, however, suggested Ancelotti should have used him more regularly.

Güler is an all-round threat. Not only did the 20-year-old arrow a powerful strike into the top corner, he threaded through an outstanding pass from deep to release Mbappé in behind to score Real Madrid’s third goal. As a creator and a goal threat in his own right, Güler served a reminder of everything he offers.

The interchange play with Mbappé was possibly the most encouraging thing about Güler’s overall performance. Having Güler on the right side to link up with opened up a new dimension for Mbappé who usually drifts to the left where he can combine with Vinícius Júnior. It was unusual to see him in the right half spaces so often.

Ultimately, Ancelotti has never found the right balance across his forward line. The arrival of Mbappé disrupted the chemistry Real Madrid had developed last season as they won a Liga and Champions League double with Jude Bellingham playing the role of a de-facto number nine from central midfield. With Vinícius and Rodrygo as split strikers, the system worked.

Xabi Alonso, who is widely expected to replace Ancelotti this summer, will inherit the same conundrum. Güler, however, could offer part of the solution. He is the sort of player who could give Real Madrid some much-needed balance.

While Güler’s brilliance on the ball is what makes him so special, he also ranks in the 98th percentile for players in his position when it comes to tackles in the attacking third per 90 minutes (0.69). He also ranks highly for dribblers challenged, passes blocked and tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes. The Turk is proactive in and out of possession.

Ancelotti has been extremely careful not to rush Güler into the Real Madrid lineup. Too careful in the opinion of a lot of Madridistas, although the Italian coach could point to how Güler has started 10 league matches this season and will likely break the 1,000-minute mark, three times as much game time as he received last term.

“I know people in Türkiye want me to play every game for Real Madrid. I do too, but I know I have to be patient,” wrote Güler in a recent article for The Players’ Tribune, referencing the clamour from supporters. “When Ancelotti says that I can become one of the best midfielders in the world, it shows that the club has a plan for me.”

*Güler’s passing stats are impressive, when he has featured in LaLiga this season*

That plan hasn’t always been obvious. Real Madrid’s apparent strategy in recent times has been to stockpile the best young players in the world and develop them to the point they have no choice but to play them. This is what they did with Vinícius and Rodrygo with Endrick another talent who falls into this category.

In the past, Real Madrid would have waited for such players to establish themselves somewhere else before buying them for big money. Increasingly, though, Los Blancos are cutting out the middle step, perhaps motivated by the expensive reconstruction of the Santiago Bernabéu which has impacted the club’s ability to spend in the transfer market. Real Madrid are signing young prospects and free agents.

Nicknamed ‘The Turkish Messi’ as a prodigious teenager at Fenerbahçe, Guler has played with the weight of expectation on his shoulders for years. His home nation expects him to become a superstar, if his performances at Euro 2024 didn’t already make him one. Real Madrid have a similar expectation.

Next season, Güler will likely have the chance to make a fresh impression on a new manager. Alonso, assuming he takes over, will have a different plan for Real Madrid as a team, and Güler as a player. The 20-year-old’s late-season form proves he should still be at the forefront of the club’s future plans.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

Pippo Inzaghi is leading Pisa back in to the big time

With Simone Inzaghi one game away from winning the Champions League with Inter, his brother Pippo Inzaghi has guided Pisa to Serie A promotion for the first time since 1990.

By Kaustubh Pandey

The older Inzaghi, who was known for scintillating finishing ability during his playing days, hasn’t had a straightforward journey as a manager. Despite that, he has made something out of everything that has come his way – exactly what you’d expect from an expert poacher. As a result, he has acquired a reputation for helping Serie B teams reach promotion play-offs.

And as Simone continues to impress with his own Nerazzurri, Filippo is doing that with a Nerazzurri side of his own in a different division.

Pippo Inzaghi’s managerial journey

After a fruitless start to his managerial career at Milan, Inzaghi joined Venezia in Serie C. The move came right after the Lagurani had earned promotion from Serie D. Inzaghi took them directly to Serie B in his first season and in the very next season, they finished fifth in the second division, only to lose in the promotion play-off semi-finals.

