Page 7 – The Pulse of Football

Mar

2025

Preview: Madrid Derby set to bring UCL Round of 16 to dramatic close

The Madrid derby headlines the final fixture slot of this season’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

By Neel Shelat

Atléti out to finish the job they accepted

Of course, no team can ever be entirely satisfied with defeat, but Atlético Madrid seemed to be content enough with keeping a one-goal margin in the scoreline last week. Diego Simeone’s decision to replace Antoine Griezmann with centre-back Robin Le Normand in the 71st minute certainly suggested that, and it was the hosts who came closest to scoring the fourth goal of the match.

Atlético are famed for their defensive resolution and ability to hold on to slender leads, but the flip side of that is that they do not have a lot of experience in overturning first leg deficits. In fact, they have only ever done so once in the UEFA Champions League, though they did manage to win two other such ties on penalties.

Metropolitano a tough venue even for Real Madrid

Since the Metropolitano Stadium opened in 2017, it has proven to be a very tough venue for Real Madrid. Los Blancos have only won twice in their nine visits to the ground and were defeated twice last season, in LaLiga as well as the Copa del Rey. They also suffered disappointment on Atlético’s home turf earlier this term when Ángel Correa scored an equaliser deep into stoppage-time to cap off a very tense match that was also interrupted due to fan disorder.

*The last five derbies at the Metropolitano*

This will be the first Euroderbi at the Metropolitano, and hopefully it will be a memorable one for sporting reasons.

Real better rested from the weekend

Both of Spain’s premier capital clubs are in for a very busy conclusion to the season as they are in the hunt for all three major trophies. So, player load management will be an especially big factor in the remainder of their campaigns. For this match, it seems Real Madrid might have the upper hand in that respect.

Between their Euroderbi legs, both sides had tough league fixtures last weekend as they faced other regional rivals. Real Madrid managed to come away with a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano while rotating about half of their side, but Atléti suffered a dramatic defeat to Getafe by the same scoreline despite only making a couple of changes to their line-up. Worse yet for them, Clément Lenglet felt an issue in the warm-up and Rodrigo De Paul picked up a knock and went off at half-time.

More moments of individual brilliance in a more open game?

The story of the first leg was of three goals borne out of moments of individual quality. The rest of the game was quite cagey as Atlético particularly looked to keep things tight and Real were cautious of giving away anything cheaply. Simeone’s side will likely have to come out of their shell more in this match, so we could well get a more open encounter that offers the superstar forwards more opportunities to showcase their brilliance.

Prediction

Atlético are unlikely to overcommit, so a tight game should be expected. Real are certainly not short of quality, so they could well do enough to come away with a 1-1 draw.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2025

Neves and Vitinha the key to Luis Enrique’s PSG

Paris Saint-Germain must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Liverpool, but their first leg performance suggests the French giants still have a chance.

By Graham Ruthven

Arne Slot called them the “most complete” team Liverpool have faced this season. Alisson Becker described his display against them last week as “the performance of his life.” Liverpool might have escaped France with a 1-0 advantage in their Champions League last 16 tie, but Paris Saint-Germain left quite the impression.

*First leg momentum chart and top stats*

By almost every metric, PSG dominated the first leg. They had 70% of possession. Liverpool faced 27 shots while mustering just two themselves. At full time, PSG’s Expected Goals (xG) stood at 1.78 with Liverpool’s just 0.27. Football matches aren’t decided on underlying statistics, but Harvey Elliott’s winner was a bolt from the blue (or red).

No two players had their foot on the throat of the Premier League leaders more firmly than João Neves and Vitinha. They controlled the game in the centre of the pitch, both in and out of possession, and are likely to do the same again at Anfield on Tuesday night. Neves and Vitinha might be the best midfield pairing in Europe right now.

Nobody on the pitch at the Parc des Princes last week completed more passes than Vitinha. Not only this, the Portuguese international won six ground duels and completed four dribbles. He was everywhere, keeping PSG’s tempo high in possession and quickly counter-pressing out of it. Liverpool struggled to make any sort of impression on him.

