Premier League Preview, Matchday 13

Premier League Preview, Matchday 13

The festive season is nearly upon us. And you know that that means, don’t you? More football. So much football, in fact, you’ll be fed up with it. It becomes almost a daily occurrence as broadcasters everywhere give us a steady stream of live Premier League football to gorge on.


By Sam McGuire


Before that, though, we have Matchday 13 in the English top-flight to look forward to. So here’s what you can look out for this weekend. 

The João Pedro show 

João Pedro is looking to make up for lost time. 

The Brighton forward suffered an ankle injury against Nottingham Forest in September and missed a chunk of the season. It ended what had been a bright start for the former Watford forward. Pedro found the back of the net in the win over Manchester United and a draw with Arsenal. 

He returned for the recent match against Manchester City, coming off of the bench to win the game for the Seagulls with a goal and an assist. The 23-year-old was then named in the starting XI for the game against Bournemouth and, again, he turned out to be the difference-maker for Brighton. He scored the opener and then played one of the passes of the season to assist the winner, with Kaoru Mitoma finding the back of the net.

Pedro player traits

The Brazilian striker now has four goals and two assists in 370 minutes for the Seagulls. He’ll fancy his chances of adding to those numbers this weekend as Brighton take on South Coast rivals Southampton on Friday evening. The Saints have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League having conceded 24 goals while Fabian Hürzeler’s side are quite potent in attack having scored 21 goals. Only Manchester City (22), Chelsea (23), Liverpool (24) and Spurs (27) have found the back of the net with greater regularity. 

A win for the Seagulls would lift them into second position in the Premier League, at least momentarily. And Pedro will be key to whether or not this happens.

Wolves are on the prowl 

Gary O’Neil’s side are currently on a four match unbeaten streak. Wolves held Brighton and Crystal Palace to 2-2 draws before recording a 2-0 win over Southampton in a bottom-of-the-table clash and then romping to a 4-1 victory against an in-form Fulham side. 

A win at Molineux on Saturday could lift them as high as 15th in the Premier League table. Wolves host an out-of-sorts Bournemouth side. The Cherries are 13th in the table and have recorded wins over Manchester City and Arsenal this term, as well as picking up a draw against Aston Villa. However, they have lost their last two outings. 

Brentford claimed a 3-2 win over Andoni Irola’s side before Brighton picked up all three points against Bournemouth last time out.

If results go against them this weekend, they could end Matchday 13th just three points above the dropzone. Their good work earlier in the season will have been undone, to an extent.

To get anything out of this game, they are going to have to limit the involvement of Matheus Cunha. The Wolves forward is in ridiculous form. His 9.3 rating against Fulham was the highest of Matchday 12 and he’s got seven goal involvements in his last four outings in the English top-flight.

Momentum shifter

On Sunday afternoon, Chelsea host Aston Villa in a game that could be pivotal for both sides. 

Unai Emery’s men have hit a rough patch at the worst possible time. Villa are winless in seven across all competitions. Their last victory arrived well over a month ago and it was in the Champions League against Bologna. 

Defeat this weekend could see them drop into the bottom half of the table. A win, however, would lift them back into top four contention. One positive result can completely change the momentum of a team. And Villa will be banking on this before the 2024/25 campaign gets away from them before we even enter 2025. 

Chelsea, meanwhile, could finish the weekend in second if results go their way. Enzo Maresca has his side playing some good football this season. The Blues have the fourth highest Expected Goals haul in the Premier League and they’ve averaged the third most goals in the English top-flight. 

The Blues have lost just twice all season, to reigning champions Man City on the opening day and to current leaders Liverpool at Anfield. They’re on yet another four-match unbeaten streak and the longer they’re able to extend this, the more momentum they have heading into the busiest time of the season.

Reigning champions versus title contenders

Liverpool and Manchester City played out some classics during the Jürgen Klopp era. Over the last 12 matches, City have four wins and Liverpool have three. Generally, they’re quite tight affairs. 

But when City pick up a victory against the Reds, they usually romp to victory. They have scored four goals in three of these wins, for example. 

The same cannot be said for Liverpool. They usually eke out wins over Pep Guardiola’s side. 

There might be an opportunity for revenge this weekend. The Reds are in rampant form this season. They have ruthlessly won 15 of the 17 games they have played in all competitions. They are top of the Premier League and have a 100% record in the Champions League. They’re coming up against an out-of-sorts Manchester City side who are winless in six having lost five on the bounce before their 3-3 draw with Feyenoord. 

If ever there was an opportunity to send a message or put in a statement showing against the reigning champions, it is now. If they manage it, they’ll have an 11 point advantage over City with just 13 games on the board.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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

Posted by Bill Biss
Ricardo Pepi: The USMNT striker leading the Eredivisie goalscoring charts

Ricardo Pepi: The USMNT striker leading the Eredivisie goalscoring charts

Ricardo Pepi has had to bide his time at PSV. Signed by the Dutch club in July 2023, the American striker has largely been a depth option. He has been rotated in and out of the team and brought off the bench in games. His opportunities have been limited, but Pepi is now twisting manager Peter Bosz’s arm to start him.


By Graham Ruthven


Pepi has scored in each of his last four starts for PSV in all competitions, and he was on hand to score the winner, albeit from the bench, in the Dutch club’s remarkable Champions League comeback against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night.

