Page 7 – The Pulse of Football

May

2025

Preview: Betis meet Chelsea in the Conference League Final

Real Betis and Chelsea go head-to-head in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday at the Tarczynski Arena.

By Matt Smith

Both sides will be looking to end their season on a high, lifting a trophy in Europe after impressive seasons domestically. Betis finished sixth in LaLiga, qualifying for the Europa League, while Chelsea ended their season in the Champions League places thanks to a final-day win over Nottingham Forest.

It’s been almost 20 years since the two sides faced each other. Betis and Chelsea went head-to-head during the 2005/2006 Champions League campaign.

Team news

Betis could be without some key players heading into this game, with former Arsenal defender Héctor Bellerín among those on the treatment table. Marc Roca, Diego Llorente, and Chimy Ávila will also be unavailable, while Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt.

Chelsea will welcome the return of Nicolas Jackson after his sending off against Newcastle United saw him sit out the Premier League run in due to suspension. Enzo Maresca has often heavily rotated his side for this competition, but it will be interesting to see if he goes full strength for the final.

Betis’ defensive solidity has helped them get to the final

The loan signing of Antony from Manchester United has helped Betis’ production in the final third, but it’s their defensive solidity that has helped them reach the final of the competition. Conceding just 0.9 goals per game, only bettered by their opponents Chelsea, Betis have been difficult to break down in Conference League.

Finding the back of the net has actually been a bit of a struggle for Betis in the competition. Despite creating 24.5 expected goals (xG), the Spanish outfit have scored just 1.6 goals per game.

Chelsea have flown through the competition

It’s difficult to argue that Chelsea haven’t been the best side in the competition so far this campaign. Scoring more goals and conceding fewer than any other team in the Conference League, Maresca’s side have been mightily impressive despite heavily rotating their squad.

The Blues have also averaged more possession per game than any other team, creating the most big chances and the most touches inside the opposition box.

Nkunku a different animal in Europe

Christopher Nkunku has endured a difficult time at Chelsea since his arrival from RB Leipzig, struggling to make an impact in the Premier League. The same can’t be said for his production in Europe, providing eight goals and assists combined in the competition.

As mentioned, Maresca has fully utilised his squad in the Conference League, giving the likes of Nkunku the opportunity to impress. The French international has flourished in Europe this term, so he could be the difference for Chelsea if Maresca continues to trust him.

Prediction

This will undoubtedly be the toughest test Chelsea have faced so far in the tournament, and Betis have been in impressive form. We’re going for a 1-1 draw in normal time, with Chelsea lifting the trophy at the end of the night.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

Chelsea’s Cobham boys in the Conference League

It’s not controversial to say Chelsea don’t belong in the Europa Conference League. With a combined squad value of around £1 billion, give or take a few million, the highest in the competition’s short history, it’s hardly fair on the others.

By Alex Roberts

They’ll square off against Real Betis in the final tonight, aiming to become the first club in history to win all three ‘major’ European trophies. Their journey has been a cake walk but something interesting has happened along the way.

Enzo Maresca, rightly or wrongly, has come under a lot of scrutiny since taking over last summer. His style of play is dull, and the relationship with the fans is rocky, despite Chelsea achieving Champions League qualification on the final day of the Premier League season.

At a time when the supporter base is divided, one thing everyone can agree on is it’s nice to see the academy lads get some minutes on the continent. The most prominent of which are Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong.

George, a tricky little winger, has expertly filled the hole left by Mykhaylo Mudryk following his ban for failing a drug test. Most of his appearances have come off the bench, but Maresca is beginning to trust him more and more, starting him in three of the last four Conference League games.

He impressed in the new look league phase, but it wasn’t until the knock-out game against FC Kopenhaven he bagged his first goal contribution, providing the assist for Enzo Fernández’s 65^th minute strike in the 2-1 win.

In the 3-0 win over Legia Warsaw in the quarters he scored his first senior goal for the club he joined as an Under-8. The look on his face said it all, overjoyed to score and relived to finally have that weight lifted off his shoulders. He went on to score the equaliser in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Fulham, a valuable contribution to their UCL aspirations.

