Preview: Barcelona keen to keep the good times rolling against subpar Sevilla

Preview: Barcelona keen to keep the good times rolling against subpar Sevilla

After the two Madrid clubs took centre stage last night, Barcelona will be keen to reinforce their title credentials against an underwhelming Sevilla side.


By Neel Shelat


Barcelona back on song in 2025

After a scintillating start to the season, Barcelona seemed to run out of steam towards the end of 2024. They won just one and lost four of their last seven LaLiga matches of the year, going from a six-point lead at the top of the standings to an equivalent deficit. However, they have looked much better since the turn of the year.

The 5-2 Supercopa win over Real Madrid must have done a world of good to their confidence as they went on to put five past Real Betis, staged a dramatic turnaround to win a nine-goal Champions League thriller against Benfica and scored 12 times in two recent fixtures against Valencia.

While it has not been all smooth sailing for Hansi Flick’s side as they have drawn a couple of games, it is safe to say that they are much closer to their best now than they were two months ago.

Ferran Torres delivering as Barcelona’s fourth forward option

One of the major issues Barcelona had to contend with in the first half of the season was their lack of quality depth beyond the first-choice front three of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha. Indeed, it was no coincidence that their downturn in form coincided with their teenage winger’s ankle issues.

Lamine Yamal still looks quite irreplaceable, but the good news for the Blaugrana is that they seem to have a decent backup for the other two as Ferran Torres has shown himself capable of doing a job in the more central positions. He has five goals and an assist in his last seven appearances, including a hat-trick in his second start of the year at Valencia in midweek.

As the stakes get ever higher in the second half of the season, having a rotation option like Torres could prove invaluable for Barcelona to not only get an impact off the bench but also rest their stars in certain games.

García Pimienta’s reunion with his boyhood club

García Pimienta was affiliated with FC Barcelona for well over half his life, starting as a prospect in their youth academy and going on to spend about two decades as a coach. However, he was sacked from the B team post in 2021 in a move that still confounds many, himself included.

The Spanish tactician was soon hired by Las Palmas, with whom he won promotion to LaLiga. His incredibly possession-based style of play attracted a lot of attention and earned him a move to Sevilla this summer, but he has not been able to turn around the fortunes of the consistent underperformers’ so far.

Sevilla’s last league victory over Barcelona was all the way back in 2015, so the likelihood of García Pimienta earning his first points against his boyhood club at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán is quite low.

Prediction

All signs point to a comfortable multi-goal win for Barcelona.


(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.

Posted by Bill Biss in Barcelona, Preview, SendAsPush, Sevilla, team_8302, team_8634, World News
Preview: Liverpool go to Championship strugglers Plymouth in the FA Cup

Preview: Liverpool go to Championship strugglers Plymouth in the FA Cup

Liverpool can build on making the Carabao Cup final during the week by taking another step forward in the FA Cup against Plymouth Argyle.


By Graham Ruthven


Is the Quadruple on?

Top of the Premier League. Through to the Champions League last 16 after finishing top of the 32-team league phase. Through to the Carabao Cup final. A win over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup this weekend would add to the growing sense Liverpool could win the Quadruple this season.

By every measure, Liverpool are the strongest team in England right now, making them firm favourites to sweep aside their struggling Championship opponents on Sunday afternoon.

On the face of it, this could be a mismatch. Plymouth are currently marooned at the foot of the Championship table and are on their second manager of the season after Miron Muslić replaced Wayne Rooney. Argyle haven’t had their problems to seek.

However, the Devon outfit are fresh from a 2-1 win over West Brom and a very respectable 2-2 draw away to Sunderland which suggest Plymouth are turning a corner under their new manager. 

A win over the Premier League table-toppers might be beyond The Pilgrims, but Sunday’s David v Goliath clash could epitomise the ‘Magic of the Cup.’

Key players

Ryan Hardie bagged a brace against West Brom on Saturday and could be in line to start against Liverpool. Mustapha Bundu could drop out of the team to make way for the Scottish striker.

After the departure of star player Morgan Whittaker to Middlesbrough in the transfer window, Plymouth are lacking an attacking dimension. Whittaker’s stunning strike against Brentford put Argyle into the FA Cup fourth round in the first place.

Plymouth goals + assists, Championship 2024/25

January signing and former Rangers defender Nikola Katić made his Argyle debut against the Baggies and will likely start in the centre of a back three 

Arne Slot is expected to rotate his squad for the trip to Devon this weekend. This would have been likely anyway, but the exerts of Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final win over Tottenham Hotspur make it even more probable. 

Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa could all be in line for a start at Home Park. Even still, Liverpool should have the strength in depth to make the fifth round.

Liverpool goals + assists, Premier League 2024/25

Team news

Brendan Galloway, Kornél Szűcs and Joe Edwards are all expected to be sidelined through injury for Plymouth as they welcome the eight-times FA Cup winners to Home Park. 