His hat trick in last Saturday’s 5-0 thumping of FC Groningen made him the joint-top scorer in the Eredivisie for the 2024/25 season, highlighting his efficiency in front of goal. The 21-year-old is averaging a goal every 56 minutes.

And yet it’s still not certain that he is PSV’s first-choice centre forward. Luuk de Jong has started all five of the club’s Champions League matches this season with the 34-year-old also starting nine league games compared to Pepi’s four. Despite the American’s incredible form, Bosz continues to rotate.

“Ricardo [Pepi] did a great job, and it’s great to have two players of such high quality for this position,” said Bosz after Pepi’s impressive hat trick against FC Groningen in the Eredivisie. “But there’s no need to bring Luuk [de Jong] into question every time Pepi scores. Both are crucial for us, and who plays is my decision.”

Pepi player traits

The two strikers are very different. While de Jong is a quintessential frontman, giving PSV aerial threat and a focal point to play into and hold up the ball, Pepi is a classic penalty box operator. His game revolves around taking up good positions inside the area to find the back of the net, as he has been doing regularly of late.

For club and country, Pepi is in fine form. Indeed, the 21-year-old was similarly productive for the US men’s national team in the most recent international window, scoring in back-to-back CONCACAF Nations League games against Jamaica. His finish in the second leg of the quarter-final was particularly polished, guiding the ball into the far corner after cutting inside.

It was the sort of cutting edge the USMNT has lacked from its centre forwards of late. Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargent and Brandon Vazquez have all been used in the position since the 2022 World Cup with inconsistent results. Most view Balogun as the American striker with the highest ceiling, but Pepi’s goals are reshaping the discussion.

While Pepi’s goalscoring displays against Jamaica might have moved him to the top of the USMNT pecking order, they also highlighted the improvements he’s still to make. As a traditional frontman, Pepi must get better at holding up play with his back to goal. He simply has to be more involved in possession phases.

To make that progression, Pepi might have to leave PSV, particularly if his form still isn’t enough to dislodge de Jong from the lineup. Liverpool and Manchester City have been linked with the American while Atlético Madrid are also believed to be monitoring Pepi’s situation. Some of Europe’s biggest clubs are seemingly interested.

Of course, Pepi must be wise in picking the right club for his continued development should he make the decision to leave PSV. He needs game time to build on his natural talent and he might not get that at Anfield or the Etihad Stadium. There wouldn’t be much point in Pepi swapping one bench at PSV for another one somewhere else.

Pepi shot map, Eredivisie 2024/25

PSV are currently leading the way at the top of the Eredivisie having won 12 of their 13 games played so far. The Eindhoven-based team are well-placed to retain the title they won last season when de Jong finished as the division’s joint-top scorer with an eye-catching 29 goals in 34 games. Newcastle United fans must be confused by the veteran’s continued output.

This season, however, Pepi is intent on being the one to spearhead PSV’s title challenge. At only 21, the American is still learning his trade and has come a long way from his early struggles at Augsburg following a record $20m transfer from FC Dallas. There is room for him to grow further at his current club, especially if he keeps scoring at his current rate.

Whether it’s at PSV or somewhere else, Pepi is clearly ready to take the next step. His potential has been clear for a long time and that is now being realised on the pitch. The road Pepi is now on could lead to another Eredivisie title, a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and a starting spot for the USA at the 2026 World Cup. It’s all in front of him.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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

Posted by Bill Biss
Dejan Kulusevski has been Tottenham’s star: How do Spurs keep getting the best out of him?

Dejan Kulusevski has been Tottenham’s star: How do Spurs keep getting the best out of him?

He hasn’t been shy about confirming and confronting his form of late, and why not? “I think I have something that no other player has,” he said after another monster performance, this time eviscerating Manchester City and sending his Tottenham side back into Champions League contention.


By Karl Matchett


The temptation for managers when stars hit form is to keep them in their role and move others around them. At Spurs, there’s another option – at least when it comes to the magnificently in-form Dejan Kulusevski.

The Swedish attacker has been a conduit and an outlet for Spurs, chance-provider and chance-taker this season. Far more important, he has been the link player between midfield and attack, the transition master, the counter-attacking threat who takes them from defensive third to attacking penalty box with his dribbling, tenacity and engine.

Kulusevski player traits

Ange Postecoglou has had him operating in a range of roles this year; often a winger, right-sided and cutting in, Kulusevski has instead been a master of surging centrally, playing an offensive No. 8 role from midfield, powerfully driving into the channels and leaving opposition holders in his wake.

There might not be a single trait Kulusevski has that will see him top the statistical charts every single season, but the bigger impact from him, the reason he is such a weapon and has become so important to his team, is that he does everything very well.

“You can’t compare me to any other player, so this is what I’m looking for,” went the rest of his post-match comments. “I take the best stuff from them, but with my engine, you know, with my heart – I don’t get tired – I feel like I can do a lot still in my career. I don’t get tired and I can’t let anybody outwork me. That’s the plan. That’s how I play and how I train.”

Kulusevski possession stats, Premier League 2024/25

Which is fair enough, when you watch him burst past people in the first and 90th minutes alike, when he’s played more league minutes this season than any other attacker in the squad and when he’s provided more assists than anyone else Postecoglou can call upon. See, he’s not top of Spurs’ stats lists for the Premier League this season when it comes to goals, or assists, or expected either one of those. He’s not top for dribbles, shots or big chances created per 90. Different names top pretty much each of those categories. But he’s among their best at each of those, which is unique to him: Kulusevski will give you some of everything across the board every time he takes the pitch.

