The Pulse of Football

Sep

2025

Diaz and Olise, Bayern’s new winning combination on the wings

Luis Díaz has made a fast start at Bayern Munich with Michael Olise giving the Bavarians their best wingers since two legends.

By Graham Ruthven

Bayern Munich spent a lot of time this summer pondering a number of different attacking targets. They wanted Florian Wirtz before Liverpool broke their then-transfer record to land him from Bayer Leverkusen. They wanted Nico Williams too before the Spanish international performed a Jordan Belfort-esque U-turn to stay at Athletic Club. Bayern were in for countless players.

Bradley Barcola, Christopher Nkunku, Nick Woltemade, Rafael Leão, Leandro Trossard and Takefusa Kubo, just to name a few more, were all linked with the German champions at one point or another of the summer transfer window. In the end, though, Luis Díaz was the signing they settled on and the early indications are that Bayern’s messy process may have led to the ideal outcome.

Díaz has the ground running in Germany, registering three goals and two assists in his first three appearances for his new team. Bayern Munich are already sitting top of the Bundesliga table after two games of the new season and their new Colombian winger will help them stay there.

On the other side, the Bavarians also have Michael Olise who has notched three times in his first two Bundesliga outings this term. The pair are Bayern Munich’s best wingers since the days of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. Díaz and Olise could take Vincent Kompany’s team to even higher heights this season.

Last season was a broadly successful one for Bayern. They reclaimed the Bundesliga title at a canter as Kompany put in place new foundations in his first season as manager. Indeed, Bayern Munich became more possession-oriented. They controlled more matches. There were, however, some deficiencies.

One such deficiency was Bayern Munich’s vulnerability in defensive transition. Kompany generally likes his backline to play on the halfway line, but this left the Bavarians too exposed against opponents with pace. This was most brutally exploited by Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Jonathan Tah has arrived from Bayer Leverkusen to offer more recovery speed in defence, but Díaz’s signing could be just as crucial to Bayern Munich making themselves tougher to play through this season due to the Colombian’s willingness and ability to press high and hard from the front.

This was one of the things that made Díaz such a good fit for Liverpool. His energy and intensity made him effective on both sides of the ball. The Colombian already ranks among Bayern Munich’s most effective players at winning the ball back in the attacking third with Olise also up there.

*Díaz’s player traits comparison against similar players in top five leagues*

The scary thing about Díaz’s early-season output for the rest of the Bundesliga is that he could have scored even more. The 28-year-old has spurned a number of big opportunities, most notably against Augsburg on Saturday when Díaz somehow failed to find the net from just two yards out, but there’s no doubt Bayern’s forward line is now even more fearsome.

“When you watch the game closely, it’s not always his teammates preparing the chances for him. He works himself a lot for these chances because he’s always active,” said Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany when asked about Díaz’s misses. “For me it’s more important to score a goal in the right moment than maybe score four or five in a game and then go without scoring for five months. He’s always there, always a threat and we’re happy with his energy.”

It remains to be seen how Díaz will be impacted once Jamal Musiala returns from injury. The German international is a number 10 by trade, but likes to drift out to the left side to get on the ball. This could affect Díaz who does his best work when he can get isolated and get one-on-one against opposition defenders.

The deadline day addition of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea has also added another elite-level player into Bayern’s attacking rotation, meaning Díaz might face a sterner fight for game time even if the Senegalese striker plays a different position. Kompany could deploy Harry Kane and Jackson as a front two. He now has that flexibility.

Bayern Munich still have flaws. They still lack a natural number six at the base of the midfield. There are concerns over the right back position with Konrad Laimer still moonlighting there. Many supporters believe the club should have done more in the summer transfer window to round out the squad.

In Díaz, though, Bayern Munich found themselves a proven difference-maker who is already contributing just a few matches into his career at the Allianz Arena. This comes after a debut 2024/25 season from Olise which put him among the best wingers in the world. The spirit of Ribery and Robben can be found in Bayern’s two current wide threats.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Sep

2025

Can Jamie Vardy bring the party to Serie A?

Jamie Vardy has joined Cremonese on a free transfer following his exit from Leicester City. The move is unusual but does have a certain amount of charm to it.

By Kaustubh Pandey

Cremonese, after all, are not even a notable outsider in the glamorous tradition of Serie A. Peers such as Sassuolo are associated with the ever-present Domenico Berardi. Genoa’s Luigi Ferraris Stadium is synonymous with the trademark raging atmosphere. Parma was once a breeding ground for future stars and Udinese have the famous Pozzo family ownership.