Nigerian forward Muhamed Tijani was back on the bench for the draw away to Sunderland after missing a number of months of action with a hamstring injury. He could feature against Liverpool on Sunday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold missed Thursday’s Carabao Cup win over Spurs and could be unavailable for this weekend’s FA Cup fourth round tie. This might hand another first team opportunity to Conor Bradley.

Darwin Núñez started ahead of Diogo Jota in the win over Tottenham on Thursday and so the Portuguese forward could be rotated into the starting lineup.

Prediction 

Unless the Magic of the Cup springs a surprise, this should be a routine win for a rotated Liverpool squad: 3-0 to the away side.


(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.

Posted by Bill Biss in Liverpool, Plymouth, Preview, SendAsPush, team_8401, team_8650, World News
Preview: FA Cup tie gives Brighton and Chelsea a chance to reset

Preview: FA Cup tie gives Brighton and Chelsea a chance to reset

It’s round one for Brighton and Chelsea on Saturday as the two sides face-off in the FA Cup before meeting again in the Premier League for a rematch nearly a week later.


By Alex Roberts


Both sides defeated lower-league opposition in the Third Round before being drawn against each other, with Chelsea’s second team earning a comfortably 5-0 win over Morecambe, while Brighton left Norwich with a 4-0 victory.

Dark horses don’t seem to be much of a thing anymore, but Brighton have it in them to beat the big boys on their day, and a statement win over Enzo Maresca’s side ahead of their second meeting isn’t hard to imagine, despite their stuttering form.

Christopher Nkunku set for a “bigger role.”

Chelsea saw several players leave in the January transfer window, mostly on loan, but Christopher Nkunku wasn’t one of them. The French forward has had to take a backseat under Enzo Maresca and is reportedly unhappy with his situation.

Speaking in his pre-match presser, Maresca confirmed Nkunku is set for a “bigger role” in the second half of the season. With Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu both injury doubt’s, Nkunku will likely get a chance on Saturday.

Nkunku player traits

He hasn’t scored a goal since the 5-0 win over Morecambe, but that’s simply due to a lack of opportunity. With 13 goals from his 30 games, 13 of which have been starts, only Maresca knows why he hasn’t been given more of a shot.

7-0 is pretty rough

Brighton’s 7-0 Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest in their previous fixture has brought up some uncomfortable questions regarding their young manager Fabian Hürzeler.

The FA Cup tie with Chelsea allows them to step away, reset a little, and take a breath, but should they suffer another heavy defeat, those dissenting voices are going to start getting louder.

Chelsea needed a four-goal Cole Palmer masterclass to get past Brighton the last time these two sides played, the last thing Lewis Dunk and co are going to want to see is that lanky genius running at them right now.

Starting to worry about Roméo Lavia

The young midfielder may be the next star to wander down that ‘wonderkid’ to ‘streets won’t forget’ pipeline after Maresca admitted he “still has a long way to go” in the recovery from his most recent injury setback.

Lavia has made just 13 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Southampton back in the summer of 2023, and while he’s been decent in those games, it’s starting to get pretty hard to justify the price tag.

In a perfect world, and FA Cup game against Brighton would have been the ideal opportunity for Lavia to show what he can do, unfortunately, no one knows when he’ll be back playing consistently.

Chelsea aren’t the only side with a problem between the sticks

Bart Verbruggen struggled big time in the defeat to Forest. Yes, we understand the pros and cons of playing out from the back, but, in fear of sounding too much like Tim Sherwood, sometimes you need to get it out.

Thankfully for the Dutchman, he could put Jota Silva’s goal down to mental and physical fatigue, but four errors leading to goals in the Premier League this season is less than ideal for any party.

Don’t expect it to change, it’s the gameplan now, which is fine, but it can be so frustrating for the fans. If it makes Vergruggen feel any better, only Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez has made more errors in the league this season.

Prediction

Honestly, this one could go either way. Never trust Chelsea to win a game they ‘should’, so we’re going to go with a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes. You can make a judgement on who wins it from there!


(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.

Posted by Bill Biss in Brighton, Chelsea, Preview, SendAsPush, team_10204, team_8455, World News
Preview: Table-topping Madrid Derby promises drama

Preview: Table-topping Madrid Derby promises drama

Just one point separates Real Madrid from local rivals Atlético going into what could well be a pivotal match in the Spanish title race.


By Neel Shelat


Referee under the spotlight

They say the best kind of game for a referee is one they are invisible in, but unfortunately for César Soto Grado, that will certainly not be the case for him in the Madrid derby. LaLiga’s match officials have been the subject of a fair few controversies in the past, but things have escalated recently.

The developments in the Negreira case over the last year or so have not helped matters, neither has Real Madrid’s aggressive approach to debatable decisions in recent times. Last weekend, for example, the club published an open letter complaining about some of the officiating in their loss to Espanyol.