And, of course, his consistency this term is vital. Spurs are notoriously…well, Spursy they call it. Capable of losing at home to Ipswich one week and beating Man City away the next, for example. But Kulusevski has kept his level, kept providing chances, kept running for sure. He does top the metrics in two particular areas of the team, which is notable: possessions won in the final third (16, 1.5 per 90) and total chances created (33, 3.1 per 90).

Spurs chance creators, Premier League 2024/25

Check around the Premier League for comparable position players for players who have managed more you won’t find any, in either category – or for touches in the box, or for shots blocked. Simply put, he’s a wrecking ball at one end and does more than his fair share at the other, too. Around comparable leagues and players, he’s in the 93rd percentile for chances created and yet also 74th percentile for defensive actions. That’s a rare type of combination player, and it gives Postecoglou significant options from a tactical perspective.

Kulusevski passing stats, Premier League 2024/25

As noted, Kulusevski has been playing as effectively an attacking central midfielder. That’s not totally new – he played as a No. 10 in Italy and has done for the national team – but it is deeper at times. He’s also played as a striker before, so his versatility is endless in the attacking half. Yet flicking him wide allows not just a rest for Brennan Johnson, but also to reincorporate James Maddison into the team in a more attacking central role – just as was the case at City, when the pair combined so well for the opening goal.

Postecoglou has a juggling act to perform to an extent, because while both players would ideally be in his lineup, Spurs as a whole have been too flimsy, too inconsistent, too unreliable to start both of them as twin No. 8s across a midfield three. One on the flank and one centrally though looks solid, particularly with the likes of Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr behind. It’s perhaps easy to say that double pivot should be in place permanently, leaving two attacking spots free for the likes of Johnson, Son Heung Min, Dominic Solanke and the rest to fight for. But they are also all seen as starters, and they can’t all do so every game.

Postecoglou must continue to rotate, to refresh and to make it clear that the only way to stay in the team and be seen as a must-start player is to maintain consistency and impact in the final third. That’s how Tottenham find the overall cohesion game after game after game they have lacked for so long. That’s how they climb the table, and stay there: consistency, not Spursy.

In other words, the wider team must emulate what Kulusevski has been doing all along, regardless of his starting role.


(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.

Posted by Bill Biss
Preview: Ranieri’s new Roma side face Postecoglu’s Spurs in the Europa League

Preview: Ranieri’s new Roma side face Postecoglu’s Spurs in the Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur excelled in their 4-0 win over Manchester City at the weekend and as part of their ongoing search for consistency, they take on Roma in the Europa League on Thursday.


By Kaustubh Pandey


Postecoglou vs. Ranieri

Spurs obliterated City on Saturday and could have easily scored more goals. Dejan Kulusevski sparkled, as Ange Postecoglou‘s side executed their plan to perfection, pressing City high up the pitch and playing through their press at will.

In contrast, their Europa League opponents for the week are the crisis team in Serie A this season. We’ve yet to reach the mid-way point and Roma are already on to their third manager of the campaign, with Claudio Ranieri coming out of retirement and returning to the dugout in time to oversee their dull 1-0 loss at Napoli over the weekend.

Ivan Jurić was sacked before the international break and there is now expected to be a stylistic change in how the Giallorossi play, as Jurić’s brand of football revolved around high-pressing and man marking. Ranieri is more pragmatic and it was seen in the defeat to the Partenopei.

Roma look for renewed hope

The Giallorossi have won only once in their last five games in all competitions and frustratingly have dropped points in three of their Europa League games so far – drawing with Union St Gilloise and Athletic Club, and beaten by Swedish side Elfsborg.

They do have a win over Dynamo Kiev on the books but that performance was indicative of the Roman club’s struggle for a new identity this season. It also defines their struggles under the Friedkins, who’s ownership group have been protested against by the club’s supporters every second day.

Perhaps, an identity is what Ranieri can actually add to a side quickly. Jurić could have too, if he was given time but patience ran low and the expectation from the club would be to play a low-block in a back three under Ranieri.

New signing Matías Soulé hasn’t quite settled in yet but it is new striker Artem Dovbyk who appears to be gaining in confidence after a slow start.

Dovbyk player traits

Top scorer in LaLiga last season, Dovbyk has four league goals in Serie A so far and his presence upfront attracts defenders, as the Ukrainian thrives on quality link-up with those around him and can be a crucial weapon on the break, especially if Paulo Dybala starts alongside him.

Spurs want attack to thrive 

A case can be made of the fact that Spurs could have scored more goals against Galatasaray, but Postecoglou has this incredible insistence on putting his attacking strengths on show, even if it puts the defensive worries on the backseat. It is risky but when it works, it works brilliantly.

They have an unpredictable side to them, but Spurs have scored the most goals per game in the Premier League this season, while also conceding the third lowest number of goals per game.

It clearly shows how entertaining a side they are and considering the raw numbers, they could well turn out to be pretty good at the end of the season.

Having said that, both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero remain out – as they were against City. Rodrigo Bentancur remains suspended and this will lead to Postecoglou having to adapt the line-up for the clash against Roma.