Neves added to the control PSG had, also making runs into the final third when space opened up. While Liverpool failed to find any sort of foothold on the ball, the Ligue 1 champions played the majority of the game in the opposition half. It was freakish that none of their goal-scoring chances ended up in the back of the net.

PSG spent big to sign Neves from Benfica for €60m last summer, winning the race to land the young midfielder when the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United had also been linked. He was the final piece of the midfield puzzle for Luis Enrique who needed his own Rodri to make PSG tick. Neves has so far lived up to his billing.

This is the sort of team Luis Enrique envisaged when he first took over at the Parc des Princes two summers ago. His first season in charge was a transitional one as PSG started to move on from a Galacticos-esque era that saw them fail to balance an attack that featured Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar.

*PSG remain unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season*

In 2025, though, PSG have played prime Lucho-ball. They control games through possession. They counter-press. They get players forward in quick transition moments. They play with energy in the wide areas and are able to replicate their approach against the strongest opponents, as last week’s meeting with Liverpool proved.

“Even though we’re trailing from the first leg we will be playing our own game from the outset,” said Luis Enrique ahead of the second leg. “Regardless of the result [in Paris] we wouldn’t do anything different. I’m not going to give away who we are going to play or how we are going to play but over the course of two games we will see two of the best teams in Europe, two contenders for the final and whoever goes through will go through to the final.”

Luis Enrique’s prediction might well come true. PSG are good enough to overturn a 1-0 deficit at Anfield on Tuesday and they’re good enough to make this season’s Champions League final. If the French giants were to knock out Liverpool, there would be no reason to fear anyone else in what is a relatively weak field.

The goalscoring form of Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé is primarily the thing that has made PSG genuine Champions League challengers in the eyes of so many. Before being held by Liverpool last week, the French giants had netted 20 goals in their previous four games. Dembélé had notched 18 in just 13 outings since the turn of the year.

*PSG have scored 70 goals in Ligue 1, exactly 35 at home and 35 away*

Without that cutting edge, PSG will limply exit this season’s Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday night regardless of what Liverpool are able to muster. The visitors must do a better job of converting control and possession into goals. They need Dembélé and co. of the past two months and not the frontline that drew a blank in the first leg.

In Neves and Vitinha, though, PSG have a platform in almost every match they play. The pair are irrepressible and will relish the opportunity to put right the injustice of the first leg against Liverpool at Anfield. The best midfield pairing in Europe could be deciding factor in this Champions League tie.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2025

Premier League Team of the Week: Matchday 28

There was a lot of change in the Premier League this weekend. Liverpool extended their lead at the summit to 15 points, Nottingham Forest cut the gap to Arsenal to four points while Chelsea replaced Manchester City in the top four. And Wolves, without the talismanic Matheus Cunha, opened up a six point gap over the dropzone.

By Sam McGuire

You already knew all about that though, right? What you don’t know, though, is who made the FotMob Team of the Week and why?

Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson

The 27-year-old shot-stopper made an impressive seven saves for Crystal Palace in their 1-0 win over relegation battlers Ipswich Town. The former Manchester United goalkeeper faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target value of 1.9. His exploits between the sticks ensured Oliver Glasner’s side picked up all three points, lifting them into 11th position in the Premier League. It was his ninth clean sheet of the season and his performance earned him a 9.0 rating.

Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold bossed things for Liverpool against Southampton on Saturday afternoon. The right-back had five shots, missed a big chance and carved out two chances in the 3-1 win over the bottom of the table. He completed 100% of his attempted dribbles (four), completed 88% of his passes, won 100% of his tackles and won seven of his nine duels.

Centre-Back: Jean Paul van Hecke

The Dutch centre-back played his part in Brighton’s 2-1 win over Fulham. The 24-year-old scored the first goal for the Seagulls, he completed 93% of his attempted passes and 100% of his dribbles. Defensively, he was robust too. He won 50% of his tackles, made five recoveries, six clearances and won five of his eight duels. His showing at the Amex earned him an 8.4 FotMob rating.

Centre-Back: Tyrone Mings

Mings looked dominant against Brentford on Saturday night as Villa recorded a 1-0 win. The 31-year-old completed 81% of his passes, 100% of his dribbles, and made three interceptions. He made six recoveries, six headed clearances, won 100% of his ground duels and 75% of his aerial duels. The centre-back played a significant part in the clean sheet for Unai Emery’s side.