Cremonese have never really been known for anything. They did spend the 2022/23 season in Serie A but went back down to Serie B straightaway, having played in the top-flight for the first time since the mid-1990s. The city of Cremona is nestled in the heart of the Milan-Venice-Florence triangle in the north of Italy and is barely known to international tourists.

But now, something seems to be changing at Cremonese. Under the iconic Davide Nicola, who has masterminded the survival of many lower Serie A sides, the Grigiorossi have won both of their first two league games and lie inside the top-four. Jamie Vardy‘s signing comes at a crucial point of not just the season but in the club’s low-key history.

It is the oddity of the move which stands out, as the striker could have easily joined a club in England. But if there is anything Vardy is known for, it is uniqueness. And he has certainly made an intriguing decision which sets him apart from many players in the modern age.

Assessing Cremonese’s squad

Nicola’s side is a weird mix of experience and players hitting their prime. The well-known Franco Vázquez has played countless games across the Italian football pyramid. Antonio Sanabria showed his quality at Torino, while Federico Baschirotto has helped Lecce survive relegation in the past. Wing-back Giuseppe Pezzella also boasts a solid record in Serie A.

Warren Bondo and Filippo Terraciano were together at Milan last season and are still in their early 20s, with both having been involved in relegation scraps at Monza and Verona. But both offer technical ability too.

Jari Vandeputte is probably the most interesting profile at Cremonese. He has shown an ability to carry the ball from midfield this season, having been their stand out player in the campaign to date.

*Vandeputte’s player traits comparison against similar players in top 5 leagues*

The squad also boasts two recognised top-flight goalkeepers in Emil Audero and Marco Silvestri, who will have a big role to play later in the season.

How does Vardy fit in at Cremonese?

Perhaps, the most fascinating thing about Vardy’s decision is how his skillset suits Nicola’s system.

The Italian is known to always prefer a 3-5-2 system which relies on defending deep and using direct play in attack. If anything, the 39-year-old is very in tune with that approach and it is was also a big factor in why he helped Leicester City win the Premier League back in 2016.

That isn’t to say that Cremonese will win silverware, but Vardy will play a role which he will recognise right away.

He is no stranger to a team that does not enjoy a lot of possession. At Leicester last season, the veteran recorded only 20 touches on a per 90 minute basis, and averaged under four touches in the box per 90 minutes.

*Vardy’s attacking numbers in the Premier League last season*

Despite the Foxes’ struggles as an attacking unit in general last season, and despite his general lack of involvement on the ball, Vardy still scored nine goals from an xG of 11.2 and that isn’t bad at all.

He did face injury worries across the campaign and those troubles have only increased, over time, he had a familiar knack for making those smart runs into space or making quick dashes in-behind after linking up with those around him.

Most of the teams that Cremonese will face across the season will come at them and leave that space in behind for them to attack. This will be especially true against the Seven Sisters (Serie A’s traditional giants) and it was evident in how Milan were playing against them in the opening game week.

Federico Bonazzoli‘s incredible overhead kick had earned three points for Cremonese but with Vardy in the side, they might not need something as spectacular as that to upset other teams.

Nicola’s backline is largely known to stay deep and make it difficult for the opposition to find the spaces to attack. Having a front two makes sure that none of the two attackers are isolated.

This too will help Vardy, as the likes of Vázquez and Sanabria are good at linking up with those around them. The ex-Palermo player specifically knows how to pull the strings from deeper in attack, allowing his strike partner to focus on goalscoring.

Besides all that, Nicola’s reputation of making the most of a variety of striker styles across his career will put the new Cremonese signing in good stead. The two individuals are mavericks in their own regard and there is every reason to believe that they would enjoy working with each other.

Could it go wrong?

Definitely. And it would largely come down to fitness and Vardy’s availability across the season.

Surprisingly enough, the ex-England man missed only three Premier League games last season and played over 2000 minutes. In the 2023/24 Championship campaign, he managed to play 35 games and scored 18 times too.

This indicates that Vardy, despite his age, is fitter than most players of his age and more than ability, he would also add consistency to the side.

On top of that, he will ply his trade in a warmer country than the UK and this can prove key to his game time and fitness across a longer period. This can play a massive role in not just helping Cremonese avoid relegation but potentially finish in a safe midtable position in Serie A.