Dybala boost for Roma

Reports in Italy have suggested that Dybala is fit and he could start the game. He has been put in a couple of good performances against Tottenham in the past and Roma will rely on him.

Mats Hummels, who has suffered so far in Rome, could also start and so could Mario Hermoso. Soule and Lorenzo Pellegrini are also in contention to start.

As far as Spurs are concerned, Guglielmo Vicario is out for the next few weeks. Fraser Forster will start in goal and Lucas Bergvall is also expected to feature again. And after being benched against City, both Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson are likely to start.

Prediction

This will depend entirely on how well Ranieri has drilled his new side in the few short days he’s been at the club, and whether they can stop Postecoglou’s in-form attackers. But with Spurs riding the wave of that display against City, we can’t see beyond a home win for the London side.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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

Posted by Bill Biss in Preview, Roma, SendAsPush, team_8586, team_8686, Tottenham Hotspur, World News
Preview: Amorim set for Old Trafford debut in the Europa League

Preview: Amorim set for Old Trafford debut in the Europa League

Bodø/Glimt, the reigning Norwegian champions face the Red Devils before a vital weekend back in the Eliteserien that will decide this season’s title race in Norway’s top tier.


By Filip Mishov


Recent form and context

Not only did Ed Sheeran infamously crashed Rúben Amorim‘s post-match interview with Sky Sports, but his Tractor Boys halted the Red Devils’ attempt to extend their winning streak with a brave performance at Portman Road. It is fair to say that the Portuguese’s debut did not go as planned with Ipswich dominating for most part of the match, while Manchester United‘s misfiring attack continues to underperform as they recorded a low xG (0.90), which is one of Amorim’s many tasks to solve.

Now, a home debut awaits Amorim under the Old Trafford lights in the Europa League and the possibility to secure his maiden win at the helm arises in front of the Red Army, which will surely welcome the so-called ‘Smiling One’ with open arms. Bodø/Glimt are coming to the Theatre of Dreams in the first-ever competitive match between Manchester United and a Norwegian club in UEFA’s club competitions, which seems quite astonishing given the club’s recent trips to Norway during their pre-season summer tours.

The Bodø-based club are coming to Manchester on the back of a win (0-2) in the penultimate round in Eliteserien, and ahead of a season-defining clash in Norway’s top-tier on Sunday as the Kjetil Knutsen-led squad host Lillestrøm, while second-placed Brann play third-placed Viking in the final round too. With only a point separating the reigning Norwegian champions from Brann and only three points ahead of Viking, it is fair to say that Glimt may have one eye on the weekend.

Team news

It was not all doom and gloom for Amorim at Portman Road as Luke Shaw made his comeback after spending 280 days on the sidelines, and additionally, Tyrell Malacia made the matchday squad, which is a huge boost for the Red Devils ahead of the hectic Christmas period. However, the wonderkid – Leny Yoro was not part of the squad, despite the Frenchman taking part in full training and the match against Glimt might be the perfect opportunity for him to finally make his debut. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez remain on the sidelines, with the latter the closest to making a comeback in a couple of weeks. As for the Scandinavian visitors, it will be interesting to see whether the coach, Knutsen will rest some of his key players given the club’s title defence is on the line and the fact that Glimt have had a superior start to the Europa League’s campaign than United, sitting in 12th place with a point ahead of the hosts who found themselves in 15th place.

Key Player

Jens Petter Hauge made the step to Europe’s top 5 leagues too soon with his move to AC Milan a few years ago, but the 25-year-old’s talent and ability are undeniable as the playmaking winger continues to impress in the yellow of Glimt. With seven goals and five assists in Norway’s top-tier and a couple of goals and one assists in the Europa League, the Red Devils’ defence must be aware of his threat coming in from the left. Also, given the fact that Amorim favoured Amad Diallo at right wing-back over a natural defender against Ipswich, that might be where Glimt can look to exploit the hosts vulnerabilities.

Hauge player traits

Prediction

The Red Devils are on an unbeaten five-match run in all competitions under Ruud van Nistelrooy and Amorim, respectively, and the expectation will be that this is a good chance for their new charismatic coach to pick up a maiden win. However, Bodø/Glimt are a quality side, and they have already defeated FC Porto this season, which Manchester United failed to do, and Jens Petter Hauge & co. are especially dangerous on the counter.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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

Posted by Bill Biss in Bodo Glimt, Manchester United, Preview, SendAsPush, team_10260, team_8402, World News
Preview: Chelsea face European newcomers Heidenheim

Preview: Chelsea face European newcomers Heidenheim

It’s another David vs. Goliath matchup for Chelsea in the European Conference League on Thursday as they travel to Germany to face FC Heidenheim in what is the biggest game in the Bundesliga club’s continental history.


By Alex Roberts


While likely to be less biblical than the 8-0 win over FC Noah in their previous fixture, Enzo Maresca will no doubt feel confident his side can keep their 100% record from their opening three games intact.

They shouldn’t underestimate Heidenheim, however, with the Germans also winning all three of their games so far, beating Scottish side Hearts 2-0 in their most recent game against a British side.

Enzo Maresca’s free-scoring blues

The Premier League side have shown exactly why they’re considered heavy favourites to win the tournament outright come the end of the season, scoring 16 goals and conceding three in three games. 

Striker/winger Christopher Nkunku and playmaker João Félix have been on fire, both sitting as joint top goal scorers with four apiece. The Frenchman may be unhappy with his current role at the club, but he’s still doing the business on the pitch.