Amid the back and forth of official statements from Real Madrid, LaLiga and the Spanish federation, Atlético Madrid pitched in with a social media post making light of the situation. However, things will surely get serious when Soto Grado takes charge of his third Madrid derby. He was the one who sent off Vinícius Júnior for violent conduct against Valencia in his last Real Madrid match, so he is quite likely to face a good deal of hostility in the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real Madrid’s defence further depleted

Injuries to key defenders have been a big cause of Real Madrid’s inconsistent form and performances this season. Eduardo Camavinga picked up a hamstring injury to join Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão on the treatment table last month, but the situation has gotten much worse in the last week. Antonio Rüdiger went off with a hamstring injury early on in last weekend’s loss to Espanyol and David Alaba was diagnosed with another injury later in the week.

Los Blancos have kept just two clean sheets in their last eight matches and let in as many as 12 goals. They will do very well to keep a shutout tonight with an expected makeshift centre-back pairing of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Raúl Asencio.

Atlético’s attack well-suited to exploit high lines

Unavailable personnel is not the only cause behind Real Madrid’s poor defensive record, as they have also made some very questionable tactical decisions. The nine goals they conceded in their last two matches against Barcelona highlighted the various issues in their high defensive line most clearly, but they are yet to make any major changes.

Atlético Madrid, for their part, will be delighted to come up against such a high line. Diego Simeone’s side have had their struggles against low blocks but really seem to thrive in open games when the likes of Julián Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth can stretch their legs.

Goals almost guaranteed

Besides the attacking star power and defensive absences on both sides (including Robin Le Normand’s suspension), the recent history of this fixture suggests that the scorekeepers will not be left idle. The last goalless Madrid derby was over five years ago, while both sides have scored in their last eight meetings!

Recent H2H results

Prediction

All things considered, Atlético Madrid could well end up outscoring Real Madrid in what promises to be an extremely eventful and entertaining match.


(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.

Posted by Bill Biss in Atlético Madrid, Preview, Real Madrid, SendAsPush, team_8633, team_9906, World News
Preview: Man City face third tier Leyton Orient in the FA Cup

Preview: Man City face third tier Leyton Orient in the FA Cup

Manchester City’s 5-1 loss at Arsenal last weekend has been described as “the end of an empire”, but can Leyton Orient read them the last rites in the FA Cup?


By Ian King


Two sides on different levels

Well, we thought they were back. Prior to last weekend’s chastening loss, Manchester City had been unbeaten in their six previous Premier League matches, scoring 18 goals. The last time they failed to get past the Fourth Round of the FA Cup was ten years ago. The last time Orient got to the Fourth Round was in 2011, when they were beaten 5-0 by Arsenal following a replay.

Orient lost 1-0 at home to Stockport County last week, but prior to that they’d been eleven games unbeaten in League One, a run of nine wins and two draws which lifted them up to sixth place. In the last round of the Cup they beat Championship club Derby County 6-5 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw at Brisbane Road.

A history lesson from the pre-FotMob days

It’s now 49 years since these two clubs last met, with that last meeting ending in a 2-2 draw back in May 1966. They’ve met twelve times in total, with City winning eight of them. Orient’s last win against them came in a Second Division match in August 1964. The two clubs have met twice before in the FA Cup, in 1920 and 1926, with City winning both of those, 4-1 and 6-1 respectively.

Key players

The scale of the Arsenal loss may provoke Pep Guardiola to play a stronger team than he might otherwise have done. Nico O’Reilly could find himself back in the team. He scored his first senior goal from left-back in their 8-0 win against Salford City in the last round.

Another Nico, Nico González, arrived for £50m on transfer deadline day from Porto, but will any of their newest acquisitions get a runout?

González player traits

Grenada international Omar Beckles will be on for a busy afternoon at the heart of the Orient defence. He’s been there since 2021, after having risen from the non-league game to play for Accrington, Shrewsbury and Crewe.

Team News

Orient are expected to be at full strength. For Manchester City, Stefan Ortega will likely start in goal in place of Ederson, while their defensive shambles at The Emirates last week means that, having missed out on that one, Abdukodir Khusanov could start in the centre of defence. It’s likely to be a very different City team to the one that started last Sunday.

Prediction

Obviously, this should be a walk in the park for Manchester City. The gulf is enormous. Orient’s record transfer fee is the £200,000 they paid Oldham Athletic for Liam Kelly in 2016. According to publicly available information, City have ten players who currently earn that amount of money a week. City should run up a hatful but it’s the FA Cup – and frankly, when am I ever going to get the opportunity to do this again? So I’ll go for an optimistic 1-0 Orient win because we’d all neutrals would love to see that, wouldn’t they?


(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.

