Page 7 – The Pulse of Football

May

2025

Preview: Man United are back at Old Trafford for West Ham clash

Manchester United host West Ham United in the Premier League at Old Trafford just days after Ruben Amorim’s side secured their place in the Europa League final.

By Matt Smith

Both sides have little to play for in this one, but the two managers will be desperate to end the season positively after disappointing campaigns so far.

West Ham came out on top when the two sides met earlier in the campaign, with Jarrod Bowen scoring a last-minute penalty to secure the three points. Erik ten Hag was relieved of his duties the day after this particular loss, with Amorim taking over a few weeks later.

Team news

The Red Devils appear to have no fresh injury concerns after their Europa League victory over Athletic Club. Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot, and Lisandro Martínez are among those who remain on the treatment table, while Matthijs de Ligt was unavailable during the week.

Crysencio Summerville and Michail Antonio should be the only absentees for the Hammers. Graham Potter confirmed this week that Edson Álvarez would be available after missing West Ham’s previous three games.

Europa League taking focus for United

Amorim’s first Premier League campaign is virtually over, and Man United are simply playing for pride and to finish as high as possible. The Red Devils will be unable to finish in the top half, and it’s been clear that their focus has been on the Europa League, considering their domestic performances of late.

Only Southampton have picked up fewer points than United over the last five games, but the supporters might not mind if they lift the Europa League trophy. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Amorim rest some key players for this game considering the importance of saving their season in Europe.

West Ham’s issues are clear

West Ham’s primary issue this season has been finding the back of the net, and their striker situation hasn’t helped their cause. Niclas Füllkrug was signed in the summer, but he failed to hit the ground running before picking up an injury, and Antonio has missed the majority of the campaign.

Only the three relegated sides and Everton have scored fewer goals than the Hammers, which has massively contributed to a hugely disappointing season. West Ham currently sit in 17th place, but if they can solve their goalscoring issues and secure three points against the Red Devils, they could climb above them and into 14th.

Mason Mount a surprise difference-maker

It’s been a difficult start to life at Old Trafford for Mason Mount, who has struggled to make an impact, partly due to injuries but also down to a lack of contribution when fit. Arriving for big money from Chelsea, a lot of expectation was placed on Mount’s shoulders, but he’s failed to deliver so far.

That being said, over the last two games, Mount has struck three times, coming off the bench last time out to score twice. With Amorim likely to rotate his side against West Ham, Mount could continue his momentum and be the difference-maker in this one.

Prediction

Despite little to play for, Manchester United might have the edge due to their players battling for a place in the starting XI for the Europa League final. We’re going for a 2-1 win to Amorim’s side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

Preview: Newcastle and Chelsea square off on Tyneside

With qualification for next season’s Champions League on the line, this may well be the biggest game of 2024-25 for both Newcastle and Chelsea. It’s not exactly make or break but it’s about as close as it gets.

By Alex Roberts

Newcastle are starting to stumble, losing, winning, and drawing their last three games, in that order, while Chelsea are starting to pick up a little bit of form. That famous St James’ Park crowd are needed now more than ever.

Cole Palmer is back, baby

Yes, we wrote those exact words after he scored in Chelsea’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Bournemouth earlier in the season, he then went 18 games without a goal. We were wrong, but hear us out, this time we think he really IS back.

In the 3-1 win over Liverpool, it wasn’t just his late penalty that made us realise, it was a moment before that. Palmer, running along the byline, hit the post from a tight angle, nearly catching Alisson out.

It was the type of move he was doing when he was at his best, supremely confident in his abilities. The net didn’t ripple but the glint in his eye was back. He’s still Chelsea’s best attacking threat with 15 goals and eight assists in his 34 league games. Don’t be surprised if he adds more to that.

No Joelinton, no party

The big Brazilian was a big miss in the 1-1 draw with Brighton. Newcastle have arguably the best and most balanced midfield three with him, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães roaming the pitch, when one of them are missing, it’s a little off.

Joe Willock has his qualities but as demonstrated in their previous fixture, without Joelinton’s physicality, the other two aren’t able to operate as high up the field as they would like to create.

