Page 7 – The Pulse of Football

Apr

2025

Preview: Barca play Betis in battle of LaLiga’s form teams

Real Betis will still be holding out hope of snatching a Champions League place, but table topping Barcelona will surely be too much for them.

By Ian King

Red hot form in both dressing rooms

Barcelona, it seems reasonable to say, are back. They had a bit of a disaster between the middle of November and the middle of January, winning just one of their eight league matches, but other than that they’ve dropped just three points all season in LaLiga and are currently on a run of nine straight wins in the league. And they are unbeaten across 21 games in all competitions since the turn of the year.

Real Betis are going pretty well themselves too, though. After an inconsistent season, they’ve now won six in a row, including 2-1 wins against Real Madrid AND arch-rivals Sevilla.

History

Perhaps predictably, Barcelona have a significant historical upper hand in this particular match up. Betis haven’t won in this fixture since December 2021, when they won 2-1 at Camp Nou. The two sides have already met twice this season. In the league, the two sides drew 2-2 at Estadio Benito Villamarín in December, with a stoppage-time equaliser rescuing a point for the home side. Somewhat ominously for the visitors, they also met at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in January in the Copa Del Rey, with Barcelona winning 5-1.

Key players

The extent to which Real Betis have an uphill task on Saturday night is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have scored in each of their last three matches. Put simply, the attacking threat come from all over the place.

Real Betis feature a couple of names that will be familiar to Premier League watchers, but that which really stands out is Antony, who was loaned from Manchester United during the January transfer window and who’s scored four times and run up four assists since. His value to the squad is perhaps best summed up by the club captain Isco suggesting that “We have to crowdfund so he can stay at least another year.” High praise, from such an accomplished player.

Team News

Andreas Christensen has been out of the Barcelona team since the end of January but could be making his return in this match. Marc Bernal, Marc-André ter Stegen, Marc Casado and Dani Olmo remain longer-term absences. The big absentee for Real Betis is Marc Roca, who injured his foot against Real Sociedad in February and is unlikely to return before the end of this season.

Prediction

Real Betis are in their best form of the season, and they won’t be ruling themselves out of the chase for a Champions League place until it’s mathematically impossible. But Barcelona are good. They’re one of the best teams in Europe at the moment, and even though Betis are sixth in the table, Barca have scored more than twice as many goals as they have. This should be a comfortable evening for the league leaders, so a 3-0 home win feels about right.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Apr

2025

Desire Doue: The future of French football

The old front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé had its cons, but was ultimately one of the most electric forward lines in the history of French football. All parties have since parted ways and PSG have started looking to the future, reaping the benefits in the present.

By Alex Roberts

PSG’s transition from signing aging superstars to hot prospects may well be the best decision QSI have made since taking over back in 2012. Not only are they running away with the Ligue 1 title, the Champions League doesn’t seem like a dream anymore.

Désiré Doué is one of those hot prospects, joining from Rennes for a reported fee €50 million last summer. His potential has been evident since he broke into the first team at Roazhan Park two seasons ago, and he quickly outgrew his old teammates.

Tottenham fullback Djed Spence, who spent six-months on loan at Rennes in 2023 described Doué as a ‘generational talent’, lauding him as one of the best players he’s ever played with. Just a reminder, he doesn’t turn 20 until June.

*Doué player traits – comparison made against similar players in big five leagues*

He’s fearless and versatile, able to play anywhere along the forward line as well as the centre of the park as a midfielder. For someone so young he appears wise beyond his years, dropping a shoulder and gliding past players who’ve been playing a helluva lot longer.

Luis Enrique has managed him perfectly, limiting his minutes at the beginning of the season, starting him in lower stakes games and brining him on for the last 30 in the more important ones, helping him get to grips with the Spaniard’s specific style of play rather than throw him in at the deep end.

At around mid-December, Doué became harder and harder to leave out. His breakout performance was the 3-1 Ligue 1 win over Lyon. It took just eight minutes for PSG to open the scoring, Doué expertly wriggled past Ainsley Maitland-Niles before setting Ousmane Dembélé up with a low cross.