The 39-year-old’s arrival in Cremona has already given many a lift, as fans clamoured to get a view of the veteran when he arrived in the city. It was a hero’s welcome and there is a growing sense that this odd marriage in the north of Italy can help Vardy get the party started all over again.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Aug

2025

Preview: Newcastle host Liverpool with the Isak situation unresolved

Drama and goals are inevitable as Newcastle host Liverpool at St. James’ Park.

By Filip Mishov

Premier League’s biggest transfer saga set to transpire on the pitch

Newcastle’s tug-of-war with Liverpool’s top target, Alexander Isak continues, through official statements and counterstatements, and the dragged-out saga only adds fuel to the fire ahead of the blockbuster clash at St. James’ Park.

The Magpies began the season with an uninspiring goalless draw at Villa Park, although one that could have been easily turned into a win if Eddie Howe had a single senior striker at his disposal, given both Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga could not convert their clear-cut chances.

Unlike the PIF-owned club, Liverpool boast a squad full of elite firepower already and the quality of their attack was on display in the season opening 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield, with all three starting forwards plus Federico Chiesa finding the back of the net. However, the Reds’ defence remains a concern for Arne Slot, as his new wing-backs will need time to adapt and settle in the role expected of them.

With that being said, the reigning 20-time champions of England are itching to avenge the EFL Cup final defeat from last season, while Newcastle are chasing their first home win against the Merseyside club since 2015.

Key players

Florian Wirtz put in an impressive physical performance on his Premier League debut, covering 11km and running 8.3 km or 75% of the time spent on the pitch before getting substituted after 82 minutes, but ultimately, the German prodigy will be judged on his attacking output this season. Hence, the toughest physical test of the season probably awaits him, when the 22-year-old comes up against Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.

Given Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong‘s unconvincing debuts, defensively speaking at least, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga’s pace and flair are set to be Newcastle’s main threat against Arne Slot’s radical high line, especially on the break, with the electric Englishman and Swede making 23 sprints each and recording top speeds

over 35 km/h in the opening round.

Team news

Jacob Ramsey‘s arrival provides Eddie Howe with a new attacking option, although still not one filling the void up top, but the 24-year-old is projected to go straight into the squad after completing his move from Aston Villa. Joseph Willock is back in training and apart from Alexander Isak’s absence, everyone else is ready and the English coach is expected to field an unchanged starting XI.

The Reds’ ability to outscore almost any opponent is quite admirable, but their poor defensive shapes left them exposed against the Cherries, and given Newcastle’s strength in the middle of the pitch, Arne Slot is expected to make at least a couple of changes, with Ryan Gravenberch coming in to add physical presence, possibly replacing Alexis Mac Allister. Furthermore, Jeremie Frimpong is ruled out with a hamstring injury and with Conor Bradley nearing a return, but not fully fit to start, Joseph Gomez is expected to feature at right back.

*Build your own starting XI for any team with the FotMob lineup builder*

Prediction

If Newcastle are to surprise Liverpool, Eddie Howe must find a way to stop Mohamed Salah first, as the three-time PFA Players’ Player of the Year has scored 10 goals and recorded eight assists against them. The Reds are the clear favourites, and even though frenetic night awaits them at St. James’ Park, I still believe they possess the quality to come out as winners.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Aug

2025

Preview: Man United head to the Cottage for Sunday showdown

Fulham host Manchester United at Craven Cottage in the second week of the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Marco Silva’s side rescued a point last time out against Brighton with a last-minute equaliser, while a spirited United performance wasn’t enough as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.

By Matt Smith

In this fixture last season, it was Ruben Amorim’s men who came out on top, with Lisandro Martínez’s second-half strike the difference between the two sides. The Red Devils also won the first meeting between the two sides last term, though Fulham did knock the Manchester club out of the FA Cup on penalties.

Team news

Fulham will once again be without left-back Antonee Robinson, who continues his recovery from knee surgery back in May. Ryan Sessegnon remains a doubt, while Rodrigo Muniz could be pushing for a start after his late goal against Brighton.

Noussair Mazaroui is also a doubt for the away side, and Lisandro Martínez will definitely miss out through injury. Benjamin Šeško could be in line to make his full debut after coming off the bench last time out.

Fulham lacking creativity

The Cottagers produced just 0.76 expected goals in their game against Brighton, creating only seven shots, with two of those hitting the target. Silva’s side might count themselves a little lucky to have rescued a point, so the Fulham boss will undoubtedly be looking for more in the final third.