With 59 aerial duels won, 149 recoveries, and a 61.4% tackle success rate in the Premier League this season, Joelinton’s transition into midfield is one of the great success stories. Losing him now could not have come at a worse time.

“O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?”

Speaking of deeply missed midfielders, Roméo Lavia is starting to show just how good he is at football. In the win over Liverpool, there is an argument to be made he was the best player on the pitch.

100% of his passes met their mark, 100% of his passes were completed and with six defensive actions, he hardly put a foot wrong. Of course, Enzo Maresca is right to be cautious considering his recent injury struggles, bringing him off in the 78^th minute.

It was only his 16^th game for the club, but it looked like his 100^th. It poses the question; would Chelsea have struggled if Lavia had been fit all season?

The bigger picture

Either one of Newcastle or Chelsea could lose this one and still look good for a top five finish once the season ends. Points will be dropped in the six-club race (yes, we’re including Arsenal) for a CL spot, it’s all about concentrating on your own game.

*The Premier League table going into the weekend*

No matter what happens between Villa and Bournemouth, Unai Emery’s side are unlikely to enter the top five due to their goal difference (+6). Nottingham Forest play just after this one and with one win in their last five, a visit from already-relegated Leicester could be worse.

With no relegation battle or title challenge, all the drama has come down to the race for CL qualification. No pressure lads.

Prediction

There is a lot at stake here, this will likely be one of the cagier games of the run-in. That home advantage should see Newcastle through, however. We’re going with a 2-1 win for Eddie Howe’s side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

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

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

By James Nalton

Miami, Messi, and Suarez are back

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

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

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

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

The Impact of Fafà Picault

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minnesota United’s Impressive Start

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction

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

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

Preview: In form Man City head to basement side Southampton

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

By Ian King

City’s familiar late season uptick

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

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

Southampton should get past Derby’s record

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

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

Key Players

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

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

Team News

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

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

Prediction

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

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

FPL tips from the reigning champ: GW36

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

By Graham Ruthven, in conversation with Jonas Sand Låbakk

Introducing our expert

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

Read his expert advice every week.

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

The Eye Test vs. The Stats

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Long shot

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

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

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

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

Upcoming games to follow

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

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

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

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

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

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

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

By Graham Ruthven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

Pippo Inzaghi is leading Pisa back in to the big time

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

By Kaustubh Pandey

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

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

Pippo Inzaghi’s managerial journey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Pisa operate under Inzaghi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How does the future look for Pisa?

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

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

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

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Serie A game on FotMob – with deep stats, xG, and players ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2025

Premier League Preview: Matchday 36

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

By Sam McGuire

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

Sneaking up the table

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

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

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

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

Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Bournemouth have been consistently inconsistent this term.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A must not lose at St James’ Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

How will Arsenal react?

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

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

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

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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.

May

2025

Johnny Cardoso, the USMNT star at the heart of the Betis midfield

The opening quarter of the 21st century has seen countless Spanish teams stake their claim as Europe’s preeminent force and dominate the biggest matches in club football.

By Zach Lowy

Real Madrid have won eight Champions League titles, Sevilla have secured seven Europa League titles, Barcelona have claimed four Champions League titles, Atlético Madrid have added three Europa League titles, whilst Valencia and Villarreal have also lifted the Europa League title in the new millennium. However, one team that hasn’t managed to get their hands on continental silverware is Real Betis.

Since taking charge in 2020, Manuel Pellegrini has transformed Betis from a relegation battler to a team that regularly finishes between fifth and seventh in the table and that qualifies for Europe, but he hasn’t quite managed to find the same success at the international level.

Betis lost in the Europa League Round of 16 to Eintracht Frankfurt and Manchester United in 2022 and 2023 before finishing third in their Europa League group and exiting the UEFA Conference League knockout round playoffs at the hands of Dinamo Zagreb. This season, however, Betis have managed to finally put together a deep run and reach the first European semifinal in the club’s 118-year history. But if they are to become the first Spanish team to reach a Conference League Final, they’ll need a big second leg performance in Florence from Johnny Cardoso.