Neither he or PSG have looked back since. Doue has featured in every PSG game that’s followed, primarily as a central midfielder alongside fellow wonderkid João Neves and Fabián Ruiz, providing 18 goal contributions in that time.

In an era that has become so concerned with tactical philosophies and systems, Doué is a genuine entertainer. In that way, he’s much like Cole Palmer, he looks so unbothered, supremely confident in his own ability.

A box-to-box playmaker who is a lot quicker than one might think, his ball carrying and dribbling ability helps bring opposition defenders out of position and open up space to help play in teammates or go for goal.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Doué’s game is his work rate. He’s an attacking threat, yes, but he will bust a lung to win the ball back for his side, winning possession in the final third 12 times, winning 114 duels, and making 12 interceptions. Doué is the complete package.

Don’t take our word for it, Enrique has praised Doué for his hard work, saying: “At Rennes, we saw his technical ability, physicality and personality. Now, he’s reaping the rewards of his hard work.

“There is still plenty to do, but he’s at the right place and club to grow and play high-stakes matches. The Champions League level, as I tell the players, is like international duty – you’re up against the best players and coaches.”

Speaking of the Champions League, Doué came off the bench to add a little je ne sais quoi to PSG’s already impressive performance in their 1-0 win at Anfield, replacing Bradley Barcola to help secure a place in the quarter final.

No, he didn’t score in normal or extra time, although PSG had enough chances he probably should have done. He did, however, step up and score the winning penalty. Another reminder that the lad is only 19, brushing the pressure off to send the early tournament favourites out of the competition.

Shortly after, the notoriously hard to impress Didier Deschamps handed Doué his first international call up, bringing him on in their UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg win over Croatia.

It was a similar story to the Liverpool game, normal time flew by, and then extra time, going to penalties with the aggregate score at 2-2. Doué stepped up once again, scoring France’s fourth penalty before Dayot Upamecano scored the winner.

Six days later he was the player of the match in PSG’s 6-1 win over relegation threatened Saint Etienne, scoring two goals in a 13-minute spell, sending them a massive 21 points clear at the summit of the Ligue 1 table.

The French league continuously proves to be the best in the world when it comes to producing and nurturing young talent, even if a fourth consecutive title is nothing more than a formality for PSG at this point.

Few of those young talents are quite as well rounded as Doué, however, and even fewer have the potential to reach levels he surpassed some time ago. We’re not fortune tellers, and no one can truly predict anything in football, but we’re confident in saying the future of PSG and the France national team is in safe hands with this young man.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Apr

2025

Preview: Arsenal travel to Everton clinging on to their title hopes

Everton host Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, with the Gunners still trying to hold on to their title hopes. The Toffees have little to play for with safety all but secured, but they’ll be hoping to bounce back after their nine-game unbeaten run came to an end last time out.

By Matt Smith

When the two sides met earlier in the season, they couldn’t be separated, as a resolute Everton performance and an inspired Jordan Pickford meant the points were shared with a 0-0 draw.

Team news

Everton saw Iliman Ndiaye return off the bench in their 1-0 defeat against Liverpool last time out. The Senegalese forward has been on the treatment table for a few weeks, but he could be in line for a start after his cameo earlier this week. Dwight McNeil has also recently returned to training, but he wasn’t fit enough to make the bench against Liverpool.

The Gunners also received a major boost earlier in the week, with Bukayo Saka featuring for the first time this year. It appears to be a one-in-one-out policy at Arsenal, though, with Gabriel now ruled out for the season.

Everton rejuvenated under Moyes

Everton saw their nine-game unbeaten run ended on Wednesday as they suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Merseyside rivals Liverpool. Their performances under the new manager has put fans at ease, with the Toffees creating a huge gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

*Moyes is averaging 1.6 points per game in second spell with Everton*

Moyes has a better win percentage and points-per-game than all other Everton managers since Carlo Ancelotti. Consistency will be key, however, as Everton prepare for life in a new stadium next season. The Toffees will have to avoid going down a slippery slope after the loss against Liverpool, but Moyes has done superbly to keep them on track since his arrival.