With Félix playing a starring role in Chelsea’s recent 2-1 Premier League win over Leicester, it’s unlikely he’ll feature in Germany, giving Tyrique George a real chance of starting.

Conference League top scorers

Marvin Pieringer a major doubt

Heidenheim are likely to be without top goal scorer Marvin Pieringer for the game, after the striker picked up an achilles tendon injury on their 5-2 defeat to Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

Everything was peachy for Frank Schmidt’s side in his 539th game at the club before they were forced to replace the big man up top. Leading 2-0, Heidenheim looked good value for a bit upset.

Unfortunately, without Pieringer, it all fell apart, a fate they will be hoping to avoid as they take on Chelsea.

The rebirth of Mykhaylo Mudryk

The Ukrainian winger has struggled to live up to the £88.5 million price tag that brought him to Chelsea from Shakhtar in 2022, but he has found some solace in the Conference League.

Away from the spotlight, Mudryk has arguably been Chelsea’s best player of the tournament so far, bagging two goals and three assists, he’s only four goal contributions off his total for the entirety of last season.

Starts outside of Chelsea’s cup fixtures are few and far between, however, with the 23-year-old coming on as a substitute in six of his seven Premier League appearances.

Prediction

It’s hard to look beyond Chelsea for this one, but ongoing defensive frailties and Heidenheim’s physicality could cause Maresca’s side some serious headaches. We’re going to go with 2-1 to Chelsea.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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

Posted by Bill Biss in Chelsea, Preview, SendAsPush, team_8455, World News
Matheus Cunha: Delivering to the level that was always expected of him

Matheus Cunha: Delivering to the level that was always expected of him

Matheus Cunha has had something of a strange career.


By Sam McGuire


Aged just 18, he left Brazilian club Coritiba to join Swiss side Sion. After scoring 10 in 32 appearances for them, he was snapped up by RB Leipzig. The fact he had the Red Bull approval was supposed to be a clear indication that Cunha was destined for big things. The fizzy drinks backed football club made a habit out of identifying potential and helping them develop. 

RB Leipzig graduates are scattered across Europe at some of the biggest clubs. It just didn’t happen for the versatile forward though. 

He scored one of the goals of the season against Bayern Leverkusen during his debut campaign with Die Roten Bullen but that moment of genius was an exception rather than the norm. 

After limited appearances and just two Bundesliga goals, he joined German rivals Hertha Berlin in January 2020. His time in the capital was plagued by inconsistency and it was a surprise to everyone when Atlético Madrid paid €30million for his services during the summer transfer window of 2021.

Cunha career history

He spent just 18 months under Diego Simeone, scoring seven goals across all competitions, before he found refuge at Molineux with Wolves. The move was turned into a permanent one when the Premier League side agreed to pay €50million for the forward. Again, it was a fee that raised a lot of eyebrows. 

Now, though, it is looking like money well spent. 

The Brazil international is currently one of the most in-form attackers in the English top-flight. And, according to multiple reports, he’s being chased by Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. 

He was the highest-rated FotMob player of Matchday 12 with a 9.3 for his performance against Fulham. The 25-year-old scored twice and assisted in the 4-1 win for Wolves, a victory that lifted them out of the dropzone.

The 11-cap international now has seven goals and three assists in 976 minutes this term. He’s well on course to better his career-high return of 12 goals and seven assists, a haul he put up last season. 

Cunha has a goal involvement in six of his last eight appearances for Wolves. He blanked against Manchester City and Liverpool, but that is understandable. He has nine goal involvements across this period though, scoring against Fulham, Southampton, Brighton, Brentford and Villa while also chipping in with assists against Fulham, Southampton and Crystal Palace.This goalscoring run coincides with Wolves going on a four-match unbeaten streak and escaping the bottom three. 

The Wolves No. 10 has now been involved in 26 goals in his past 29 league starts with 17 goals and nine assists. 

His latest strike for Gary O’Neil’s side could well be named the Goal of the Month.

He curled an unbelievable effort beyond Bernd Leno from outside of the penalty area. His shot placement turned an effort with an Expected Goals value of 0.04 into one with an Expected Goals on Target value of 0.36. 

Speaking after the game against Fulham, he said: ‘I’m so happy. We try to have these kinds of shots in training. The gaffer comes to me and says: “Please do this in a game, please help me!”.’

Wolves are desperate to keep hold of their star performer. His boss recently likened him to some of the best in the Premier League, saying: “Everyone knows how important he is to us, but also important to recognise the work that he’s put in since he has been here. This isn’t the Matheus Cunha that arrived at Wolves.

“I love working with him because the penny has definitely dropped that he can be a top player. There were gaps before and he works every single day to be as good as he can be. I love working with him. His talent is incredible, obviously. But if you watch the top players, they’re able to do it week in week out. Watch people like Bernardo Silva, Martin Ødegaard. They’re all top with or without the ball and Matheus, the numbers he’s producing at the minute are up there with everybody. He’s going to stay at Wolves for as long as possible, firstly. But after that, there’s no limit to where he can go.”

He is running exceptionally hot at this moment in time. It likely isn’t going to last but he’s still going to be a serious threat and the main man for Wolves. For example, he’s scoring 0.65 goals per 90 this term from an Expected Goals average of just 0.29 and an Expected Goals on Target total of 0.24. He’s had a lot of luck as his finishing hasn’t been great. But the biggest takeaway from all of this is that he’s making things happen. 