Born in Denville Township, New Jersey – a half-hour from where next year’s World Cup Final will take place – Cardoso’s Brazilian parents brought him to Brazil when he was just three months old. Cardoso made a name for himself in the Brasileirão for Internacional, prompting then United States national team manager Gregg Berhalter to give him his international debut and eventually eliciting the interest of Real Betis, who signed him for €6 million in January 2024. Despite not having a full preseason to settle into European football, Cardoso swiftly adjusted to life in Spain and emerged as a vital cog in the Verdiblancos’ midfield – he was even named the LaLiga U23 Player of the Month for February 2024.

Cardoso had big shoes to fill, with club icons Andrés Guardado and Guido Rodríguez departing Betis in January and August 2024, respectively, but he’s nevertheless managed to surpass expectations and assert himself as an indispensable figure in the centre of the pitch. Typically operating alongside Pablo Fornals in the double pivot of Pellegrini’s 4-2-3-1, Cardoso is tasked with using his physicality and positional awareness to bully opponents off the ball, going from pressing high up the pitch to tracking back and making last-ditch tackles when required, as well as recycling the ball from the goalkeeper or centre backs and spreading into the final third.

*Betis are 2-1 up after the first leg of their Conference League semifinal*

“Betis play quite an expansive, open style of football, with their wingers positioned wide and with at least four players completely committed to attacking, but what Cardoso does is ensure that when they lose the ball, they’ll be defensively sound,” stated Fooball España editor Ruairidh Barlow. “He’s one of those players who you notice his impact way more when he’s not on the pitch as opposed to when he’s on the pitch.”

“He’s neat and tidy in possession, his reading of the game is good, but one thing that stands out is his ability to rob the ball high up the pitch – he’s always in the right place to either win it back or slow down the opposition attack. Cardoso’s main skills are his ball-winning, his positioning, and his overall ability to cover ground and make life difficult for the opposition. But over the past year, we’ve increasingly seen how good a footballer he is. His touch is good, he rarely loses the ball, and he makes good decisions in the middle of the pitch…as a defensive midfielder, he’s essential to Real Betis.”

Whilst Cardoso may not have the captivating dribbling skills of Isco or the ferocious shooting ability of Cédric Bakambu, he’s nevertheless emerged as one of the first names on Pellegrini’s team sheet thanks to his willingness to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty in midfield. Cardoso is the third-highest rated Betis player in the 2024/25 LaLiga season per FotMob, whilst he also leads the team with 2.1 interceptions per 90.

Over in the Conference League, meanwhile, he sits atop their squad for possession won in midfield per 90 (4.9) and ranks second for total interceptions (15). He’s someone who constantly has his head on a swivel and never lets his guard down from kick-off to the final whistle, and he has proven instrumental for a Betis side that, after previously struggling to find their footing, are finally clicking on all cylinders during the home stretch of the campaign.

Let’s rewind back to February 8. Betis had only barely qualified for the Conference League knockout round playoffs after finishing 15th; they recently had suffered a humbling 5-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, and they sat 11th in the LaLiga standings after taking just four points from their last five matches. It seemed that, after a prosperous five years for Pellegrini, his cycle was drawing to a close. Instead, Betis have gradually started to hit their stride and emerge as one of the most in-form teams on the continent.

Whereas other teams’ deep European runs have often taken a toll on their domestic efforts, this has had the opposite effect on Betis. They have ascended to sixth place thanks to a red-hot run of form that has seen them drop just four points in their last 11 league matches (a 1-1 draw to Barcelona and a 2-1 loss to Villarreal) whilst they’ve also managed to brush past Gent, Vitória and Jagiellonia Białystok en route to the Conference League semifinals.

*Cardoso’s defensive numbers in LaLiga, 2024/25*

Facing off against Fiorentina – runners-up in 2023 and 2024 – Betis prevailed 2-1 at home thanks in large part to a composed display from Cardoso, who made four recoveries, won three out of five ground duels, and completed 40 out of 41 passes. He was then given a well-deserved rest at the weekend, as Betis escaped with a 2-1 victory at Espanyol courtesy of late goals from Giovani Lo Celso and Manchester United loanee Antony. If Betis can eliminate Fiorentina, they will likely face Chelsea, who thrashed Djurgårdens 4-1 last week, in the final in Wrocław, Poland on May 28.