The draw specialists still in with a chance

The Gunners currently sit 12 points behind Liverpool, and although they’ll be disappointed that Everton couldn’t cause an upset during the week, they can only have themselves to blame for falling short. Arsenal have drawn a whopping 10 times in the Premier League this season, meaning 33.33% of their league games have ended in stalemate.

There’s still a chance that Arsenal can lift the Premier League title, but Liverpool’s recent league form suggests they should have it sealed with a few games to spare.

Merino finding his feet in front of goal

Mikel Arteta’s answer to his centre-forward problems has been Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino. The former Real Sociedad man came off the bench against Leicester City a few weeks ago, scoring twice from the striker position.

Merino has been deployed in attack in Arsenal’s last two Premier League fixtures, scoring twice for the Gunners. Arsenal are likely to be in the market for a new centre-forward in the summer, but there’s no doubt Merino has been an impressive temporary solution.

*Merino shot map, Premier League 2024/25*

Prediction

With Everton having nothing to play for and Arsenal still having a slim outside chance of lifting the Premier League title, we’re predicting a narrow win for Arteta’s side. 1-0 Arsenal.

(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.

Apr

2025

Preview: Real Madrid face Corberan’s much-improved Valencia

Real Madrid need three points to maintain their title race pace, but a resurgent Valencia can be hopeful of pulling off a shock.

By Graham Ruthven

Searching for balance

Tuesday’s eight-goal thriller in the Copa del Rey semi-final summed up where Real Madrid are as a team right now. While Los Blancos boast arguably the most fearsome frontline in Europe, their defence always gives opponents a chance.

The 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad was enough to send Real Madrid through to the Copa final, but there is an unease about the performances being produced by Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the moment.

Real Madrid have scored seven goals over their last two games. They have also conceded six with two of those coming at home to relegation-threatened Leganés last weekend. Even as the champions won 3-2, there were whistles from the Santiago Bernabéu crowd at full time.

This should give Valencia encouragement particularly with Carlos Corberán’s team resurgent. Not so long ago, Valencia looked doomed in LaLiga’s bottom three. Now, they are on a run of two wins in their last three games.

Another positive result in the Spanish capital would edge Valencia further away from danger and ease the fear at Mestalla that the season will end in relegation.

Key players

Kylian Mbappé’s goals are keeping Real Madrid on Barcelona’s tail. The French forward has scored five goals in his last five games and is Los Blancos’ most consistent attacking threat with Vinícius Júnior struggling for his best form.

By contrast, Vinícius hasn’t found the back of the net for Real Madrid since his goal against Rayo Vallecano in early March. The Brazilian winger has cut a frustrated figure in recent matches.

Jude Bellingham has picked up some of the slack, scoring in each of his last two outings. Despite operating in a slightly deeper position this season, the Englishman has still reached double figures in goals for the season.

Diego López scored the winner for Valencia against Mallorca, taking his tally for the season to seven goals. While Valencia have struggled for firepower this season, the 22-year-old wide attacker has certainly contributed.

Umar Sadiq has made an impact since joining on loan from Real Sociedad in January. The match, however, could be decided by the midfield battle with Javi Guerra and Enzo Barrenechea capable of holding their own in the centre.

Team news

Ancelotti could rotate his team after 120 gruelling minutes of Copa del Rey action during the week. Bellingham in particular was running on fumes towards the end of the match and went down with cramp more than once.

Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos are all still sidelined through injury although Thibaut Courtois could return to the lineup after missing the Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad with a minor muscular problem.

Thierry Correia is still unavailable for Valencia due to a long-term knee injury with Iván Jaime another player expected to miss the away match against Real Madrid.

However, Hugo Duro could feature after making his return to the Valencia matchday squad for last weekend’s win over Mallorca. The striker might be a good option in attack with his physicality.