Silva made the bold call to start youngster Josh King in the number 10 role against the Seagulls, but they were maybe lacking the creative spark that Andreas Pereira or Emile Smith Rowe offers, with the duo on the bench.

Encouraging signs for Man Utd

Although the Red Devils were beaten at home by Arsenal, there were plenty of signs of encouragement. United had 61% of the possession, creating 1.52 expected goals from 22 shots, but they just couldn’t hit the back of the net.

The dynamism, pace, and power that Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo offered in the final third brought a new lease of life to this United side, and Amorim will undoubtedly be hoping for more of the same against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Cunha a constant threat

Cunha could be the danger man for United, with Mbeumo closely following behind. The Brazilian’s willingness to consistently run at players and try and beat the opposition in transition caused Arsenal plenty of problems last time out, and he got the supporters off their seats at Old Trafford.

The final product wasn’t quite there against Arsenal, but that won’t be a huge concern for Amorim just yet. The former Wolves forward showed what a creative and goalscoring threat he can be at his previous club, proving himself at Premier League level.

Prediction

Although things are starting to click for Amorim and United, Fulham won’t be an easy place to go, with it being their first home game of the season. We’re going for a 1-1 draw.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Aug

2025

Preview: Real Oviedo host Real Madrid on LaLiga return

Real Oviedo welcome Real Madrid to the Estadio Carlos Tartiere for their first Spanish top flight game at home in over 24 years.

By Graham Ruthven

Back in the big time

The spectacle of Sunday’s home opener against Real Madrid is the sort of thing Real Oviedo have missed. It’s been 24 years since Los Azules last hosted a LaLiga match. This sort of occasion was a world away when Oviedo nearly went bankrupt in 2012.

Real Oviedo suffered defeat to Villarreal on opening weekend, but will fancy their chances of turning home advantage into a more positive result against Los Blancos. Estadio Carlos Tartiere could produce an intimidating atmosphere to rival any other in the league.

Xabi Alonso started his LaLiga managerial career with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Osasuna secured thanks to a Kylian Mbappé penalty kick. Real Madrid must improve quickly.

Barcelona’s strength means Real Madrid can’t afford to drop any points on Sunday even this early in the 2025/26 season. Anything less than three points for the visitors would increase the scrutiny on Alonso.

December 1998 was the last time Real Oviedo beat Real Madrid in a league fixture. A home win would be truly historic.

Key players

Salomón Rondón missed a penalty for Oviedo in their first LaLiga game for 24 years last weekend. The experienced centre forward is expected to keep his place in the lineup, but must be more clinical in front of goal.

Goalkeeper Aarón Escandell made a number of saves to prevent Oviedo from conceding more than twice. The 29-year-old will likely need to be at his shot-stopping best against Real Madrid’s formidable forward line.

Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior will almost certainly feature from the start for the visitors, although questions remain over the pair’s capability in an Alonso system. Can they press from the front in the way their new manager wants?

Dean Huijsen has enjoyed a positive start to life as a Real Madrid player and will most likely start in central defence alongside Éder Militão with Álvaro Carreras in line to start once more on the left side of the backline.

Fede Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler could feature in central midfield with the latter already earning himself a reputation as one of Alonso’s favourites in an unfamiliar deep role.

Team news

Alberto Reina saw red against Villarreal and will be suspended for Sunday’s meeting with Real Madrid as a consequence. 40-year-old Santi Cazorla could be in line for a start.

Álvaro Lemos and Jaime Seoane are expected to miss this weekend’s match. Otherwise, Veljko Paunović has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Alonso is without a number of key players through injury. Jude Bellingham is currently unavailable after undergoing a shoulder operation with Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick also on the sidelines.

Tactically, Alonso has a decision to make. He used an orthodox 4-3-3 formation against Osasuna, but could switch to a back three after utilising the shape during the Club World Cup.

Prediction

Real Oviedo 1-2 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.

Aug

2025

Preview: Inter Miami visit the Capital

It’s back to Major League Soccer for Inter Miami, whose hectic schedule continues as a result of their progress in the Leagues Cup and the fact that they’re still playing catch-up in the league following the Club World Cup.

By James Nalton

However, they could not have asked for a better opponent coming off the back of a difficult Leagues Cup tie against Tigres, as they face the bottom team in the Eastern Conference and the worst team in MLS on current form, DC United.