Acheampong primarily operates on the complete opposite end of the pitch to George. A lanky defender, equally comfortable as a right-back as he is a centre-back, Maresca has already professed his ‘love’ for the 19-year-old.

His journey was a little less straight forward. Frozen out due to a contract dispute with the club, he looked likely to be the next Cobham grad to head for the exit, desperate to prove everyone wrong.

After a few months, he finally put pen to paper in a deal that would keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2029, and he was back with the squad. He hasn’t look back since, playing the full 90 minutes in all of their quarter and semi-final games.

Unlike Gerorge he’s yet to score but that’s not exactly his game. With a 95.1% pass accuracy rate, 38 duels won, and 706 touches in his seven European games, he’s wise beyond his years, earning his teammates’ trust along the way.

There have been plenty more, in fact Maresca has handed more debuts to academy players (8) than any other manager in Chelsea history. The Conference League squad has been chocked full of teenagers, like a chicken shop in London at around 15:30pm on a weekday.

By the time the final whistle blew in the 1-0 win over Djurgården, there were five of them on the pitch. They’d all played for the club before, but one player in particular grabbed all the headlines, young Reggie Walsh.

Aged 16 years and 200 days, he should be worried about his GCSEs and acne, instead he’s Chelsea’s third youngest ever player, behind only midfielder Ian Hamilton and goalkeeper Kingsley Whiffen, who made their debuts in 1967. Who said Chelsea didn’t have any history.

A diminutive attacking midfielder with impressive close control and a decent eye for a pass, Walsh certainly made an impression. He was so good, the usually calm and collected captain, Reece James, swore on live tv while talking about how good he is.

Sam Rak-Sakyi (20), Ato Ampah (19), Shumeira Mheuka (17), Kiano Dyer (18), Harrison Murray-Campbell (18), and Genesis Antwi (17) all deserve shout outs too, the campaign has been a huge win for all of them.

What those outside of the Chelsea bubble may not know, is all of this comes at a very interesting time for the academy. Long serving and much-loved duo Neil Bath and Jim Fraser, the men responsible for bringing through the likes of James, Mason Mount, and Conor Gallagher, among others, have departed.

It was reportedly mutual, both were thinking of leaving and Chelsea were thinking of getting rid, easy enough. Several young stars were believed to be thinking about leaving but that doesn’t appear to be an issue anymore.

The dust has settled and Maresca has proven academy stars have a genuine future at the club, they’ll have to be really good at football though, Chelsea are still looking to sign the best youngsters from across the globe. Estêvão and Kendry Páez are just the beginning.

Football is cruel, it remains to be seen whether they will all make it, although coming through Chelsea’s academy certainly gives them a leg up. One thing’s for certain, there are plenty more where they came from.

Ibrahim Rabbaj has taken social media by storm for kind of looking like a young Mount and playing like a certain Argentinian. The ‘Moroccan Messi’ they call him, the kind of comparison that hasn’t been kind to plenty of ex-wonderkids.

With one eye on the future, amid all the chaos, perhaps things at Chelsea aren’t so bad after all.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

The FotMob Team of the Season for the Premier League

This is what we’ve all been waiting for, isn’t it? The FotMob Team of the Season is here.

By Sam McGuire

Premier League winners Liverpool, as expected, have the most representatives in the XI. The big surprise, though, was that runners-up Arsenal don’t have a single player involved while 15th placed Manchester United have one.

So, without further ado, here’s your 2024/25 FotMob Team of the Season.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

David Raya and Matz Sels shared the Golden Glove award with 13 clean sheets each. But the man keeping goal for us is Jordan Pickford.

The Everton shot stopper recorded 12 clean sheets and gets the nod here because of how busy he was compared to the other two in contention. The England international made 122 saves and had a save percentage of 73.5%. He prevented 6.15 goals this term with his exploits between the sticks. His inclusion is deserved.