Posted by Bill Biss in Manchester City, Preview, SendAsPush, team_8456, World News
Ousmane Dembele is in the form of his life as part of PSG’s new-look side

Ousmane Dembele is in the form of his life as part of PSG’s new-look side

Lionel Messi. Zlatan Ibrahimović. Ronaldinho. Edinson Cavani. Ángel Di María. Just a handful of players that have suited up for Paris Saint-Germain this century.


By Zach Lowy


Each have marked an era in football and staked their claim as an all-time great, but none have been able to score three goals on two consecutive occasions in a Rouge-et-Bleu kit. That honour belongs to Ousmane Dembélé, who became the first player in PSG history to score back-to-back hat-tricks last Saturday.

It has been nine years since Dembélé burst onto the scene for Rennes, quickly emerging as one of the finest talents in Europe and earning a transfer to Borussia Dortmund. He excelled in Germany and was named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season, whilst he also spearheaded BVB to their first trophy in five years with a Man of the Match performance in the 2017 DFB-Pokal Final.

This piqued the interest of Barcelona, who splurged a club-record €105 million plus €40 million in bonuses to sign the French winger. Dembélé, however, never came close to justifying Barcelona’s outlay due to persistent injury problems and frustrating decision-making, before departing in 2023 as one of the worst signings in the club’s history. Six years after replacing Neymar Jr. at Barcelona, he was now tasked with replacing Neymar at PSG.

Dembélé’s career summary

Dembélé thrived on the biggest of stages, scoring in both legs vs. Barcelona to confirm PSG’s spot in the UEFA Champions League semifinals and breaking the deadlock in PSG’s 2-1 win vs. Lyon in the Coupe de France Final. And although he didn’t quite manage to fulfil expectations, racking up 6 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances in 2023/24, he’s been able to take his game to the next level and emerge as PSG’s attacking talisman following Kylian Mbappé’s exit to Real Madrid.

There have been various ramifications from Mbappé’s exit. For one, PSG have gone from concentrating their attacks around the left flank to the right side, where Dembélé is mainly utilised. No longer reliant on one player to bang in the goals, PSG have transformed into a more fluid setup that’s predicated upon aggressive pressing.

“Mbappé’s absence has allowed PSG to win the ball back quicker and higher up the pitch, and that’s going to benefit Dembélé who can be there to pounce,” stated Luke Entwistle, the editor-in-chief of Get French Football News. “If he’s not winning the ball back, then his teammates are winning it and feeding him the ball in dangerous areas.”

PSG planned in advance of Mbappé’s exit by signing two of Europe’s most promising young strikers for a combined €165m (bonuses included) in the summer of 2023. However, with neither Randal Kolo Muani (since loaned out to Juventus) nor Gonçalo Ramos adjusting to Luis Enrique’s in-possession demands, the Spaniard has opted to go with a false 9 like Marco Asensio (since loaned out to Aston Villa), Kang-in Lee, or even Dembélé. 

Dembélé shot map, Ligue 1 2024/25

Dembélé’s technical quality has never been in doubt; it’s his goal-scoring ability that’s always come under scrutiny. Fans have grown accustomed to seeing him eliminate multiple opponents with a body feint before blasting his shot into Row Z. For a player who’s often struggled with the paradox of his abundance, and who, by his own admission, doesn’t know whether he’s better on his right foot or left, he can now keep things simple and pull the trigger before he has the chance to overthink it. Whereas in previous years, Dembélé would’ve had to wriggle past a sea of opponents and gradually make his way from the right to the middle, he’s regularly receiving in central areas, where he can allow his poaching instincts to take over.

His combination of speed, close control, and unpredictability make him a defender’s nightmare: show him outside, and he’ll use his 1v1 skills to evade the fullback and accelerate towards goal. Show him inside, and he’ll blast a ferocious shot towards or goal or provide a teammate with a flawless pass. It also helps that he’s formulated a lethal partnership with Achraf Hakimi down the right flank, with the Moroccan capable of bombing forward and allowing Ousmane to invert into the half-spaces.

“Ousmane’s role changes depending on the game,” said The Athletic journalist Alex Barker. “He’s been used as a touchline-hugging right winger an inside forward, a false 9, and in midfield. If Hakimi is playing at right back, Dembélé can drift everywhere. If it’s Warren Zaïre-Emery, it’s more likely Dembélé will be used to hold width. He has thrived more in tight spaces in central areas, using his incredible footwork to go directly at defensive midfielders and centre backs.”

Dembélé passing stats, Ligue 1 2024/25

Even when Dembélé was enduring a cumbersome start to his PSG career, Enrique threw his support behind the am-bipedal winger, stating: “He’s the most destabilising player in the world.” Today, though, he’s brimming with confidence, and the goals are starting to flow. With the exception of PSG’s match vs. Lens in the Coupe de France, Ousmane has scored in eight of his last nine fixtures.