Messi misses out again

Lionel Messi’s availability is an ongoing storyline this season, especially following the injury he picked up in the Leagues Cup group stage and subsequent uncertainty around his recovery.

The hamstring injury appeared to be affecting him at the end of his return to action in the recent MLS game against LA Galaxy, in which he came on for the second half and won the game for his side with a goal and an assist, but looked uncomfortable as he exited the field.

Head coach Javier Mascherano originally suggested his compatriot would be OK for the game against Tigres, but in the end, Messi didn’t even make the bench because of the injury.

It seems he was rushed back too soon, so Inter Miami should be aiming not to make the same mistake again, meaning he might miss the game against DC United in order to be saved for the Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando.

Scheduling issues mount up

Following their involvement in the Club World Cup, in which they reached the knockout stages, Inter Miami have now gone far in another mid-season competition, this time the Leagues Cup.

They progressed against one of the toughest teams remaining in the Liga MX vs MLS tournament, Tigres, on Wednesday night.

Luis Suárez dispatched two penalty kicks following controversial handball decisions in Inter Miami’s favour, where in both instances the distance before the ball hit the arm was very small.

It gave the Herons a 2-1 win and saw them progress to the all-MLS semifinals next Wednesday night, where they will face fellow Floridians Orlando City for the second time this month.

Miami’s intense schedule and Messi’s injury problems will give their DC United opponents some hope despite their recent poor form.

Opposition watch: DC United

DC United sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, have conceded the most goals in the entirety of MLS, and have scored the fewest.

Despite this, striker Christian Benteke is always a threat. In the previous two seasons in MLS, he has been in the top three for expected goals and won the league’s Golden Boot in 2024, scoring two more than Messi and Suárez.

Even his output has dipped this season, though, as DC United struggle to create chances. They have the second-lowest team xG in the league, having been sixth in their conference for this stat last year, and are in the bottom five in MLS for the number of big chances created.

Prediction

Given the quick turnaround following their Leagues Cup game and the uncertainty around Messi, the opposition should fancy their chances, especially on home turf, but DC United inspire little confidence, and even a tired, depleted Inter Miami should have too much for them.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

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

Aug

2025

Preview: Barcelona visit Segunda champions Levante

While renovation work continues at Camp Nou, Barcelona will not play a home game until after the first international break of the season. So, they are on the road again for the second matchday in LaLiga, this time to face newly-promoted Levante.

By Neel Shelat

Registration issues remain for Barcelona

Once again, it was not all smooth sailing for Barcelona in the summer transfer window. Despite parting ways with as many as 10 players and only making two permanent signings in addition to a loan deal, they are yet to register all of their squad members. Summer signings Joan García and Marcus Rashford were barely registered in the nick of time for the season opener, only after all the issues around Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury were resolved. A few players will still have to stay in the stands, including Gerard Martín and Marc Bernal.

Elsewhere, uncertainty continues to surround the Blaugrana’s ever-delayed plans of returning to Camp Nou. The club reportedly signed an agreement to keep the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc available to them until February, though playing there would have some negative financial ramifications. Cost-cutting at the club has continued, with the women’s team facing significant departures through no fault of their own.

Levante adapting to survival bid

Like almost all newly-promoted teams in any league, Julián Calero’s Levante look prepared to change their approach as they transition from being one of the strongest teams in their division to now competing at the other end of the table. The Segunda División holders might not have to make a lot of stylistic changes as they finished the last season with a possession average of less than 50%, but their LaLiga opener (a 2-1 defeat at Alavés) indicated a shift from a four-player defence to a back five.

Barcelona hoping for another comfortable win

Keeping all the off-field issues aside, Barcelona could not have asked for a much more straightforward start to the season than their 3-0 win over Mallorca. The Spanish champions opened the scoring within seven minutes, going on to add a second around the midway point of the first half. They were also two players to the good before half time as their hosts received two red cards, making it extremely easy for them to see out the win.

Although they are not yet in the busiest part of the season, these less taxing days at the office will be very valuable for a squad that is already relatively thin in many places.

Levante’s impressive home record

Levante will back themselves to put up a better fight than Mallorca, and they can take some heart from their recent home record. The Granotes are unbeaten at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia since early February in a run that spans nine competitive fixtures. They have not done half badly when hosting Barcelona in recent times either, winning half of the last six games.