Cunha shooting stats per 90, Premier League 2024/25

Combine his xG with his Expected Assists average (0.21) and you have a player with an xG Involvement of 0.5 per 90, all while playing for a struggling side. He’s also completing almost 60% of his attempted dribbles, so he’s creating space as well as opportunities. 

Cunha went a long way about it but he’s finally delivering the sort of performances many thought would be the norm when he was snapped up by RB Leipzig as a teenager. If this form continues for the fleet-footed forward, he’ll be back playing in the Champions League as Europe’s elite will pry him away from a relegation battle. 


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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Posted by Bill Biss
The midfield rebuild: How Emery is reshaping Aston Villa after Luiz departure

The midfield rebuild: How Emery is reshaping Aston Villa after Luiz departure

In a post-Douglas Luiz era, Aston Villa’s midfield has undergone a seismic shift. The emergence of fresh faces and a new dynamic offers a stark contrast to the successes of a season ago. The result is a midfield with potential, but one that requires patience.


By Josh Gans


Saturday’s draw against Crystal Palace marked Unai Emery’s 101st match in charge of Aston Villa, boasting an impressive 53 wins, 20 draws, and 28 defeats. Under his leadership, Villa transformed from a relegation-threatened side to a Champions League contender, achieving an unlikely push for Europe two seasons ago and a top-four finish last season.

Unai Emery’s recent win career history

After qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 41 years, Aston Villa has seen a squad overhaul, particularly in midfield. In its development, Villa has utilised a combination of academy talent, practical signings and the sale of Jack Grealish, arguably their most talented player in the Premier League era, to boost development and build a capable well rounded squad.

Last season’s success could point to many contributing factors. Ollie Watkins stole the show with his prolific 40 goal contributions. The reliance on experienced veterans like John McGinn and Lucas Digne played a substantial role, as did energetic attackers such as Jacob Ramsey, Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby. But perhaps the most significant influence in Aston Villa’s emergence under Emery was defensive-midfielder-turned-maestro Douglas Luiz.

Douglas Luiz season summary

The Brazilian saw the field in all but fifteen Premier League matches in his five years with the club, offering a level of durability needed to steer the ship. He became more of a staple in the team and finally recieved his flowers when he took on a more attack-minded approach under the Spaniard’s supervision. His defensive stability quickly turned into a pivotal role in the way the side ticked over.

Emery utilised a 4-4-2 system that heavily relied on Luiz’s contributions, partnering alongside Youri Tielemans. This freed him to provide a more advanced box-to-box role. Luiz led the team in chances created last season (53), and provided 20 goal contributions. Their success was determined by an expansive, attack-first style that creates as many opportunities as it leaves open defensively.

The Villans used the newfound spending power from their Champions League qualification to spend €176m on much-needed depth pieces with experience and young talent. The biggest statement was the inevitable departure of Luiz – who had now become a household name and attracted interest from the biggest clubs – replacing him with Everton’s standout Amadou Onana.

Douglas Luiz’s departure for Juventus – Villa’s opponents in the Champions League tonight – was always going to leave a gaping hole that Onana would have to fill, but they offer contrasting qualities. Onana anchors with a more defensive role, acting as a rock in front of the back four. Towering at 6’5”, the Belgian is a more intimidating, less dynamic presence. His start to life in Birmingham went better than he could have imagined, scoring just four minutes into his debut.

Amadou Onana player traits

Perhaps the most impactful addition has been 22-year old Morgan Rogers. Signed in January, his influence has been nothing short of consequential. Set up as an attacking midfielder, he plays more of a centre forward supporting role to Watkins that perhaps best emulates Moussa Diaby, who left for Saudi club Al Ittihad in the summer. He excels in recovering possession in dangerous areas, ranking highly among Premier League midfielders in related metrics. The energy Rogers brings to the fans and the team by winning a ball in the final third or making a surging run past two or three defenders cannot be measured, but has evolved the outlook of Aston Villa’s attack.

Rogers’ passing and possession stats, Premier League 2024/25

However, the absence of Luiz should not be understated. What was once an attack-minded 4-4-2 between Tielemans and Luiz complimenting each other with simplicity, is now a less cohesive 4-4-1-1 with two brand new profiles for Tielemans to adjust to. Rogers has changed the way they create opportunities, but Tielemans has been forced to adapt into a more advanced role and become the main creative outlet, now marginally leading the team in chances created (28), xA (2.6), and assists (4).

Despite a strong start – including a win over Bayern Munich, and topping the Champions League table after three weeks – Villa are now winless in six, have slipped to eighth in the league, lost to Club Brugge in the Champions League, and been knocked out of the Carabao Cup. The demanding Champions League schedule has taken its toll – as it did on Newcastle last season – and Onana was injured while on international duty. Scoring-wise, they are on pace for just 60 goals compared to last season’s 76.

It’s not time to hit the panic button, however. Onana’s setback provided Ross Barkley with an opportunity to score the equaliser against Palace, and presented more bandwidth for Tielemans to create. Boubacar Kamara will soon have the opportunity to move back into the lineup following his ACL injury. He has a more similar profile to Douglas Luiz, offering creativity moving forward, while providing solid defensive stability. This will provide a chance to regain a starting role and offer an alternative approach.