The impression he made at Venezia caught the attention of Bologna, who were then trying to establish themselves in Serie A. The experience only lasted around seven months and it became clear that Inzaghi was yet to do enough to impress at the highest level.

His next step came, once again, in Serie B. Benevento had just dropped down to the second division after a stint in the top-flight during the 2017/18 campaign and were dreaming of an immediate return.

It worked out excellently, as the Giallorossi earned promotion with seven games remaining in the season. Their yo-yoing continued, though, and they were relegated just one season later with Inzaghi leaving at the end of the campaign having once again failing to make a mark in Serie A.

Brescia was the Italian’s next adventure. Owned by the chaotic Massimo Cellino, the then Serie B side sacked Inzaghi even when they were fifth in the table and well in with a chance of making it to the play-offs. It was a classic Cellino decision.

A move to crisis-ridden Reggina followed. Amidst their major financial problems, Inzaghi took them to the play-offs but was sacked due to the club’s battle with bankruptcy.

Pisa is Inzaghi’s latest achievement and considering how the Nerazzurri haven’t played in Serie A since 1990, it means something to them and their fans.

How Pisa operate under Inzaghi

Remarkably, Inzaghi has picked up a better points per game tally at Pisa than any other active manager with at least 50 games at a single club.

That speaks volumes for the impact that the former-striker is known for making. At the Tuscan side, he has stuck with a very familiar back three that usually comprises Antonio Caracciolo, Simone Canestrelli and Arturo Calabresi.

Pisa rely on a strong defensive unit, as their have had the fourth lowest average possession percentage in a 20 team division.

Inzaghi’s side are more about exploiting spaces than creating those spaces actively in possession, as they use ball-winners and runners to create their chances.

They boast the second-highest number of clearances per game, which shows that they do depend on structure and often being no-nonsense in their approach.

As a result of the stable and solid setup in the back three, Pisa have conceded the second lowest number of goals per game, only behind rivals Spezia. This doesn’t stop them from being nifty in attack, as the Nerazzurri have wing-backs like Idrissa Touré and Samuele Agnori, who add thrust from wide areas.

Stefano Moreo and Gabriele Piccinini add a decisive final ball in attack, with the duo having picked up a combined total of 13 assists across the campaign.

This supplements Alexander Lind and Matteo Tramoni, with the Italian playing off the Dane in a 3-4-2-1 setup.

All of this is an indicator of how Inzaghi’s system is making excellent use of the individual strengths of his players and that is quite like him, as he isn’t someone who imposes a higher tactical setup at clubs.

That emphasis on a solid foundation out of possession is a reason why Pisa don’t boast the most incredible numbers in attack. None of their top scorers or assisters are among the most prolific in the division because they find individual solutions while operating in a stable structure.

How does the future look for Pisa?

The central Italian side could soon find themselves on a much more stable footing in Serie A than the likes of Monza, Benevento or Spezia have in recent years.

That isn’t just because their stadium Arena Garibaldi will soon have a capacity of over 12,500 and is located right next to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, but there is talk of the fact that the stadium could end up in the hands of club owner Alexander Knaster.

This can, in the longer term, add more financial stability to the club and they could, a bit like Como, market themselves an attractive destination for visiting Italian football lovers. The lack of private ownership for club stadiums has been a pertinent issue in Serie A and the Tuscans evading that problem will be a massive boost in a lot of ways.

Off-pitch matters aside, Pisa do need more Serie A experience in the team. The likes of Lind, Tramoni and Agnori offer a lot of upside, but the Nerazzurri’s main aim for next season would just be survival. It will also be an opportunity for Inzaghi to finally prove himself in the top flight and if they do end up with players that have Serie A experience, his task could get easier than it is looking right now.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2025

Premier League Preview: Matchday 36

This could be a decisive weekend in the Premier League as the race for a place in the Champions League places heads into the final few weeks of the campaign. Just seven points separate Arsenal in second and Aston Villa in seventh. There are six teams battling it out for four places and the random fixture generator has been kind to us for Matchday 36, pitting Newcastle United (fourth) against Chelsea (fifth) and recently crowned champions Liverpool against second placed Arsenal.