Prior to this season, Ousmane’s previous career-best goal tally came in 2018/19, when he scored 14 goals in 42 appearances for Barcelona. He’s scored 14 goals in those last nine matches alone (19 across all competitions this season), and he has catapulted himself to the top of the Ligue 1 scoring charts after a sensational run of form.

At 27 years of age, it seems Dembélé is finally putting two and two together and living up to his world-class potential. He’s still capable of cutting through defences like butter with an impeccable pass and contriving a gilt-edged opportunity; in fact, only Rayan Cherki (0.59) is registering more Expected Assists per 90 in Ligue 1 than Dembélé (0.41). But now, he’s emerging as a high-volume shooter who finds the back of the net more often than not, and with 11 goals in six matches, he has scored the most goals of any player in 2025. The only question is – is this merely a purple patch, or the start of something new?

More than a few teams have suffered Ousmane’s wrath in recent months, including AS Monaco. Ousmane scored a brace against them on December 18 before scoring a 92nd-minute winner in the Trophée des Champions on January 5, and after being rested for their midweek cup tie vs. Le Mans, he’ll be looking to continue his scintillating form vs. the principality side.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


You can follow all the action from Ligue 1 on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Posted by Bill Biss
Amad Diallo: Ruben Amorim’s new talisman at Manchester United?

Amad Diallo: Ruben Amorim’s new talisman at Manchester United?

Sometimes, a career can be characterised by a single moment. For Amad Diallo, that moment came against Liverpool in an FA Cup quarter final clash at Old Trafford last season.


By Ross Kilvington


The young winger had missed most of the season due to a knee injury suffered in pre-season. Named on the bench for the cup tie, Amad Diallo was introduced with just five minutes of normal time remaining as the Red Devils trailed 2-1.

Antony sent the game to extra time before two more goals made it 3-3 and penalties beckoned.

Up stepped the Ivorian. United went on the counter in the dying embers, with Alejandro Garnacho playing the ball into Diallo. He took one touch before slotting home the winner with his left foot, sending Old Trafford into raptures.

Diallo goal in last season’s thrilling 4-3 win over Liverpool

It was a goal that has proved to be a catalyst for the winger to finally make his mark at United under Rúben Amorim.

Championship loan spell was the making of Diallo

Eyebrows were raised when Ole Gunnar Solskjær signed the 18-year-old starlet from Atalanta, paying an initial fee of £19m to land the player.

Nine appearances during his first 12 months in Manchester suggested Diallo hadn’t exactly received a fair crack at the whip, leading to a six-month loan spell at Rangers between January and May 2022.

A goal five minutes into his debut for the Light Blues should have kickstarted his career, unfortunately, this would be as good as it got for the teenager in Scotland.

He failed to even make an appearance off the bench during the Europa League Final, an occasion when his pace and explosiveness may have been a key asset in extra time. Returning to United at the end of the season, it was evident his next loan move had to be a success.

Diallo career summary from loan spells

As such, Sunderland proved to be an ideal destination for Diallo to finally showcase his extraordinary talents. The Ivorian spent the entirety of the 2022/23 season at the Black Cats, coming close to leading them back to the Premier League.

Bearing in mind the club had only just returned to the second tier, Diallo’s 13 league goals fired them to a sixth place finish, thus qualifying for the playoffs.

Furthermore, Diallo ranked in the top 5% for successful dribbles and goals throughout the campaign, while registering 1.39 chances created along with 4.94 touches of the ball in the opposition penalty area per game.

Momentum was hampered after suffering a serious knee injury against Arsenal during a pre-season clash against Arsenal in July 2023. Despite his fine season in the North East, it appeared as though his luck was running out to make an impression at Old Trafford.

Step forward Amorim.

Rúben Amorim has brought out the best in Diallo

Ahead of the current season, it was now or never for the 22-year-old. Failing to establish himself as a regular in the starting XI would likely have ensured his exit from the club.

Fully recovered from his injury, the winger finally got the chance he had been waiting for under Erik ten Hag, grabbing it with both hands. A goal against Brighton in just the second league match of the season saw the youngster at his best.

Racing on to a through ball, Diallo took a touch before cutting inside on his left foot, unleashing a shot which, courtesy of a deflection, nestled into the back of the net. 

A brace against PAOK Salonika in the Europa League followed in November, yet it has been under Amorim that the former Atalanta sensation has played his best football.

At Sporting, Amorim relied heavily on Viktor Gyökeres. The Swede soon emerged as a talisman for the manager, scoring 43 goals and recording 13 assists for the Portuguese side as they won another domestic title.

Although Diallo operates in a different position to Gyökeres, Amorim has given the player a platform to demonstrate just how good he can be.

Diallo Premier League shot map, 2024/25

Indeed, 11 goal contributions – six goals and five assists – have been recorded in just 19 matches under Amorim. His impact in the big matches has arguably been even more impressive.