Right-Back: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Perhaps controversial given he’s not been at his best this term, but Alexander-Arnold has done enough to be included in the FotMob XI. The Liverpool full-back, who is leaving the club for Real Madrid, finished with six assists, though that was due to the poor finishing of his teammates more than anything else.

He had an Expected Assists total of 7.4, the sixth highest in the Premier League. The right-back also crested 53 chances. A good end to his career with the Reds.

Centre-Back: Virgil Van Dijk

Van Dijk captained Liverpool to the Premier League title. He made 37 starts, only sitting out the 3-2 loss to Brighton recently,

The Dutchman, who recently signed a new deal with the Reds, had a pass success rate of 92%. He chipped in with three goals and registered an assist. The Liverpool No.4 was dominant defensively, winning 68% of his ground duels and 72% of his aerial duels.

Centre-Back: Joško Gvardiol

A risky inclusion, maybe?

Gvardiol played a large chunk at left-back but did finish the campaign strongly at centre-back, so he’s getting into this team alongside Van Dijk.

The former RB Leipzig man made 37 appearances and scored five goals. Incredibly, he had an Expected Goals total of 4.6 and an Expected Assists total of 2.91. Gvardiol had a 91% pass success rate, a 64% success rate in dribbles, and he won 67% of his tackles and 61% of his duels.

Left-Back: Antonee Robinson

Robinson is only one of eight players in the Premier League this season to hit double digits for assists this term. He’s the only defender on the list.

The Fulham full-back created 43 chances in the Premier League and finished with a FotMob rating of 7.34. Robinson, liked by a number of clubs per reports, won 64% of his tackles and 67% of his aerial duels.

Midfield: Moises Caicedo

Believe it or not, Caicedo might be justifying his price tag. The Chelsea man has bossed it this term. He made 38 starts for the Blues and had a success rate of 64% in tackles. He also won 59% of his duels and 64% of his aerial duels. The former Brighton man was averaging 1.31 interceptions and two tackles per 90. He also had a 90% pass success for Enzo Maresca‘s side.

With and without the ball, he was incredible.

Midfield: Bruno Fernandes

The Manchester United captain might be on his way this summer but he’s had another season to remember for the Red Devils with eight goals and 10 assists.

Fernandes ranked first in the Premier League for chances created (91) and was fourth for Expected Assists with eight. He was a talisman for the team, under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.

Attack: Mohamed Salah

The most obvious inclusion here. Salah topped the charts for goals (29), assists (18) and he was the highest rated FotMob player with an average rating of 8.0.

Salah was a regular in the FotMob Team of the Week. He ranked first for Expected Goals, second for Expected Assists and first for Big Chances Created. He was also joint-second for Chances Created with 89.

The Liverpool No. 11 was unstoppable, inevitable and relentless.

Attack: Cole Palmer

Palmer failed to hit the heights of last season but he was still incredible for Chelsea. The versatile forwards finished with a FotMob rating of 7.64, an average that only Salah could better.

He had 23 goal involvements, with 15 goals and eight assists. The one-time Manchester City youngster was joint-second for Chances Created, second for Big Chances Created and joint-second for Expected Assists.

Attack: Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo was one of the surprise packages of the season. The Brentford attacker scored 20 goals on his way to 27 goal involvements in what could be his final campaign with the Bees. He made it 20 with a goal against Wolves on the final day. Across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, he scored just 18.

The 25-year-old ranked first for Expected Assists with 9.3. Yes, more than the main man Salah.

Considering he played a variety of roles for Brentford this term, he did a remarkable job.

Attack: Erling Haaland

Haaland may have failed to make it three successive Golden Boots, but he did make it into the FotMob Team of the Season. The Manchester City forward found the back of the net on 22 occasions in what was an injury hit campaign. Despite the frustration of appearing in just 2,700 minutes in the English top-flight, the 24-year-old finished with the highest Expected Goals per 90 average of 0.72.

(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.

May

2025

Premier League Team of the Week: The Final Round

For the final time this season, we have the FotMob Team of the Week. There are a few surprises in the XI but that’s because we had a few surprise results to round off the 2024/25 campaign.