Prediction

Valencia will put up a fight, we know that. But even if Ancelotti does choose to rotate, Madrid can’t afford to slip up when title rival Barcelona have won nine league games in a row: Real Madrid 2-1 Valencia.

(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.

Apr

2025

Premier League Preview, Matchday 31

We’ve not really had time to register the repercussions of the mid-week matches just yet but matchday 31 is already upon us.

By Sam McGuire

Once again, the random fixture generator has been awfully kind to us and thrown up a number of intriguing match-ups across the weekend.

Here’s a look at four that we believe are key ones in the grand scheme of things.

Everton can help Liverpool win the Premier League title

Everton put in a resilient showing at Anfield on Wednesday night but couldn’t keep the Premier League leaders out as Liverpool claimed a 1-0 win over their Merseyside neighbours.

It, once again, extended the lead at the top of the table to 12 points. Arsenal have the opportunity to, once again, cut that down to nine points as they make the trip to Goodison Park for the early kick-off on Saturday.

The Toffees won’t want to do any favours for the Reds but David Moyes has made them incredibly difficult to play against while Beto is in the best form of his career. With Gabriel now ruled out for the season, Arsenal, all of a sudden look much weaker defensively. Going forward, they’re looking stronger following the return of Bukayo Saka, the match-winner against Fulham on Tuesday, but they haven’t been entirely convincing. And an early kick-off away to the blue half of Merseyside could prove problematic.

Defeat here would make it almost impossible for the Gunners to chase down Liverpool. Even a draw might not be good enough. Moyes and his side could help Liverpool all but secure the title this weekend.

A relegation six-pointer

Wolves beat West Ham United 1-0 on Tuesday night to give themselves a twelve point lead over the drop zone. It was a win that many thought would guarantee their Premier League safety. But then Ipswich Town went and stunned Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, picking up a 2-1 victory to reduce the gap back down to nine points.

And now the two teams face off on Saturday at Portman Road. It is the definition of a six-pointer. A win for Wolves would basically relegate Ipswich. Vítor Pereira’s side would be 12 points clear of the relegation places with 21 points up for grabs. It would take a miraculous run of results for them to slip into the bottom three.

A win for the Tractor Boys, however, and suddenly, things look a little more positive for Kieran McKenna’s team. They’d be six points off their visitors with seven games to play and momentum on their side. There would still be a lot for them to do to avoid the drop but chasing down a six point difference is significantly easier than looking to run down a 12 point gap, isn’t it?

Ipswich go from needing a four game swing with seven games of the season remaining to needing to win just two more games than Wolves. Difficult but not impossible.

Aston Villa’s Champions League hopes

Aston Villa’s 3-0 win over Brighton on Wednesday evening saw them leapfrog their hosts. It also kept their Champions League hopes alive. Unai Emery’s side are in seventh position but it’s tight at the top. They are just nine points behind third-placed Nottingham Forest, the team they welcome to Villa Park on Saturday night.

A third win on the spin for the Villans would give them momentum heading into the run in. And that really does matter at this stage of the season. If they can cut that gap to six points, they’re going to fancy their chances of playing Champions League football again next season, aren’t they?

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are still in dreamland. They keep on winning. Their 1-0 win over Manchester United on Tuesday night made it three wins on the spin for Nuno Espírito Santo’s men and maintained the gap the team have over the fourth-place scramble.

Depending on what happens in the Arsenal game, Forest could move to within one point of the Gunners on Saturday.

This is a must not lose match for either side. A win for Villa could well change the entire landscape of the top four race.

A win for Forest and it all but ends Villa’s hopes of back-to-back top four finishes while strengthening their grasp on a top three finish.

Can the champions elect keep grinding out results?

If we’re being honest, Liverpool haven’t played well for quite some time now. The last time the Premier League leaders looked confident and competent was in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the end of February. Since then, they’ve had to come from behind against Southampton at Anfield, Paris Saint-Germain battered them in Paris before knocking them out on penalties at Anfield and Newcastle United ended a 70 year wait for a trophy with a 2-1 win in the Carabao Cup final.