Against Manchester City in December, United trailed 1-0, before Diallo scored a late winner to seal all three points. During that match, he also took four shots, won the penalty that saw the club equalise while even making four passes into the final third.

Another late goal came against Liverpool a few weeks ago. During the 2-2 draw, the winger succeeded with 100% of his crosses and dribble attempts as well as taking five touches in the opposition penalty area. Shining on the big stage has bolstered his long term prospects at the club.

Amorim’s typical 3-4-3 system sees the 22-year-old operate in his preferred position on the right flank, which has been a key aspect to his stunning form over the previous few months.

Diallo passing stats, Premier League 2024/25

Diallo’s selfless nature means he ranks in the top 10% in the top flight for both assists and successful passes. Additionally, a 44.7% cross accuracy ranks him in the top 3%, while Amorim’s philosophy is clearly working wonders for the African winger, who has won possession 26 times in the final third along with taking 124 touches in the opposition penalty area.

The 40-year-old has endured a tricky start to life in Manchester. If he can get Diallo to maintain his level of performance over the next few months, he may have found his new Gyökeres-like talisman.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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

Posted by Bill Biss
The fight for survival in the Championship sees sides take to the transfer market

The fight for survival in the Championship sees sides take to the transfer market

With time running out and dice in hand, football clubs across the land have closed their eyes, given a shake, a throw and hoped Lady Luck is on their side. The transfer window casino has shut its doors and it’s high stakes at the bottom of The Championship.


By Sanny Rudravajhala


Survival brings so much hope. Stay up and a tilt at cracking into the top-flight always remains. Fail, and you’ll be taking on Premier League youngsters in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. So, where are we at with 16 games remaining?

Sinking Swans

I’m going to start with the side I’m most worried about. They aren’t even in the bottom three, but alarm bells are sounding at Swansea City. The form table has them bottom but the issues are much deeper for Luke Williams’ side. They’ve taken an incredible gamble in selling Matt Grimes, their ever-present captain and best performer (FotMob average rating: 7.21), to Coventry City and replacing him with Forest loanee Lewis O’Brien.

Grimes had started their last 88 Championship games, and when Frank Lampard is describing him as a ‘leader in the dressing room already’, you’ve got to seriously question what, if any, strategy is in place in south Wales.

Swansea are the poster child for the backlash at possession football for possession’s sake. They rank second behind Leeds with 61% of the ball, but what are they doing with it? It’s nowhere near the box, when you look at the data. They may be 17th but only Preston, Plymouth and Oxford have had fewer touches inside their opponent’s area, something fundamental for scoring! Their points return at home is equal-third worst in the Championship too. That reads even more painfully when Coventry left there with all three points, off the back of Swansea’s  5-1 capitulation at Norwich. They’ve run aground down by the River Tawe and, for whatever reason, the captain has abandoned ship.

Muslić looking good in Argyle

With his perfect beard, hair and poise in a puffer, Miron Muslić will certainly look better in the 2026 Plymouth Argyle calendar than Wayne Rooney has as Mr January for 2025. On the pitch it looks like we’re seeing a better team too. They showed resilience in their late draw at Sunderland and followed that up at a raucous Home Park in their turnaround against West Brom. 

Muslić hasn’t been afraid to throw in his new signings too. Tymoteusz Puchacz has impressed out wide in his five games and the imposing Nikola Katić did well to deal with whatever Albion threw at him on debut. Stealing the show was Ryan Hardie with his double off the bench. By far his best performance this season, Argyle need their No. 9 to keep firing for any chance of escaping the drop.

Norway to go for Derby and Luton

It’s a sorry state for both Derby and Luton, occupying the final relegation spots.

For Derby, bringing in defender Matthew Clarke from Middlesborough is great business and he was impressive at the start of the season. Having lost his place, he’s come to a club he knows well from loan spells and has a chance to strike up a pairing with new Norwegian defender, Sondre Klingen Langås. I know absolutely nothing about him but with a FotMob score of 7.0, he was at least performing well for Viking in the 2024 season. Another from Viking, arriving to these shores, is Lars-Jørgen Salvesen. The striker has opened his account already in their defeat to Cardiff but like Plymouth, Derby have taken a big risk with unknown entities in the Championship.

As for Luton, Matt Bloomfield was an interesting choice to replace the unfortunate Rob Edwards. A year ago, Bloomfield was fighting for his job but such has been Wycombe’s turnaround, concurrent with Luton’s demise, he’s now in the Bedfordshire hotseat. Results are yet to improve but his transfer movements might just do the trick.