By Sam McGuire

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

The Everton shot-stopper loves playing against Newcastle United. Pickford made six saves at St James’ Park, facing efforts with an Expected Goals on Target value of 2.16 on his way to a clean sheet as the Toffees beat the Magpies 1-0 to end their season on a high.

Right-Back: Ben White

The Arsenal full-back has been missed this season. Limited to just 17 matches due to injury, White was in fine form against Southampton as the Gunners recorded a 2-1 win over the relegated side. The 27-year-old completed 89% of his passes, he created two chances, claimed an assist, and won 100% of his tackles at St Mary’s.

Centre-Back: Illia Zabarnyi

The Bournemouth centre-back claimed his first assist of the season as the Cherries best Leicester City to round off an impressive season. The 22-year-old also completed 100% of his attempted dribbles, found a teammate with 83% of his attempted passes and won 100% of his tackles as well as 83% of his aerial duels.

Centre-Back: Levi Colwill

Colwill scored the goal to secure Champions League football for Chelsea. The 22-year-old netted the winner against Nottingham Forest, at the City Ground, as the Blues secured fourth spot in the Premier League. The England international also completed 89% of his passes and won 100% of his aerial duels.

Left-Back: Tyrick Mitchell

Mitchell assisted Ismaïla Sarr as Crystal Palace drew against Liverpool at Anfield. The left wing back was the star performer on the day, claiming a FotMob rating of 8.5. To go along with his assist, he completed two of his three dribbles, attempted three tackles and involved himself in 12 duels, winning eight.

Midfield: Bruno Fernandes

Just days after saying he could well leave Manchester United this summer, Fernandes impressed against Aston Villa. He completed the most passes (86), he had a pass success rate of 92%, created three chances, one big chance and finished with an assist. The Portugal playmaker also had five shots, attempted five tackles and was involved in 15 duels.

Midfield: İlkay Gündoğan

With his first goal of the season, Gündoğan put Manchester City on their way against Fulham at Craven Cottage. The win for Pep Guardiola‘s side ensured they finished third in the Premier League. Gündoğan created the most chances (six), was the most fouled player (four), completed 88% of his attempted passes and won a penalty late on. The Germany international was the main man.

Midfield: João Gomes

Gomes ran the show for Wolves in the 1-1 draw with Brentford. The 24-year-old made the most tackles (seven), was the most fouled player (three), won the most duels (16), created one chance, attempted five dribbles with a 60% success rate. That FotMob rating of 8.3 was well deserved.

Attack: Jarrod Bowen

It is becoming the norm now, but Bowen was incredible for West Ham United in their 3-1 win over Ipswich Town. The versatile forward scored and assisted against the Tractor Boys, creating two chances and having four shots. It wasn’t a one-man show but he did carry the forward line for Graham Potter‘s side.

Attack: Jack Hinshelwood

Deployed in attack by Brighton, Hinshelwood scored twice against Tottenham as the Seagulls recorded a 4-1 win. The versatile midfielder completed 83% of his passes, won 100% of his tackles, 75% of his ground duels, and 50% of his aerial duels. He did a bit of everything for Brighton and deservedly claimed a 9.1 FotMob rating.

Attack: Antoine Semenyo

The in-demand forward finished the campaign with 11 goals following his double against Leicester. Semenyo was a menace throughout, attempting four shots, three dribbles and involving himself in nine ground duels as a left sided attacker. If he is to move this summer, it is a good final showing for the Cherries.

(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.

May

2025

Preview: Saints end horror season with the visit of Arsenal

Southampton host Arsenal at St Mary’s Stadium in the final game of the Premier League season, in a game that is unlikely to mean too much for either side. The Saints’ relegation was confirmed at the beginning of April, while the Gunners can only finish second or third, with Champions League qualification secured.

By Matt Smith

When the two sides met earlier in the season, Arsenal secured the three points with a 3-1 victory. Southampton gave them a scare as Cameron Archer opened the scoring, but Mikel Arteta’s side turned things around.