The Reds did eke out a 1-0 victory over Everton on Wednesday but it was far from pretty. A moment of genius from Diogo Jota ensured Arne Slot’s side returned to winning ways.

But, sooner or later, these poor performances are going to catch up to them in the league. They travel to Fulham’s Craven Cottage on Sunday looking for a reaction. A positive result is the end goal. A positive performance, however, should guarantee the three points.

Marco Silva’s side can still claim a European finish. They’ve lost three of their last five, and lost 2-1 to Arsenal last time out, but have the potential to cause problems. They certainly troubled Liverpool at Anfield in the reverse fixtures. A similar showing here boosts their chances of playing European football next season while prolonging the title race.

*Liverpool and Fulham’s earlier meeting this season*

(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.

Apr

2025

FPL tips from the reigning champ: GW31

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 11.00 BST on Saturday 05th April*

The Eye Test vs. The Stats

Bukayo Saka (10.3m) is back! The 23-year-old hadn’t featured for Arsenal since GW 17 due to injury, but returned to Premier League action against Fulham during the week, playing 24 minutes off the bench.

Saka made an immediate impact and rewarded his FPL owners with a goal and two bonus points, giving him eight points in total. The winger put up 0.89 in Expected Goal Involvements (xGI), slightly over his average of 0.74 per 90 minutes. These are good numbers.

Arsenal face a trip to Everton in GW31. This could be a cagey encounter, but Saka is good enough to deliver against anyone. He is a good bet to start for the Gunners as they look to finish the season strongly.

A favourable run of fixtures awaits Arsenal after this weekend’s game against Everton with a home match against Brentford followed by a potential double gameweek in GW33. This double-header would be against Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace.

This run could further boost Saka’s value with news on the re-arranged fixtures expected soon.

Jacob Murphy (5.0m) might not have received the acclaim of Newcastle United teammates Alexander Isak or Anthony Gordon this season, but his contribution has been extremely valuable.

The 30-year-old has registered more assists (nine) than any other Newcastle player, also scoring five times. Isak is the only Newcastle player to be ahead of Murphy for goal involvements this season.

*Newcastle goal + assists, Premier League 2024/25*

Murphy played 66 minutes of Newcastle’s win over Brentford in GW30, contributing one asset and finishing with six FPL points. His cross set up Isak for a finish inside the box, sending the Magpies on their way to three points.

At 5.0m, Murphy’s price makes him an attractive option. His upcoming fixtures are also appealing with Newcastle set to take on Leicester City before a double gameweek in GW32 against Manchester United and Crystal Palace at home and a GW33 game against Ipswich.

Gordon’s return from suspension and Harvey Barnes’ availability means Murphy could face some competition for his starting spot, but he is a cheap option who could be a bench player for your FPL team in anticipation of future favourable fixtures.

Long shot

Dean Henderson (4.6m) doesn’t fit the bill as a long shot in that he is owned by 13.7% of FPL managers.

However, the Crystal Palace goalkeeper should be on your radar due to the fact the Eagles have back-to-back double gameweeks coming up. They have one confirmed in GW32 and are in line for another one in GW 33.

*Henderson’s save shot map, Premier League 2024/25*

Within those double gameweeks, Palace have tricky fixtures against Manchester City, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Arsenal. Nonetheless, there is the potential for a lot of points.

Upcoming games to follow

There are a handful of fixtures to keep an eye on in GW31 from a FPL point of view.

Everton host Arsenal at 12:30pm on Saturday which could be a low-scoring affair. Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes could miss out through injury with Saka, William Saliba (6.3m), Mikel Merino (6.0m) and David Raya (5.5m) worth monitoring.

Brentford will come up against Chelsea on Sunday. Both teams have conceded a lot of goals this season, but also carry attacking threat which could lead to a high-scoring encounter this weekend. Bryan Mbeumo (8.1m) and Cole Palmer (10.7m) stand out as assets.