Villa also rank third in the Premier League for big chances created (41), and lead the league in big chances missed (28). In the 2-2 draw against Palace, they won the xG battle by 1.85 goals. They are still creating opportunities in bunches, just not executing them yet.

Villa fans should remain optimistic. The midfield is beginning to gel, but it’s bound to experience some turbulence in its transition. The squad is experiencing a drastic shift in its foundation, with more depth and experience than a year ago, and the personnel to get the ball rolling. They have the chance to make a statement in the Champions League and finish back in a European spot in the league. Finishing in the top four is still a possibility, but this season is about establishing themselves as a top club that is here to stay, and they should have full confidence they will do just that.


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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Posted by Bill Biss
Mohamed Salah is right to pressure Liverpool over new contract – but his timing could have spoiled a blockbuster week

Mohamed Salah is right to pressure Liverpool over new contract – but his timing could have spoiled a blockbuster week

Mohamed Salah is a stoic and typically private individual; a world-class footballer who, more often than not, prefers to do his talking on the pitch – and to great effect at that.


By Jack Lusby, ThisIsAnfield.com


But he also knows how to ruffle feathers when he needs to.

Case in point, the hours after Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over Southampton – a game his brace decided in favour of the Reds, sending them eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

As Arne Slot and his squad headed out of the player’s entrance at St Mary’s, Salah made a very rare beeline to the assembled press standing in the post-storm conditions in what is referred to in the media as the mixed zone.

For those unaware, the mixed zone is an area – away from a stadium’s dedicated room where press conferences are held and match reports are hastily filed – that allows national and local journalists to speak directly to players after a game.

More often than not, their attempts to attract most players will be in vain, with there typically a handful who will oblige – in Liverpool’s case, usually their captain Virgil van Dijk – but Salah himself is notable in how infrequent his stops are.

That ensured his comments on contract talks with the club served as a direct message.

Mohamed Salah only speaks on his terms and, in this case, it was to make clear to the wider public that he was “disappointed” with a lack of progress.

“We are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in [next season],” he explained.

“You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end, it is not in my hands.

“As I said before, it is December and I haven’t received anything yet about my future. I love the fans. The fans love me. In the end, it is not in my hands or the fans’ hands. Let’s wait and see.”

Sarah season summary at Liverpool

Rather than the day after Liverpool’s victory at Southampton seeing fans relish another three points, that Monday became the backdrop for a furore over the club’s inability to so far tie down any of Salah, Virgil van Dijk or Trent Alexander-Arnold to new deals.

All three players are among the best in the world and by that token among the most important players in Slot’s squad, and that they have all been allowed to move into the final months of their contracts does not reflect well on the club.

There are mitigating factors, of course, not least the unprecedented changes off the pitch over the past 12 months and even beyond that.

Jürgen Klopp’s resignation shocked everyone, and though those within Liverpool’s boardroom knew of his plans to leave before the public, they certainly weren’t expecting him to push for the exit as soon as he did.

That left Fenway Sports Group with the task of replacing one of the club’s most legendary figures and ensure continuity for a squad in the process of a rebuild of its own, which was made more difficult by events even before Klopp communicated his desire to move on.

Suggestions of a power struggle between Klopp and those within the Reds’ recruitment staff clouded the departures of two sporting directors in quick succession, with Michael Edwards and Julian Ward replaced in the interim by Jorg Schmadtke.

Schmadtke’s role was, by his own admission, to simply exact Klopp’s plans in the transfer market; the German’s remit did not stretch beyond that and certainly did not include long-term strategy when it came to contracts.

That was only exacerbated by FSG president Mike Gordon – who was central to finalising Salah’s last contract extension back in 2022 – stepping back from his duties as the ownership group briefly considered selling the club.

Forgive those brought in as part of their post-Klopp reshuffle, then, for not making new contracts their No. 1 priority over the past months.

New sporting director Richard Hughes, in tandem with the returning Edwards, was first required to identify and appoint Slot’s successor, before allowing the head coach time to assess his squad during pre-season and address any needs in the transfer market.

That clearly delayed the start of talks with the representatives of Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, but it has not muted the fears of those watching on from the outside.

From Salah’s point of view, it is understandable that he would be frustrated at a lack of formal offers given his clear desire to stay at Liverpool beyond the end of the season, but there is more than a measure of brinkmanship from his part too.

A major factor in this will be the ongoing uncertainty over Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold’s futures, with it a case of who blinks first in signing new terms as all three will consider themselves worthy of club-record salaries.

The ideal scenario will be all three players eventually committing their futures beyond the end of the campaign – but it would appear any resolution is still far off.

But as the pressure on the club’s hierarchy increases, it is worth questioning the deliberate timing of Salah’s comments, which came on the eve of the biggest week of Slot’s reign so far.

Liverpool host Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night and Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon; two clashes that could propel them closer to the success that Salah and his teammates covet.

To divert the narrative from those two fixtures was, in the opinion of Jamie Carragher, “selfish” of Salah and his representative, Ramy Abbas Issa – an individual whose focus is purely on achieving the best for his sole client – with the club legend “desperate for them to meet in the middle” but “very disappointed” at attempts to create a sideshow.

“The most important thing for Liverpool Football Club this season is not the future of Mo Salah, it’s not the future of Virgil van Dijk and it’s not the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold,” Carragher asserted.

“The most important thing is Liverpool winning the Premier League. That is more important than any of those players.”