Team news

Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk confirmed that Taylor Harwood-Bellis will miss out, while Jan Bednarek is also struggling with injury. It will leave Southampton short of options at the back, hampering their already leaky defence.

News emerged this week that Jurrien Timber has undergone surgery on his ankle, and Arteta confirmed the situation in his press conference. The Spanish manager also ruled out William Saliba, while he was pleased to see Kai Havertz return in recent weeks.

Southampton a disaster at both ends

It’s certainly been a season to forget for the Saints. Gaining promotion back to the Premier League was a huge boost for the club, but they’ve struggled to lay a glove on the majority of sides they’ve faced this term.

The Saints have kept just three clean sheets all season, conceding more and scoring fewer than every side in the Premier League. It’s no surprise that Southampton were relegated with seven games to play, becoming the first club to be relegated that early in the campaign.

Arsenal fall short in title race

Although the Gunners sit in second place, Liverpool winning the league was a foregone conclusion for a while. Arteta’s side continued their phenomenal defensive record this season, but it’s in the final third where they’ve massively struggled.

Arsenal have created just 59.2 expected goals this term, ranking them seventh in the league for this metric. The lack of a natural goalscorer has come back to bite them. Although their attacking options have all contributed, they’ve missed that 20-goal striker to help them over the line.

Saka isn’t firing on all cylinders

Bukayo Saka has been a crucial player for Arsenal since emerging through the academy a few years ago. Missing half the season due to injury, the Gunners have missed his output in the final third, but it’s safe to say he’s not been the same player since returning from injury.

The England international has scored just once in the Premier League since returning, while failing to provide an assist. Arteta will be desperately hoping the injury hasn’t impacted him too much, and a full pre-season can see him get back to his best.

Prediction

Although the game doesn’t mean an awful lot for Arsenal, they will still be looking to finish as runners-up. The club will benefit financially, while it’s also a chance to end the season on a high. Southampton have picked up just 12 points this season, so we’re going for a comfortable 3-0 win to the Gunners.

(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: Man City gunning for the points they need from final game at Fulham

Fulham host Manchester City at Craven Cottage on the final day of the Premier League season. Marco Silva’s side will be looking to cement their place in the top half of the table, but there’s a lot more riding on the game for Pep Guardiola’s men.

By Matt Smith

It’s a fairly complicated race for Europe this year, but it’s fairly straightforward for Man City to qualify for the Champions League. A win or draw at Craven Cottage will be enough, and an out-of-form Fulham side stand in their way.

A repeat of the reverse fixture will do for Guardiola after they won at the Etihad earlier in the season. The Spanish manager will be hoping it’s a little more relaxed, with the Citizens narrowly beating Fulham 3-2.

Team news

Fulham will be without Harrison Reed, Timothy Castagne, Rodrigo Muniz, and Reiss Nelson heading into this game, but there shouldn’t be any fresh injury concerns for the Cottagers.

City welcomed back crucial midfielder Rodri earlier in the week, so it will be interesting to see whether he’s fit enough to start. Guardiola confirmed to the media ahead of the game that everyone is available except John Stones, who remains on the injury list.

Fulham are a threat out wide

Fulham’s system allows Antonee Robinson to almost play as a left winger when they are in possession, bombing on down the flank and pumping crosses into the box to Raúl Jiménez. Robinson’s pinpoint deliveries have been a crucial method of attack, with the American international picking up 10 Premier League assists this season.

Silva’s side have produced 6.3 accurate crosses per game this season, and it’s no surprise with a player like Jiménez attacking the ball. It’s certainly something City will have to be wary of.

*Jiménez shot map, Premier League 2024/25*

Lack of creativity the difference for City

It’s been a disappointing season by City’s lofty standards, missing out on the Premier League title – a rarity for Guardiola’s side. City have created just 66.2 expected goals this season, with champions Liverpool producing a whopping 81.3%.

The drop-off in creating chances has been a concern for City, but it’s clear to see why. Phil Foden has endured a difficult campaign after performing so exceptionally last term, while Kevin De Bruyne has struggled with injuries, starting just 19 Premier League games this season.