Prediction

Barcelona should have enough quality to overpower their newly-promoted opponents, so another three-goal win could well be in the offing.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Aug

2025

Statement: Physical Metrics feature outage

We know many of you enjoyed seeing our new physical metrics feature during the opening round of the Premier League last weekend.

By FotMob staff

We were just as excited – after purchasing the official data and spending the summer building this feature, it was great to see all the positive responses after the launch.

However, we were informed this evening that the physical metrics data is temporarily unavailable due to factors outside our control. This affects all score providers, not just FotMob.

That means we’re currently unable to display physical metrics for Premier League matches.

We want to stress that FotMob has followed all official processes and agreements in bringing this data to you, and we remain committed to providing it as soon as the feed is restored.

We sincerely apologize to everyone who was excited to see this new feature continue.

Thank you for your patience and for being part of the FotMob community that drives us to keep innovating for football fans everywhere.

(Cover image via IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League on FotMob. Download the free app here.

Aug

2025

Preview: Man City meet Spurs in lunchtime kickoff

Thomas Frank has had a decent start as the new Spurs head coach, but he’s about to run into a Manchester City team with a point to prove.

By Ian King

Early season expectations

There isn’t much to go on this season, but both teams got off to convincing starts to their 2025-26 campaign, with City thrashing Wolves 4-0 at Molineux and Spurs brushing Burnley aside at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Both teams went into the new season not quite knowing what to expect. City’s 2024-25 agony didn’t ease any at the Club World Cup, while Spurs start under the highly Spursy contradiction of having had their worst league season in 48 years, but having also won their first trophy in 17.

History

Spurs have developed a reputation as City’s bogey team in recent years, and true to form they beat them in two of their three meetings last season, including a 4-0 win at The Etihad last November. City’s last home win against them came in January 2023, when they beat them 4-2.

Key Players

If there’s one player in the Manchester City team with a point to prove in this match, it’s winger Jérémy Doku, who was barely involved at Wolves and was hoicked off midway through the second half, having achieved little of note. With the rest of his team having put in an outstanding shift, Doku’s relative absence means that he’s going to need to improve to keep that place in their first team.

Manchester City have a wealth of attacking options, so whether Spurs can get anything from this will come down to the competence of their defence. Step forward, then, Cristian Romero, whose agreement to a new contract with the club was a big deal, with rumours all summer that he could be on his way to Atlético Madrid. It was Spurs’ Champions League quality defence that got them so far in the Europa League last season, and they may need a similar level of performance from him on Saturday.

Team News

Phil Foden could return for City, though this match is likely to be a week too soon for the Spurs-linked Savinho, Joško Gvardiol, Claudio Echeverri or the long-awaited full-time return of Rodri. Mateo Kovačić is likely out until October.

Spurs have no new injury concerns this week, but they’ve got enough on their plate with the serious injury picked up by James Maddison in the Super Cup final and the ongoing absence of Dejan Kulusevski. Destiny Udogie and Yves Bissouma could return, though at the time of writing there’s no word on whether either will be ready in time.

Prediction

Playing against two of this season’s expected Premier League flotsam and jetsam last weekend, it was difficult to tell just how much these two teams have improved on last term, but Manchester City’s new signings have bedded in well and their team performance on the opening weekend was seriously impressive.

There’s been little from their two competitive games so far to suggest that Spurs haven’t significantly improved, but if Manchester City have got their mojo back it’s difficult to see how that would be enough to take much from this match. With so many goal-scoring options at their disposal, I’ll go 3-1 City, but the Frank effect coupled with Spurs’ decent record in recent years makes this slightly more difficult to call than it should be.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Aug

2025

Statement: Physical Metrics feature outage

We know many of you enjoyed seeing our new physical metrics feature during the opening round of the Premier League last weekend.

By FotMob staff

We were just as excited – after purchasing the official data and spending the summer building this feature, it was great to see all the positive responses after the launch.

However, we were informed this evening that the physical metrics data is temporarily unavailable due to factors outside our control. This affects all score providers, not just FotMob.

That means we’re currently unable to display physical metrics for Premier League matches.

We want to stress that FotMob has followed all official processes and agreements in bringing this data to you, and we remain committed to providing it as soon as the feed is restored.

We sincerely apologize to everyone who was excited to see this new feature continue.

Thank you for your patience and for being part of the FotMob community that drives us to keep innovating for football fans everywhere.

(Cover image via IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League on FotMob. Download the free app here.