Left-Back: Marc Cucurella

Cucurella was the match-winner for the Blues, netting the decisive goal for Enzo Maresca’s men on the hour mark. The Spain international completed 86% of his attempted passes, found a teammate with 63% of his attempted long passes and was accurate with 50% of his attempted crosses. He won 100% of his tackles and came out on top in three of his five duels in a performance that earned him an 8.3 FotMob rating.

Midfield: Moisés Caicedo

Caicedo claimed the Player of the Match rating in Chelsea’s narrow 1-0 win over Leicester. It was a victory that lifted them into fourth spot in the Premier League. The former Brighton midfielder completed 93% of his passes, carved out one chance, completed 100% of his dribbles and was accurate with 80% of his long passes. He won three of his four tackles, made three interceptions, and won an incredible 11 of his 12 duels.

Midfield: Enzo Fernández

Enzo joins his Chelsea midfield partner in the FotMob Team of the Week after a creative display for the Blues against the Foxes. The World Cup winner created six chances in the 1-0 win, the most of any player on the pitch. He also finished the game having taken four shots as well as attempting five dribbles. He didn’t do much defensively, that was all Caicedo, but on the ball, Enzo was a difference maker for Enzo Maresca’s side.

Attack: Mohamed Salah

Salah was, yet again, the match-winner for Liverpool this weekend. He, again, netted twice against Southampton to take his haul for the season to 27 in the Premier League. He leads the way for the Golden Boot by seven following the double at Anfield. The leading playmaker, with 17 assists to his name this term, also created six chances as the Red extended their lead at the top.

Attack: Pape Sarr

Sarr completed the most passes (47), he found a teammate with 92% of his attempted passes, created three chances and scored one goal as Spurs rallied from 2-0 down to claim a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. The 22-year-old also attempted four dribbles, played seven passes into the final third, won 100% of his tackles and 50% of his duels. He was influential, with and without the ball.

Attack: Marcus Tavernier

The 25-year-old impressed for the opposition in that 2-2 draw between Bournemouth and Spurs. He scored a goal and created three chances for the Cherries. He missed a big chance, completed 50% of his dribbles and won 75% of his attempted tackles. Tavernier made five recoveries, won six of nine ground duels and two of three aerial duels. He had an impact for the Cherries, with and without the ball in a performance that earned him an 8.5 rating.

Attack: Darwin Núñez

Liverpool fans were treated to the full Darwin Núñez experience against Southampton. The No. 9 picked up a yellow card for a petulant swipe at Kyle Walker-Peters late in the first half. He missed two big chances but also scored the equaliser and won the penalty in what was a whirlwind three minute spell early in the second half. The 25-year-old was replaced after 64 minutes having earned himself an 8.4 rating.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2025

Preview: Barcelona looking to finally see off Benfica in the Champions League

Barcelona host Benfica in the Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. Hansi Flick’s side go into the game with a 1-0 lead on aggregate after an important victory in Lisbon last week.

By Matt Smith

In the first leg, Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory despite going down to 10 men after 22 minutes. Pau Cubarsí was sent off, but that didn’t stop Raphinha scoring the winner in the second half.

The home side will be looking to honour the life of their team doctor, Carles Miñarro Garcia, who passed away at the weekend just hours before their game against Osasuna in LaLiga, which was ultimately postponed.

Flick sweating on Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski was left out of the Barcelona squad to face Osasuna at the weekend, before that game was postponed, so Flick will be desperately hoping he’s passed fit to feature in the second leg.

The likes of Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and Marc-André ter Stegen will all be unavailable for side from LaLiga. Christensen recently suffered a setback, while Ter Stegen and Bernal are long-term absentees.

Raphinha the main man in Europe

It has been an absolutely sensational season for Raphinha, not only domestically but in the Champions League as well. The Brazilian forward has only failed to score or provide an assist in two games in the competition this season.

Raphinha has played a crucial role for Barcelona in getting to this stage of the Champions League, and he’ll undoubtedly continue to do so if they go far in the competition. In fact, no player in this season’s competition has provided more goals and assists combined than Raphinha.