FotMob’s roots are in Norway and I don’t know if that’s why, like Derby, they’ve also got their own import from the Eliteserien with forward Lasse Nordås. The 194cm tower from Tromso gives them another option but when it comes to Norwegians, Bloomfield had one man at the top of his shopping list. At just 22-years-old Thelo Aasgaard has seen it all in his short career. I myself saw him break into a Wigan team coming out of financial crisis and his loyalty to the Latics has earned them a decent transfer fee, whilst giving him enough time to develop into Wigan’s star performer, under the tutelage of Shaun Maloney.

Aasgaard shot map while with Wigan, League One 2024/25

Aasgaard can score all sorts of goals. He is good in the air and with both feet and his 95th minute winner, a free kick against Stevenage in what was his penultimate goal in a Wigan shirt, was a thing of beauty. 

In Josh Bowler and Isaiah Jones, Bloomfield has also found two experienced EFL players with points to prove. That reminds me of the side Rob Edwards took to promotion. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Luton have underperformed in all areas. 

The best of the worst: Hull, Pompey and Cardiff

Out of Hull City’s signings, I hope they make the most of Louie Barry, who has lit up League Two and League One on loan at Stockport from Aston Villa. There’s a reason he became the first ever English player in Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy. He’s a special talent with an eye for the spectacular and I’m expecting magic moments whilst he’s moored in Humberside.

Will Portsmouth stop torturing midfielder Marlon Pack by playing him in central defence? The Pompey captain has been horribly exposed, especially with John Mousinho’s insistence on a high line and pressing from the front. Too often they’ve been turned around, and Pack has been the one caught out. Robert Atkinson on loan from Bristol City is looking the part and adding 20-year old Hayden Matthews should, I hope, allow Pack to get out from the back. 

I should end by mentioning the next worst side, Cardiff City, fresh off a 7-0 hiding from Leeds. Callum Robinson’s outstanding season is the only reason Omer Riza’s side aren’t further down the table. His double against rivals Swansea means he’ll never be short of offers for a pint in retirement and with 11 goals from an xG of 6, it’s clear the 30-year-old will magic up more moments before season’s end.

Robinson shot map, Championship 2024/25

Deadline Day is done and for the sides at the bottom, it’s time to see whether their gambles in the transfer market pay off. Will the dice read double six or snake eyes? We’ll soon find out.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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

Posted by Bill Biss
Preview: Van Nistelrooy takes Leicester to Man United for FA Cup clash

Preview: Van Nistelrooy takes Leicester to Man United for FA Cup clash

Manchester United host Leicester City on Friday night under the lights in the FA Cup fifth round at Old Trafford. Ruud van Nistelrooy will be returning to his former club as manager, while Rúben Amorim will be looking to start steering his side back in the right direction.


By Matt Smith


The two sides met earlier in the season in the Premier League and EFL Cup. Van Nistelrooy was, coincidentally, in charge of United for both ties as he stepped in as interim before Amorim arrived. United won both meetings between the two teams this term.

Luke Shaw has ‘small issue’

In his press conference before the FA Cup tie, Amorim confirmed that Luke Shaw had a ‘small issue’, adding that United would have to be careful with the English left-back.

Lisandro Martínez is going to be out for an extended period after picking up a nasty knee injury, while Mason Mount and Jonny Evans remain sidelined.

Time for Amad to step up once again

Amad Diallo has been a shining light for United this season, providing 16 goals and assists combined in all competitions. The 22-year-old, however, is going through a tricky run of form, and Amorim will be desperate to see him step up once again.

Diallo’s last five performances

Amad has failed to provide a goal contribution in his last five games in all competitions, previously finding the back of the net against Southampton in January, a game where he struck three times. If United are going to turn things around and build some momentum, Amad will need to step up once again.

Young stars make Leicester squad

Van Nistelrooy confirmed that academy stars Jeremy Monga and Jake Evans, who are 15 and 16 years old respectively, will be on the bench at Old Trafford on Friday. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the two young talents, especially if they are given minutes against United.

The Leicester boss added that there are two or three players with light injuries, but he didn’t go into detail.

Time to unleash Buonanotte

Facundo Buonanotte signed on loan from Brighton at the beginning of the season and made an impressive impact at Leicester. The Argentinian forward has provided eight goals and assists combined in all competitions, but he’s struggled for minutes of late.

Leicester City goals + assists, Premier League 2024/25

The 20-year-old has failed to start in the last four games for the Foxes, playing zero minutes against Everton last time out. Only Jamie Vardy has more goals and assists combined for Leicester this season, so it could be time for Van Nistelrooy to unleash him once again.

Prediction

Leicester have visited Old Trafford twice this season already, conceding eight goals and losing both games. The Foxes are in a tricky run of form, so it’s difficult to see past a United victory in this one, especially with Amorim’s side playing at home.

We’re going for a 3-1 win for the Red Devils on Friday evening. 


(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.