Finally, the fixture between Leicester and Newcastle warrants attention. The Foxes are on their way down having lost their last seven games in-a-row while the Magpies are fighting for European qualification.

Newcastle have won their last three games in all competitions with Isak (9.5m), Gordon (7.4m), Murphy and Livramento (4.5m) options.

(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.

Apr

2025

Premier League Team of the Week: Midweek Matchday 30

We’re into the final leg of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign. With just eight games left to play, there’s still plenty at stake in the English top-flight. But the outlook is a little different for a number of teams following results across Matchday 30. So, let’s take a look at the culprits for this with a deep drive into the Team of the Week for the mid-week matches.

By Sam McGuire

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez

Martínez was at his brilliant best for Aston Villa in their 3-0 win over Brighton. The World Cup winner made four saves on his way to an invaluable clean sheet as the Villans push for a European finish. He also picked up a yellow card late on to make it a vintage Martínez masterclass. The 32-year-old faced shots with an xG on Target value of 0.66, made nine recoveries and earned himself an 8.3 FotMob rating.

Right-Back: Kieran Trippier

Trippier has looked back to his old self as of late following a surprise return to the first-team after Lewis Hall picked up an injury. This meant the backline was reshuffled and Trippier was brought back in. The 34-year-old caught the eye against Brentford as Newcastle claimed a 2-1 win over the Bees. He won the most tackles (seven), completed 73% of his passes, carved out two chances and won 90% of his ground duels before sustaining a reported groin injury.

Centre-Back: Matt Doherty

Doherty put in a dominant showing for Wolves in their important 1-0 win over West Ham United. The 33-year-old completed 80% of his attempted passes, carved out a chance, completed 100% of his attempted dribbles, won 100% of his tackles and made five ball recoveries. He also won four out of six ground duels and three out of three aerial duels. This showing against the Hammers earned him a FotMob score of 8.2.

Centre-Back: Murillo

The Nottingham Forest defender was back at it as Nuno Espírito Santo’s side claimed a 1-0 win over Manchester United to keep their hopes of a Champions League finish very much alive. Murillo won 100% of his tackles, made 12 clearances, three blocks and won 100% of his aerial duels as Forest kept a vital clean sheet and picked up an even more important three points at the City Ground.

Left-Back: Nico O’Reilly

O’Reilly got the nod at left-back for Manchester City in their 2-0 win over Leicester City and the 20-year-old caught the eye. He won the most duels (seven) of anyone, completed 88% of his attempted passes, completed 100% of his attempted dribbles and created one chance for the reigning champions. He made quite the impression and could well retain his place in the starting XI for the remainder of the season.

Midfield: Morgan Rogers

Rogers now has seven goals and six assists after claiming two assists in Aston Villa’s 3-0 win over Brighton. It was a strange showing by the former Manchester City academy graduate. He was barely involved, attempting just 14 passes, but he was impactful, carving out two chances. He also attempted two dribbles, won 50% of his tackles and 50% of his 12 duels on his way to a FotMob rating of 8.6.

Midfield: Sandro Tonali

Tonali was the match-winner for Newcastle against Brentford as he scored with a divisive effort. Some feel it was a cross that went wrong, others feel the Italy international purposely caught Mark Flekken out with a shot from an outrageous angle. Even without the goal, the former Milan man did well for the Magpies. He created one chance, completed 100% of his dribbles, won 100% of his tackles and 71% of his ground duels. He was key in Eddie Howe’s side getting the upper hand against Brentford at St James’ Park.

Midfield: Cole Palmer

Palmer brought an end to his drought in the Premier League by registering his first assist since December 1st as he set up the winner for the Blues in the 1-0 win over Spurs. The three points moved Chelsea back into the top four. Palmer set up two chances for Enzo Maresca’s side and had two shots as Chelsea leapfrogged Man City into fourth position in the Premier League. He also won 100% of his tackles and five of his nine duels in what was an all-round impressive showing.