Di María misses out

Benfica have a host of injury troubles heading into this one, with Ángel Di María among those who will miss out. Manu Silva and Alexander Bah are long-term absentees, while Tiago Gouveia is also unavailable.

Alvaro Carreras picked up a yellow card in the first leg, and as a result, he’s suspended in what is a big blow for the Portuguese outfit.

Can Pavlidis strike again?

Although Vangelis Pavlidis was fairly quiet in the first leg, the Greek striker has already produced significantly against Barcelona in the Champions League this season. The 26-year-old scored a hat-trick against the Catalan giants in the league phase, although Barcelona won that epic 5-4.

*Pavlidis shooting stats, Champions League 2024/25*

Pavlidis has produced seven goals in the competition this campaign, while also providing two assists. Benfica will be desperate to see him repeat the performance he displayed earlier in the season as they battle to venture into the next round.

Prediction

With Barcelona in fine form and on their (temporary) home turf for the second leg, we’re predicting Flick’s side to win on the night and subsequently, advance into the next round.

We’re going for a 2-1 victory to Barcelona, seeing them breeze into the quarter-final 3-1 on aggregate.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

Mar

2025

Preview: Liverpool looking to get the job done against PSG in the Champions League

Despite a first-leg battering in general play terms, Liverpool somehow managed to become the first team to inflict defeat on Paris Saint-Germain in 22 games; away goals might not “count” anymore but Arne Slot’s team have a small toe in the Champions League quarter-finals all the same.

By Karl Matchett

Immovable object beat the unstoppable force – but Reds require more

Alisson Becker put in what even he described as the performance of his life in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, making nine saves including some spectacular and improbable ones. Beyond the stat though was the timing and placement of his handiwork: if he couldn’t get the ball out for a corner, his parrying ensured nothing dropped in dangerous areas to PSG shirts and he was dominant aerially too.

PSG have scored 25 goals in their last five matches, excluding that last-16 first leg tie, but the combined forces of Ousmane Dembélé (eight shots) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (five), Bradley Barcola (three) and the rest (11) simply had no answer to Alisson…or the offside flag, on one occasion.

Whether Alisson can replicate that performance a week later is not really the question; instead it’s more about can PSG offer up something different and will Liverpool offer up something more? After one purposeful attempt – Harvey Elliott’s goal – they certainly should do, but recent first-half showings in particular are cause for concern.

Anfield has never been a place to care for numbers

You’ll doubtless have heard the phrase European nights at Anfield thrown around over the years, and that’s because it is, unquestionably, a thing.

Better teams than PSG have come unstuck there. Far worse sides than this iteration of the Reds have seen their performance levels increase significantly. And, of course, first-leg scorelines which are far more tilted against Liverpool than this one will start as, have been overcome.

The occasion, the atmosphere and the expectation of greatness will all play into what happens, and the outcomes don’t always have to follow what the numbers of the game suggest should be the case.

Recent form

Liverpool’s first third of the season was a lot more relentless than the middle third was, but they look back on track in results terms – four straight wins in all competitions and their two defeats in the last 16 both came with heavily rotated reserve sides. At home, they’re unbeaten in all competitions since 14 September. PSG have it all to do then, but in their last dozen, they’ve won 11 – just that home defeat to Liverpool blemishes their late-season form. The French champions have still yet to suffer a loss in Ligue 1 this season.

Team news

PSG should be at full strength with no absentees, while Liverpool are likely to see an unchanged squad with just Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley absent. Cody Gakpo remains a doubt but could see bench duty.

Key player

Alexis Mac Allister. There aren’t many all-rounders like him: top quarter or so of midfielders for all of shots, touches, defensive actions, chances created and goals.

Prediction

It’s hard to see PSG failing to score again, but likewise the Reds are near-perfect on their own pitch. A close-fought tie but that late first-leg goal will prove key: Liverpool 1 PSG 1 (2-1 agg).

(Cover image from IMAGO)

Mar

2025

Preview: Inter Miami face Wilfried Zaha-led Charlotte

Inter Miami’s busy early-season schedule continues as they host Wilfried Zaha and Charlotte FC at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday.

By James Nalton

Will Messi be back?

Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s trip to Houston Dynamo last week, but the team still recorded a convincing 4-1 without him.

The official explanation for his absence is fatigue, but he then also missed the home game against Jamaican side Cavalier in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Thursday, which raised further questions.

Head coach Javier Mascherano says the team need to learn to play without him, which suggests more absences in the future and also puts his presence for the home game against Charlotte in doubt.

Despite sitting out the two previous matches, Messi has been training with the team as usual and fans are hoping he’ll return to action this weekend.

A good start for Suárez

If there were questions prior to the season as to whether a 38-year-old Luis Suárez could still make a difference for Inter Miami, they have been answered within the first five games.

Suárez opened his MLS account with the final goal in last week’s 4-1 win at Houston, edging his way around three Dynamo defenders before firing in a typically unsavable shot.

His three assists were just as encouraging as his goal.

In Messi’s absence he linked up with the younger players around him, setting up two for 21-year-old Venezuelan Telasco Segovia and another for 26-year-old Mexican Tadeo Allende.

This interplay and one-touch passing showed what he can still bring to this team, as do the three goals and five assists in five games already this season.

Continental campaign continues

Inter Miami come into this game on the back of another midweek Champions Cup clash.

The 2-0 win at home to Cavalier, featuring goals from Allende and Suárez, was not as comfortable as the scoreline makes it look, though, and they made hard work of what was an expected victory.

They’ll travel to Jamaica next week with the two-goal lead, giving Mascherano some decisions to make on how much to rotate his squad and who to rest.

With Miami having just two full days break since their last game, Charlotte FC might fancy their chances.

The Zaha effect

Wilfried Zaha made his debut in Charlotte’s home opener last week having missed the first game of the season after being in London for the birth of his daughter.

He flew back to North Carolina a few days before scoring in the 2-0 win against rivals Atlanta United and being crowned Man of the Match.

If things click for Charlotte, they could challenge at the top of the Eastern Conference this season, and a good performance against Inter Miami would certainly make a statement.

It’s a statement Dean Smith’s side are capable of making. After all, they have the best goalkeeper in the league, Kristijan Kahlina, and now an attacking star and potential difference-maker in Zaha.

Prediction

Charlotte should be much stronger than a disappointing Houston side were last week. It could make for a similar match to Inter Miami’s season opener against New York City, and possibly a similar scoreline of 2-2.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2025

Preview: Madrid derbies galore as Real face Rayo between Euroderbi legs

A busy week in the Spanish capital continues as both Real and Atlético face regional rivals between their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.

By Neel Shelat

Little room for error in Real’s treble chase

Much like domestic rivals Barcelona and Atlético, Real Madrid are still alive and very much in the hunt for all three major titles. The three-point gap between LaLiga’s top three means that the smallest slip-ups could prove extremely costly between now and the end of the season.

Given the fact that they are currently third in the standings and have a deficit to overturn, Los Blancos will perhaps be under the most pressure to deliver. Of course, their historic pedigree and star-studded squad only add to fans’ expectations, so anything less than a double might well be considered a slight disappointment at least.

Fresh Bellingham could be key to turning around domestic form

Jude Bellingham was suspended for three of Real Madrid’s last four matches and was certainly a big miss for the side, especially in their loss to Real Betis last weekend. That result left them with just one win in their last five league games – a run they simply cannot afford to continue if they are to seriously challenge for the title.

The return of the all-action English midfielder might well be the boost Los Blancos need to put together another winning streak. Bellingham has a critical role to play in this side as the connector between a somewhat depleted defence and powerful attack, while his defensive work is also crucial on the left flank where Vinícius Júnior likes to stay high to be a counterattacking outlet.

Rayo’s rough record at the Bernabéu

Rayo Vallecano are unbeaten in their last three home games against Real Madrid, but their record at the Santiago Bernabéu is not quite as good. In fact, their goalless draw at the famed arena last season ended a 12-match losing streak, and they have only won once in 22 visits to the home of the record European champions.

Rayo also suffered one of their worst-ever defeats at the venue about a decade ago when the famed Bale-Benzema-Ronaldo front three ran riot, so they may still be extra keen to avoid any early sendings off.