Return of Rodri could be crucial

There’s no doubt another key reason for City’s poor campaign is the absence of Rodri. The Spanish midfielder has played just 73 minutes this season. Last term, Rodri was crucial, not only for protecting the back four and building the play from deep, but also his goals and creativity.

Last season, Rodri provided 17 goals and assists combined, a phenomenal contribution for a defensive midfielder. His primary role in the team is to take the ball from the defence and progress through the midfield, but he showed last term that he has so much more to his game than just that.

Prediction

This game is simply too important for Man City. We’re going for a 3-1 win for Guardiola’s men.

(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: Barcelona wrap up their campaign in Bilbao

Athletic Club and Barcelona are both aiming to conclude their respective successful domestic campaigns on a high.

By Graham Ruthven

Domestic achievements

In some ways, Athletic Club and Barcelona have had similar seasons. While both teams suffered European disappointments, falling just short of reaching a continental final, they achieved their objectives in LaLiga.

Barcelona arrive in the Basque Country this weekend as Spanish champions. Athletic Club, meanwhile, have already secured their place in the top four and qualification for next season’s Champions League.

In a competitive sense, there isn’t a lot for either side to play for at this stage. Nonetheless, Sunday’s match at San Mamés presents the opportunity for Athletic and Barca to finish on a high.

Ernesto Valverde’s team are unbeaten in 26 of their last 28 league matches and have only suffered one home defeat this season, against Atlético Madrid all the way back in August.

Athletic Club have also kept a clean sheet in eight of their last 10 league matches, but it will be extremely difficult to extend that defensive run against the most fearsome forward line in Spanish football.

Key players

Oihan Sancet started his first match for Athletic Club in a month against Valencia last weekend. The number 10 has been outstanding last season and his absence was keenly felt as Athletic lost to Manchester United in the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams have both played with injuries recently. However, the former featured in the win over Valencia at Mestalla while the latter could play his final match for Athletic amid intense speculation about his future.

Midfielders Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Beñat Prados and Álex Berenguer will attempt to control play in the centre of the pitch against a Barcelona unit that will put them under pressure on both sides of the ball.

*Barcelona’s best rated performers in the league this season*

Hansi Flick could rotate his team and reward some of his fringe players who have been overlooked for much of Barcelona’s season.

However, Lamine Yamal will surely be given another opportunity to showcase his incredible talent and cap an outstanding season which has seen the teenager scoring in each of his last three appearances.

Raphinha has enjoyed the season of his life, scoring 18 goals in LaLiga. The Brazilian is a perpetual threat on the left side and will have the likes of Pedri and Gavi giving him service.

Team news

Nico Williams could be sidelined for Athletic Club with Yeray Álvarez also missing. Otherwise, the Basque hosts have a fully fit and available squad to choose from for their final match of the season.

Barcelona’s injury troubles have cleared up in recent weeks. Marc-André Ter Stegen is available again, but has sat on the bench behind Wojciech Szczęsny as Flick’s starting goalkeeper.

However, Jules Koundé is sidelined as he has been for the last month with Marc Bernal also in the treatment room. Alejandro Balde and Marc Casadó, however, are back in training and could feature off the bench for the Catalans this weekend.

Prediction

We’re hoping for a relaxed end of season goal fest, one that keeps Athletic’s impressive home run going but ultimately, doesn’t damage anyone’s reputation: Athletic Club 2-2 Barcelona

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

Preview: Party time as Champions Liverpool host Cup winners Palace

The Premier League winners and the FA Cup winners meet on the final day of the season in what should be a major celebration for all. We say, give them cardboard cutouts of the trophies to play with in the warmup and let the fun begin.

By Karl Matchett

Salah with his own agenda

Liverpool might have understandably gone off the boil since the title was wrapped up, but someone out there still has something to play for – Mohamed Salah is chasing the Premier League record for goals and assists in a season. He’s already done it for 38-game campaigns, but one more on the final day equals him with those who got to play 42 matches, too. He should be there, given a chance spurned last time out from close range at Brighton, but don’t rule him out yet – despite one goal from his last five matches.