Posted by Bill Biss in Leicester, Manchester United, Preview, SendAsPush, team_10260, team_8197, World News
The weekend’s big match: What the Madrid Derby means to the city and the title race

The weekend’s big match: What the Madrid Derby means to the city and the title race

Madrid is a city of grandeur. From the boulevards of Gran Vía to the bustling barrios of Malasaña, its heartbeat is both refined and raw. Nowhere is this duality more evident than in the city’s most famous football clubs.


By David Skilling


Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are not just clubs; they are cultural institutions, each representing a distinct identity within the Spanish capital. And when the Derbi Madrileño arrives, the city stands at a crossroads: elegance versus grit, royalty versus rebellion, empire versus resistance. 

This weekend, the stakes are higher than ever. Atlético Madrid trails their cross-city rivals by just a single point in a very tight title race. With LaLiga’s balance of power delicately poised, the outcome of this clash will shape not only the season but also the narrative of football in Madrid for months to come.

To understand why this game matters beyond three points, you need to grasp the cultural weight it carries. The rivalry between the two clubs dates back to the early twentieth century when Madrid Foot-Ball Club (later Real Madrid) asserted itself as the capital’s dominant force. 

Through mergers and acquisitions, Madrid FC absorbed many smaller clubs and signed the best players from the clubs it couldn’t absorb, leaving only a handful that could compete. The main exception was Athletic Club Madrid (now Atlético Madrid), which maintained its best players with financial aid from its parent club, Athletic Club Bilbao. 

As Real Madrid continued to grow in stature, the contrast between the two clubs became more pronounced. Real Madrid, with its royal patronage, symbolized power and establishment success. Atlético, on the other hand, became a bastion for those who opposed Madrid’s supremacy. Many fans of defunct clubs, whose teams had been swallowed up by Real, found refuge in Atlético, creating a deep-seated animosity that persists to this day. 

Real Madrid is an institution of dominance, success, and historical prestige. The club’s ties to the Spanish monarchy (hence the Real prefix) and its standing as the team that has asserted the most dominance in European and world football cement its reputation as a global powerhouse. To support Real Madrid is to embrace a legacy of expectation: winning is not a goal; it is an obligation.

Real Madrid’s European honours

Atlético Madrid, on the other hand, has always been the club of resilience. Traditionally associated with working-class supporters, Atléti’s identity is rooted in defiance. Where Real Madrid embodies polished brilliance, Atlético revels in its sufridores – a term for their suffering, unbreakable fans. Their triumphs feel earned through blood, sweat, and Simeone-infused grit. In an era of football gentrification, Atlético has managed to maintain its street-level soul, even as its global stature has risen.

The Madrid Derby has not always been a tight contest. For some periods in the modern era, Atlético played the role of the little brother, enduring extended rough patches like the early 90s through to 2013. The tide, however, has shifted. 

Since Diego Simeone’s arrival in 2011, Atlético have carved out their place at the top table, with a much higher win and draw percentage against their rivals. They’ve finished in the top three every season bar one since 2012, lifting two LaLiga titles and consistently challenging Europe’s elite. Their Copa del Rey victory at the Bernabéu in 2013 – a win sealed on enemy territory – remains a defining moment, proving that Atlético were no longer just the little brother.

2012/13 Copa Del Rey Final, played at the Bernabéu

Beyond historical sentiment, this weekend’s clash is about the here and now. The title race in LaLiga is close, with a single point being the difference, and Barcelona lurking in the shadows, just three points behind Atlético and four points behind Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s recent form has been strong, apart from a setback against Espanyol in the last game, which they lost 1-0. However, their grip on the league is anything but firm. For Carlo Ancelotti’s side, a win on Saturday would strengthen their control and deal a psychological blow to their domestic competitors.

Atlético Madrid, however, are having a strong season, with one less loss on their record than Los Blancos, and they’re a team that feeds off of big occasions like these. Simeone relishes the big stage, and nothing would satisfy Atlético fans more than chipping away at Real Madrid’s ego and leaping past them in the title charge. 

This derby isn’t just about Madrid; it’s about the soul of Spanish football. A Real Madrid victory reinforces the natural order, a kingdom led by an untouchable dynasty. An Atlético win signals a continued shift in power and a statement to the world that they’re not to be underestimated. The result will ripple beyond Spain, shaping the narrative of LaLiga’s competitiveness in a season where the world is watching closely.

The league’s second top scorers vs. the meanest defence

For the fans, this match transcends football. It is a chance for the city’s divided residents to express themselves on the grandest stage. The white of Real Madrid against the red and white of Atlético is more than just a colour contrast; it is a clash of ideologies, histories, and ways of living. It’s also a reminder to the world that Madrid is a city with two elite football clubs and that Spanish football is far greater than just the battle of El Clásico. 

For those who live and breathe the Derbi Madrileño, the pain or euphoria will linger long after the final whistle. And in a season where fine margins could determine the champion, this is more than just another football match – it’s a battle for legacy and pride.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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

Posted by Bill Biss