Rayo severely depleted by eight absences

Much has been made of Real Madrid’s injury issues this season, but Rayo Vallecano won’t be feeling too sorry for them at the moment. Iñigo Pérez’s side will be without eight senior players for this game, including creative maestro Isi Palazón and suspended top-scorer Jorge de Frutos among five attackers.

This long absentees list will be particularly frustrating for Rayo as they are significantly overperforming relative to expectations and budget as they currently find themselves very much in the hunt for European football. If they manage to pull through, though, this will make the achievement all the more impressive.

Prediction

Real Madrid will want to keep things as straightforward as possible ahead of a huge Champions League match in midweek, so they will surely be satisfied with a 2-0 win.

(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.

Mar

2025

Preview: Spurs looking for a response against Europe-chasing Cherries

A couple of wins seemed to have lifted the gloom over The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Bournemouth are plenty capable of upsetting their applecart again.

By Ian King

Midweek wobbles and wavering form

Three steps forward, two steps back. It looked as though Spurs had turned a corner with three straight Premier League wins, but supine defeats to Manchester City and AZ have thoroughly eliminated that brittle optimism. What was most concerning about their performance in Alkmaar was how passive they were in a match of such clear significance for their season.

So this is not an ideal time to be playing highish-flying Bournemouth, although they too have had a little wobble recently. They booked a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend with a penalty shootout win against Wolves, though this came off the back of consecutive League defeats against Wolves and Brighton. They’re still in touch with a Champions League place, and European football for next season remains an entirely achievable ambition.

History

Prior to Bournemouth’s first promotion into the Premier League in 2015, these two clubs had only ever met once before. That came such a long time ago – February 1957, to be precise – that AFC Bournemouth were still called Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic, and Bournemouth won 3-1 in the FA Cup Fifth Round. Spurs have won ten of their 15 meetings since 2015, but Bournemouth won 1-0 when they met earlier this season.

Key players

Arguably the most worrying thing about Spurs’ recent dip is that they’ve gone two games without scoring, when this team hasn’t previously had too much of a problem scoring goals for much of the season. The lack of creativity against both Manchester City and AZ was clearly evident. Heung Min Son seemed furious following the AZ match, but the team needs his goals if they’re to get through this encounter unscathed. Bournemouth’s fluidity has impressed all season, and Justin Kluivert has been a critical cog in their engine. His pace, movement and intelligence is an obvious threat to a Spurs defence which has looked rickety at times this season.

*Kluivert shot map, Premier League 2024/25*

Team News

Spurs may have thought that their injury issues were resolving themselves, but the sight of former-Bournemouth man Dominic Solanke walking off against AZ in pain and clutching his back is an obvious concern. Dejan Kulusevski will also be missing, though Richarlison, Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven could return. For Bournemouth, Adam Smith, Marcos Senesi and Enes Ünal are all injured, while Illia Zabarnyi remains suspended after being sent off in their Premier League game against Wolves.

Prediction

Following a couple of insipid performances, Spurs need to get back to winning ways. They’ve lost a lot of the momentum they were starting to build. And although Bournemouth have lost three of their last four Premier League games, they’re only four points off a Champions League place so arguably have more to play for than the home side in this particular fixture. I’m going for a 2-1 Bournemouth win which everyone will think was a huge surprise but which wasn’t, really.

(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.

Mar

2025

Preview: Maresca welcomes former club Leicester to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea and Leicester City go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League as both sides look to turn things around after tricky spells.

By Matt Smith

Enzo Maresca will be hosting his former club, who helped get promoted to England’s top flight, while the Foxes are looking for just their second league win of 2025.

When the two sides met earlier in the campaign, Maresca’s side secured a 2-1 victory at the King Power Stadium thanks to goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernández. Leicester haven’t won at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League since 2018.

Chelsea receive Lavia boost

Roméo Lavia hasn’t featured in the Premier League since January 14 and has struggled with injuries since arriving in West London from Southampton. The Belgian midfielder was signed in a big-money move, but hasn’t had the impact many would have expected.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Maresca has confirmed that Lavia has trained all week and should be included in the squad to face Leicester at the weekend.