The Egyptian may have signed on for another couple of years, but there should be a few goodbyes said at Anfield too – a couple of upgrades in summer are expected and despite this team winning the league at a canter, it has been apparent that one or two may have overstayed their time in the northwest. Celebrating with the trophy after the match – in front of fans this time – is a good way to go out.

Last this year, first next year

Palace have already been able to celebrate with silverware and supporters, after triumphing at Wembley. The FA Cup was their first-ever major honour and it guarantees them both European football and the Community Shield next term – meaning this fixture will be played out in back-to-back games essentially, here on the final day and then back at Wembley in August. Both Arne Slot and Oliver Glasner have overachieved versus expectations of them ten months ago, yet both will feel rightly excited about the possibility of even more next season.

Recent form

Liverpool had won three in a row to seal the title before the end of April, but have taken just one point from a possible nine since then as rotation and celebration both take their toll. Palace haven’t lost in seven in all competitions, with three straight wins of late against Spurs, Man City and Wolves being particularly impressive – as well as yielding tangible success. They’ve only lost twice since mid-February, conceding five on both occasions.

Team news

Alexis MacAllister is likely to be the only player absent for Liverpool through injury, though it feels unlikely Trent Alexander-Arnold will feature given his reception last time he appeared at Anfield off the bench.

For Palace, Marc Guéhi may miss out after his severe cheek bruising sustained in the final, while Adam Wharton is back out again.

Key player

He might have dropped off in the last month or so but Salah’s year has been sensational – more goals than 99% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues, more shots than 90%, more chances created than 82%. Domestically on a per 90 basis he ranks higher than 98% for xG, 97% for non-penalty xG, 97% for shots on target, 96% for assists and 98% for touches in the box.

*Salah’s incredibly one-sided shot map, Premier League 2024/25*

Prediction

Goals for everybody on the final day – that’s usually the rule in the Premier League. Several at Anfield, therefore: Liverpool 3-2 Crystal Palace.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

May

2025

Preview: Inter Miami go to league leaders Philadelphia Union

Lionel Messi has played the full 90 minutes of all four of Inter Miami’s MLS games in May, but they only won one of those, and things don’t get any easier this weekend as they travel to Pennsylvania to face league leaders Philadelphia Union. Can they get back on track in a difficult away game?

By James Nalton

Stars sometimes not enough

Inter Miami are capable of winning any game in which they play, thanks to the star players in their team who can win games by themselves.

However, when Messi or Luis Suárez are not scoring or creating goals out of nothing, the team can struggle.

The significant player turnover outside of those familiar names might have disrupted the team, and the 2025 version of misfiring Miami hasn’t been as robust as the 2024 version, despite a few promising results earlier in the season.

This has led to a disjointed-looking team and a poor run of form in which they have lost five of their last seven in all competitions, conceding 20 goals in that time.

The pressure on head coach Javier Mascherano will surely increase if they fail to win again on Saturday night.

Who can step up for Miami in Philly?

We’ve already mentioned Fafà Picault, Tadeo Allende, and Telasco Segovia as potentially important players for Inter Miami this season.

These players are an important part of the team depth beneath the Suárez and Messi axis, and Mascherano could turn to them to try to turn things around.

A bigger issue lies in defence and, at the moment, that looks more difficult to solve through personnel alone — a constant problem for this Miami team.

It falls on Mascherno to find a way to shore things up at the back while also releasing those attacking players in support of Messi and Suárez.

The heat is on

Past a certain point, when a team is not challenging for the Supporters’ Shield or is prioritising other things, it can feel like there is not much to play for in the MLS regular season.

In Inter Miami’s case, they will be targeting a postseason MLS Cup win and will be confident of a place in the MLS Cup playoffs regardless of current form.

They only have five fewer points than they did after this many games (13) in 2024, so there is time to turn things around and begin climbing up the table, but their Concacaf Champions Cup exit, coupled with poor league form, cannot be ignored.