By Sam McGuire

The top of the table could have a very different look at 7pm on Sunday afternoon. Here’s your weekend preview.

Sneaking up the table

At one stage this season, it appeared as though Manchester City might finish outside of the Champions League places. Now, though, with three games to play, Pep Guardiola’s side are in third place, just three points off of Arsenal with a favourable game this weekend.

City face Southampton on Saturday. They are, comfortably, the worst team in the Premier League. The Saints, marooned at the bottom of the table, have conceded the most goals this season while also scoring the fewest. They’ve won just twice all season and are 10 points adrift.

This should be the easiest three points of the season for the former champions. Especially in the form they’re in. They are unbeaten since early March and top the form table with 13 points from 15.

Despite their early season struggles, there’s still a world in which Guardiola guides his side to a second place finish and success in the FA Cup. It’d be some turnaround.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Bournemouth have been consistently inconsistent this term.

They started the season with one win in their opening five and four wins in their opening 10. At the end of November, they went on an 11-match unbeaten run, winning seven of those in the process, and catapulting themselves up the table. Some even thought they may have an outside chance of a top four finish.

This run included a 4-1 win over Newcastle United and a 5-0 dismantling of Nottingham Forest.

Andoni Iraola’s side then lost five of the next season and have won just three games since February. Yet they’re currently unbeaten in five and claimed a 2-1 win over Arsenal in their last game.

Despite such inconsistent form, they find themselves eighth in the Premier League table. They know that a win would move them to within four points of the visitors this weekend, Aston Villa.

Unai Emery’s side are within one win of moving level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle United. It would heap the pressure on teams around them, teams such as Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, as they look to claim a top five finish to have Champions League football return to Villa Park next term.

Villa haven’t travelled well this season, picking up 23 points from 17 matches. It sees them sit 11th in the away form table. Bournemouth, meanwhile, haven’t been great at home, winning just seven of their 17 home fixtures.

A must not lose at St James’ Park

Newcastle United host Chelsea in the early kick-off on Sunday.

This is a massive game in the race for a Champions League place. Right now,

The Magpies are level on points with Enzo Maresca’s side. They’re ahead of them in the table due to their superior goal tally. Both teams are in relatively good form with the Blues ranking fifth in the form table with 11 points while Eddie Howe’s team are sixth with 10 points from their last five matches.

Chelsea have started to pick points up over recent weeks, at a key time of the season too, winning three on the bounce in the Premier League and beating champions Liverpool last time out. It has given them a much needed boost heading into this particular run-in.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have slowed down a little bit. Humbled by Aston Villa a few weeks ago, they needed a late penalty last weekend to claim a point against Brighton. The key thing for them though was to not lose. It’ll be the same mentality this weekend too.

All eyes will be on the highly sought-after Alexander Isak. He’s just five behind in the race for the Golden Boot but has two in two. He also has a goal against Chelsea in each of his last three appearances. A big finish to the season will see his valuation swell.

How will Arsenal react?

Arsenal’s season has fizzled out. There’s no way to dress it up. Mikel Arteta’s side have taken just six points from their last five matches in the Premier League. This form has seen their title challenge turn into a scramble to finish in the Champions League places.

They’re winless in four across all competitions and lost their last Premier League match against Bournemouth, a game in which they did take the lead. The Gunners lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League to end their journey at the semi-final stage.

What could’ve been a special end to the season now looks set to be a stress filled one for Arsenal players and fans alike. Do they have the mental fortitude to see out the campaign?

They travel to Anfield this weekend to give the champions a guard of honour. Again, that is going to be a mental blow for a team that had title aspirations a little over a month ago. Will they bounce back and put in a good performance to maintain their lead in second or are they going to crumble?

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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