At 23 years of age, Cardoso has cemented his status as one of the most promising defensive midfielders in the game, and it should come as little surprise that both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring him as a potential signing. Tottenham secured a €25 million purchase option on Cardoso as part of the deal to bring Lo Celso to Betis, whilst United have eyed him as a long-term replacement for Casemiro. United’s potential showdown with Tottenham in the Europa League Final in Bilbao could very well determine the future of the Brazilian-American midfielder, with the winner qualifying for the Champions League and the loser missing out on Europe entirely.

All signs point to Cardoso following in the footsteps of Chadi Riad and Álex Moreno and becoming the latest player to depart the Estadio Benito Villamarín for a lucrative transfer fee. But first, he’ll be looking to ride off into the sunset by delivering a first-ever European trophy to Real Betis.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

Great Scott! It’s the Championship playoffs!

When I was a kid, we had a battered VHS copy of Back to the Future III, recorded off the TV. We’d watch it all the time, with Doc Brown and Marty McFly once more going through the ringer to get back to the future, by any means necessary. What’s more enthralling than the win or bust scenario of speeding a stolen steam train off an incomplete bridge to push you into the future? Answer: The Championship playoffs, possibly. For our final four in the Championship, we are nearing the point of no return.

By Sanny Rudravajhala

So, who’s going to leave the wild west and emerge into a glittering future in the Premier League?

Wiley Wilder the Doc for Sheffield United’s nearly men

Sheffield United’s fall into the play-off places was entirely of their own making. With seven games to go they were steaming towards the Premier League and topped the table after dispatching Coventry City 3-1 at Bramall Lane. But then they hit the brakes with three defeats in a row, ending up in a winner-takes-all tie with Burnley. In falling 2-1 at Turf Moor, they handed their return tickets to the Premier League to their hosts and Leeds United, with two games to spare.

History isn’t on Sheffield United’s side either. In fact, you’d have to take the DeLorean back 100 years for Sheffield United’s last win at Wembley, when they lifted the FA Cup after beating Cardiff City in 1925. All in all, they’ve fallen nine times in the play-offs, losing four finals. This time though, they have Chris Wilder to try and make it tenth time lucky!

Wilder has won automatic promotions twice with Sheffield United and once with Northampton Town and has also won at Wembley, when he steered Oxford United to Conference play-off success back in 2010. Speaking ahead of Thursday night’s first leg with Bristol City, Wilder said they’ve used the two games since that disappointment at Burnley to rotate his squad and he’s in ‘intense conversations’ with them – very Doc Brown!

On the pitch, Gus Hamer continues to be their key man and will arrive at Ashton Gate ready to go. Overall he’s the eighth top FotMob performer in the Championship, winning 11 player of the match awards. Michael Cooper in goal has been outstanding and Wilder spoke too about his character being vital for the side. Numbers-wise he has 21 clean sheets, preventing 5.7 goals in total, one of which Bristol City will know all about – an incredible stop from Sinclair Armstrong in the March game between the two.

Manning and Knight have Bristol City hovering high

Liam Manning has pulled together a squad greater than the sum of its parts. They’re well organised and are the third best pressing team in the division but generally have been quite middling this season. Apart from a dip of the toe in week two, they didn’t get into the play-off places until after Matchday 40 but were in the right place at the right time on the final day. Specifically, Ross McCrorie was – it was his two goals from full back which hauled them from 2-0 down to Preston North End to keep that final play-off spot.

Derby County academy graduates Max Bird and Jason Knight in midfield have been essential for The Robins. Knight has played every minute of every game, creating 60 chances and linking play across the park to be their FotMob top performer. Manning said that it was his captain who addressed the players back in the dressing room, even before he spoke to them. At 24, his best years are still ahead of him – one to keep an eye on.