*Eastern Conference top six heading in to the weekend*

Union action

If Inter Miami could pick a next opponent to help get themselves back on track, Philadelphia Union away would probably be at the bottom of the list.

Union are six games unbeaten at home, and have won five of their last six games in MLS.

Bradley Carnell’s team top both the Eastern Conference and the overall Supporters’ Shield standings.

Union are also coming into the game on the back of a US Open Cup win against Pittsburgh Riverhounds, which spread the feel-good factor throughout the squad.

Their in-form forward Tai Baribo tops the scoring charts in MLS, while Quinn Sullivan, who started alongside his 15-year-old Man City-bound brother Cavan in the cup, is joint-top of the assists charts with six.

Prediction

Another Inter Miami defeat could put pressure on Mascherano, and all the signs suggest this will be another Inter Miami defeat.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

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May

2025

Preview: Forest face Chelsea with Champions League on the line

A draw is unlikely to cut if for either Chelsea or Nottingham Forest as the race to qualify for the Champions League goes down to the last day. Compared to their fellow hopefuls, this is the biggest game of the weekend.

By Alex Roberts

Forest have been in the driving seat for most of the season but have fallen off considerably with just one win in their last five Premier League games while Chelsea’s only defeat in the same number of league games came away at Newcastle.

Chelsea don’t like to leave home

Earlier in the season Enzo Maresca was adamant his side weren’t ready to compete for the title, his players seemed to take notice. Chelsea have just one away win in 2025, the late 2-1 victory over Fulham a few weeks ago.

It’s advantage Forest. Their fans have been incredible all season, playing in front of those who have either never seen or waited for a while to see European football return to the City Ground will be a huge boost.

Away Defeats to Ipswich, Man City, Brighton, Aston Villa, and Arsenal over the past couple of months give the fans little to hope for going into Chelsea’s biggest game of the season so far. There has to be a significant mindset shift for the West Londoners to bag a place in Europe’s elite competition.

Two big lads at the back

Murillo and Nikola Milenković have been arguably the best defensive duo in the Premier League this season. They’re a throwback to simpler times, think Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister with less bacon butties and pints of bitter.

Broad shouldered and calm under pressure, they’ve conceded the fifth fewest goals this season with 45, two more than Chelsea, with just one error leading to a goal between the two of them.

Chelsea will be without a recognised number nine for this one after Nicolas Jackson picked up a straight red card in the defeat to Newcastle. Whoever the Blues play up top, they will have two literal man mountains to climb before even trying to score.

Well, possibly two. Murillo is an injury doubt following an ankle knock suffered last weekend.

An unexpected goal scorer

Marc Cucurella has turned his Chelsea career around. His first season at the club was chaos with a head band, now he’s refined his game, and has become an unexpected weapon in Maresca’s attacking arsenal.

His goal in the 1-0 win over United was straight from the training ground. Reece James’ turn and cross met his head perfectly. Without Cucurella, Chelsea would be nowhere near the Champions League spots.

The Spaniard is now Chelsea’s top league goal scorer in 2025 with a massive four goals, which says a lot about their struggling forwards. This one is going to be tense, perhaps the winner will once again come from an unexpected / kinda expected source.

Morgan Gibbs-White farewell tour?

Gibbs-White has always been a baller but now the big boys are starting to take notice. Man City are reportedly keen on bringing the England international further north as their Kevin de Bruyne replacement. Big shoes to fill but it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

With seven goals and eight assists in his 33 Premier League games, three of which have come in his last two games, only Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood have more goal contributions than Gibbs-White this season. He’s hitting form at the right time.

*Forest goal contributions, Premier League 2024/25*

He’s never put up numbers like De Bruyne, but then again, he’s never played for a side like City. Leaving Forest after qualifying for the Champions League would likely go down a little better than leaving if they miss out. Either way, any potential deal won’t come cheap.

Prediction

Chelsea’s away form is the elephant in the room here. They’re a little more solid at the back but without a focal point up front, we’re going to go with a 1-0 win for Nottingham Forest.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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