Reece James deployed further forward

Against FC København in the Europe Conference League, Reece James was deployed in midfield as Maresca looked to experiment with his side in Europe. After the game, the Chelsea boss stressed how much he believes James can play in this role, and his performance certainly backed it up.

It’s no surprise Maresca is looking to experiment after a tricky run of form, and James was a standout in the middle of the park against Copenhagen. James scored the opening goal for Chelsea, produced more passes into the final third than any other player, and won 100% of his tackles.

Coulibaly back in the fold

Speaking to the media ahead of the trip down to London, Ruud van Nistelrooy confirmed that January transfer window signing Woyo Coulibaly is back and available after missing the game against West Ham United last time out.

The Foxes have enjoyed a 10-day break due to not being involved in the FA Cup last weekend and could have an almost fully fit squad available. Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu are long-term absentees.

Jamie Vardy the threat on the counter

Leicester are unlikely to see too much of the ball against Chelsea. Van Nistelrooy’s side have averaged just 45.6% possession in the Premier League this season, while only Manchester City have seen more of the ball than Chelsea.

*Vardy’s shot map, Premier League 2024/25*

As a result, Leicester will be looking to hit the Blues on the counter-attack, and that’s where Jamie Vardy comes into play. The English forward thrives off balls in behind the defence, and the experienced striker is still a key man for Leicester, providing 10 goals and assists combined this season in a struggling side.

Prediction

Considering Leicester’s form this season, especially away from home where they’ve picked up just eight points, it’s hard to see past a Chelsea victory. Maresca’s side have lost just twice at home in the Premier League, so we’re going for a comfortable 3-0 win.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2025

Preview: Man United and Arsenal headline Sunday

Two historic Premier League rivals meet at Old Trafford on Sunday with Manchester United and Arsenal targeting very different things.

By Graham Ruthven

A tale of two rivals

Every clash between Arsenal and Manchester United evokes memories of the days when the two rivals went head-to-head for titles and trophies. Indeed, the era of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger remains a spectre around this fixture.

Of course, a lot has changed since then, certainly in the case of United who are targeting a positive end to the season merely to lift the negativity that has thickened the air at Old Trafford in recent times.

Rúben Amorim’s team have lost five of their last seven league home matches and face a sixth defeat in eight against an Arsenal team that might not win the title this season, but are at least at the right end of the Premier League table.

The Gunners have their own troubles to contend with, namely injuries to a number of key attacking players, but Mikel Arteta’s team put seven past PSV mid-week and will play on the front foot at Old Trafford. They need three points to keep their fading title hopes alive.

Key players

Where would Amorim’s team be without Bruno Fernandes? From a Manchester United perspective, it doesn’t bear thinking about. Indeed, the Portuguese midfielder has frequently been The Red Devils’ saviour this season, most recently scoring against Fulham and Everton.

Alejandro Garnacho is the other attacker United have who consistently provides a spark in the final third, although the Argentine winger is a doubt for Sunday’s match after coming off early against Real Sociedad with a knock.

Diogo Dalot will give the home team a funnel into the attack down the left side while Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro will likely make up the back three. They will be charged with stopping an Arsenal attack that ran rampant against PSV.

Arteta may well re-use the lineup that started in the Netherlands, not least because injuries mean he doesn’t have many other options to make changes.

The onus will be on Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice to join attacks from midfield, although Ethan Nwaneri has impressed recently as Arsenal’s first-choice right-sided forward in the absence of Bukayo Saka.

Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba remain the strongest centre back pairing in the Premier League while David Raya is one of the best goalkeepers. Arsenal’s defensive foundation is as solid as ever.

Team news

Patrick Dorgu is unavailable for Sunday’s match through suspension following his red card against Ipswich Town. This means Dalot will almost certainly start as the left-sided wing back in Amorim’s system.

Maguire and Manuel Ugarte both missed the Europa League draw against Real Sociedad during the week and will be assessed before facing Arsenal. Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martínez, Jonny Evans and Amad Diallo will miss out, but Chido Obi could face his former side.

Arsenal’s recent injury troubles have been well-documented and they won’t ease before Sunday. Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all sidelined.

Prediction

Arsenal to inflict another weekend of misery on United, but only just: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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