My concerns for Bristol City lie at the back. They haven’t kept a clean sheet in 11 games and their total of 10 is fewer than relegated Luton Town. I suspect this will be the end of the road but if that’s the case, Manning would be right in saying this has been a ‘fantastic achievement’, especially from where they were when he arrived in November 2023. Disappointing lower table finishes were met with an 11th-placed finish last season, and this has been a massive progression without a huge influx of players.

*Bristol City have enjoyed their highest finish since 2008*

One new face who’s caught my eye though is Japanese Yu Hirawaka. The 24-year-old arrived on loan from Machida Zelvia in February and ghosted past two players and took out another in the build up to their first goal against PNE. If there’s a moment of magic on the right flank, he’ll be there.

Spiralling Sunderland have time on their side

One of my favourite moments of the season was being on the radio as Burnley’s James Trafford saved two penalties in their 0-0 draw with Sunderland. I’m sure Wilson Isidor would use time travel to prevent his past-self from defying his manager’s instructions in taking their late spot-kick, let alone his subsequent injury-time miss. That Friday night was a nexus-point in Sunderland’s season. Victory would have seen them go above Burnley, with Leeds starting the next day leading the Championship purely on goal difference. With three points separating the top four ahead of Matchday 27, it’s quite startling that the gap became 24 points after Matchday 46. It also says something about a lack of consistent challengers below Sunderland; starker now though is their own form.

Regis Le Bris rested players once the play-offs were confirmed with the 0-0 draw with Norwich, but they lost all five of their remaining games, despite the Frenchman fielding stronger line-ups in their final two outings. Their 1-0 home defeat to managerless QPR was met by boos from the supporters who’d remained for the final whistle. Overall though, this is a story of the inconsistencies of youth, and I think they need another Championship season to develop.

19-year-old Jobe Bellingham has grabbed headlines but hasn’t hit those heights since the turn of the year. Chris Rigg has been playing senior football since he was 15 and two years on, is still developing. Trai Hume has been their top performer from right back but even he is still 23, as is the equally impressive Dennis Cirkin on the opposite flank. Enzo Le Fée has shown more than enough glimpses since his arrival on loan but has been hampered by injury. And as for Isidor, the man who is Djibril Cisse reincarnated in hitting the ball as hard as he can at any opportunity – he’s been dropped for Eliezer Mayenda. They’re in turmoil but the play-offs wipe the slate clean.

Lampard’s Coventry hitting 88mph

Frank Lampard’s Coventry City ^TM arrive in the play-offs off the back of a perfect performance against Middlesborough. I think it’s a coin toss between them and Sheffield United for promotion. Turning the clock back to our March deep dive on Coventry’s turnaround, the one player I picked out was Jack Rudoni (9 goals, 12 assists). He’s returned from injury with a bang and he was brilliant in their 2-0 victory over Boro, grabbing both goals in the process.

Alongside the impressive Matt Grimes, Rudoni has become Lampard’s mini-me. His quick feet get him out of tight spaces and as Coventry countered for their second, he was able to get those feet sorted off the back of a lung-busting pitch-length run to finish smartly under pressure.

Lampard has instructed his side to move the ball quickly and I think against Sunderland, we’ll see a side that will be able to hurt them at pace, especially if the speedy Milan van Ewijk is involved. They’ve solved their goalkeeper crisis too. The hapless Brad Collins has been taken out of the firing line and in his stead is Ben Wilson. With Oliver Dovin out injured, Wilson has overcome his own fitness issues at just the right time and was quick off his line and a commanding and calming presence just when the Sky Blues needed it most, following successive defeats.

Coventry are doing everything right and having lost in the play-off final to Luton two seasons ago and missed out on the FA Cup final on spot-kicks last year, they are ready to put things right under the Wembley Arch.

Back to the wild west and as Marty McFly and his Delorean hit 88 mph and disappear into the future, what’s left is that speeding steam train. It smashes through a barricade, hurtles off the bridge and explodes as it crashes into the ravine. Could there be a more apt visual metaphor for the play-offs? Great Scott!

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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