Slot himself has insisted that the situation is not a distraction for himself, Salah or his teammates, insisting that, for him, “my main focus is the next game.”

However, it is clearly a delicate situation which Salah has attempted to steer back into his control, but it should not detract from what promises to be a blockbuster week for the Reds.

Because why else do we follow Liverpool, and the sport itself, if not for the actual football on a midweek and a weekend?

Mixed zones, sporting directors, agents and salaries are necessary parts of the modern game, but they remain in the background when it comes to the 90-plus minutes that play out on the pitch every three or four days.

A player of Salah’s ilk undoubtedly provides the flourish in those 90-plus minutes, and all being well the parties involved will find a compromise – whether that is in the length of his new contract or the wages he is paid.

But that the narrative has been allowed to shift from arguably Liverpool’s most high-profile week of football in years and onto the decision-makers behind the scenes is not what fans really deserve.


(Images from IMAGO)


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Posted by Bill Biss
Preview: Liverpool and Real Madrid poised for another meeting in the Champions League

Preview: Liverpool and Real Madrid poised for another meeting in the Champions League

Liverpool are looking to extend their 100% record in the Champions League on Wednesday as they welcome reigning European champions Real Madrid to Anfield.


By Sam McGuire


Arne Slot will be looking to achieve something Jürgen Klopp failed to do while in charge of the Reds, he’ll be looking to defeat the Spanish giants. The German tactician never managed to beat Los Blancos during his time on Merseyside.

The season so far in Europe 

Liverpool have been perfect this term. The Reds have played four and won four in Europe. They’re the only team in the Champions League to have a 100% record. Slot has guided his side to victories against AC Milan, Bologna, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen. The Reds humbled the Bundesliga champions 4–0 in their last outing to send a message to the rest of Europe. 

Only Inter and Atalanta (both on zero) have conceded fewer goals than the Premier League leaders (one) while Barcelona (15) and Borussia Dortmund (13) can better Liverpool’s haul of 10 Champions League goals this term. 

They are the top-rated FotMob team with an average rating of 7.34. By comparison, Real Madrid are ranked ninth with a FotMob rating of 7.1.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have struggled in Europe this term, winning two and losing two of their opening four matches. Ahead of the Matchday 5 games on Tuesday evening (the time of writing), they find themselves in 18th position in the new-look Champions League format. Real Madrid have conceded seven goals in their opening four matches and are yet to keep a clean sheet. VfB Stuttgart, Lille, Dortmund and Milan have all found a way past the reigning champions. 

Los Blancos have been giving up chances too. Their Expected Goals against total for the season in Europe is 7.2. They’re a threat going forward and rank second for xG this term with 11, but defensively they have been a shambles. 

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been dominant at both ends of the pitch. They rank third for xG (10.4) and have the third lowest xG Against (2.8). The key difference between the two teams is what is going on in the defensive third.

Previous encounters

The Reds have a horrific record against Real Madrid. Their last win over the LaLiga team arrived in 2009. Since then, there have been eight matches between the two sides and Liverpool’s best result was a 0-0 draw in the second leg of a game. And that was a match they needed to win after losing the first leg 3-1. 

Madrid have kept a clean sheet in three of the last four meetings between the two sides. 

Across Klopp’s time with Liverpool, the two teams faced off on six occasions. The Spanish team scored 13 goals and conceded just four times. It was a very one-sided match-up. 

A win for the Reds here won’t exorcise the demons of 2018, 2021, 2022 or 2023, but it’d be a big statement in the grand scheme of things for Slot and his squad.

Current form

Liverpool eked out a 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points. The Reds have won their last five across all competitions and are unbeaten in 14. During this run, they have won 13 games.

They have been relentless and ruthless this season under the former Feyenoord boss. Even injuries to Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold haven’t derailed them. 

Mohamed Salah is in the form of his life too having adapted to the new tactics at Anfield. His double against Southampton took his tally to 10 goals and six assists in the Premier League. And he leads the way for assists in the Champions League with four. 

Madrid are just four points off the summit in Spain with a game in hand. They bounced back from their 4-0 humbling in El Clásico to pick up maximum points from their last two matches in LaLiga. 

Against Leganés, Kylian Mbappé scored his first goal in a month while Jude Bellingham found the back of the net for just the second time this season. Maybe they’ve timed their resurgence to perfection.

The Injury situation 

Thibaut Courtois is back for Real Madrid. He started the game against Leganes and kept a clean sheet. However, Vinícius Júnior suffered an injury that will rule him out. He joined the likes of Dani Carvajal, Aurélien Tchouaméni, David Alaba, Éder Militão and Rodrygo in a fairly busy treatment room in the Spanish capital. 

Liverpool are possibly without Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker while Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are both still out. Kostas Tsimikas should be fit enough for a place on the bench having missed the game against Southampton with a knock. 

One thing is for sure, this won’t be Liverpool’s best XI versus Real Madrid’s best XI.

Prediction

Liverpool should be able to finally defeat Real Madrid. If they do, they can use it as a springboard for their upcoming game in the Premier League against Manchester City. The Reds are in form and have a healthier looking squad. But you can never write off Los Blancos, especially not in the Champions League. 


(Cover image from IMAGO)


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Posted by Bill Biss in Liverpool, Preview, Real Madrid, SendAsPush, team_8633, team_8650, World News