Midfield: Luis Díaz

A lot of the time this season, Mohamed Salah has carried the Liverpool attack. Against Everton on Wednesday evening, it was very much the Luis Díaz show as the Premier League leaders extended their advantage at the top to 12 points. Díaz assisted the winner. He also created the most chances at Anfield (six) and completed the most dribbles (five) to really showcase how impactful he was in the final third against the Toffees.

Attack: Mateus Fernandes

Fernandes was the star of the show as Southampton claimed a 10th point of the season in the draw against Crystal Palace. The versatile midfielder assisted the opener for the Saints but his involvement in general was key. He completed the most dribbles (four), was the most fouled player (three), and he won nine of his 13 duels.

Attack: Omar Marmoush

Marmoush had a total of nine shots in Man City’s 2-0 victory against Leicester City. The No.7 is filling in for Erling Haaland, spearheading Pep Guardiola’s forward line, and he did an admirable job as the main man. He finished the game with an xG total of 1.45 and also completing 100% of his attempted dribbles. The former Eintracht Frankfurt man was responsible for 50% of the team’s attempts at the Etihad, showing just how important he was to the victory.

(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.

Apr

2025

The Manchester Derby: Power, pride, and the fight for the city’s soul

There was a time when the Manchester Derby was strictly local. Blue-collar pride clashing with red empire swagger. Families were split by postcodes, pubs boiling with tension, and every match a battle for bragging rights in the workplaces of Greater Manchester.

By David Skilling

But that version of the derby feels like something from the history books now. In 2025, when Manchester United and Manchester City meet, as they do on Sunday, the stakes are different; they’re broader and richer. This isn’t just about control of the city anymore. It’s global, it’s about what type of football club should define modern greatness and represent the city on the world stage.

City, sleek and surgically dominant, has emerged as the current embodiment of football’s ambition, data-led, oil-fuelled, and almost mechanical in their execution. United, suffering but still carrying one of the game’s heaviest shirts, are clinging to identity, history, and the ghost of a dynasty that once ruled England like clockwork.

This derby? It’s not just a match. It’s a mirror reflecting football’s evolution and the fight over which legacy will define Manchester for the next decade.

There was once a running joke, a painful one for City fans, that the Manchester Derby wasn’t even a rivalry. Sir Alex Ferguson, with his empire in red, famously dismissed City as “noisy neighbours” while sweeping up Premier League titles. For decades, United operated on a different plane, winning trophies while City cycled through managers and mediocrity.

Abu Dhabi’s arrival flipped the Premier League’s power map. City, almost overnight, went from punchline to power player. The money came fast, and the football philosophy followed. Roberto Mancini gave the Sky Blues an identity. Manuel Pellegrini added some swagger. Then Pep Guardiola turned them into a machine. Now, City have become one of the most feared teams in world football, even with this season’s inconsistency.

Since Fergie retired in 2013, United have struggled to define themselves. They’ve spent big, changed managers, and held onto past glory and all of its nostalgic value. City, meanwhile, built a blueprint, a pipeline of talent, a clear tactical identity, and quite incredible global expansion. The once-mocked neighbours now walk with their chests and elbows out!

What’s fascinating now is how the derby exposes something deeper than football ability; it unearths the existential questions both clubs face.

For United, every derby feels like a gut check. Can they still stand toe-to-toe with their rivals? Do they even know who they are anymore? When they win, it’s often framed as a return to “the United way.” When they lose, it’s another data point in a decline too painful to ignore.

*The most recent Manchester Derby, won by United*

For City, the derby isn’t about proving themselves locally anymore, it’s about legacy-building and reminding their once-dominant neighbours that the tides have turned. Every win tightens their grip on the city and chips away at United’s mythology. It’s not enough to dominate on the pitch.

Can City dominate the conversation, the culture, and the story of Manchester on the global sports scene, not just in football? Something once in full control of the Reds.

This is why the rivalry has more weight now, not less. City are having a bit of a setback season after an incredible run, a bit of a blip in Pep’s relentless chase for perfection.

United are in a season of transition again, with what feels like half a squad, poor form, managerial questions, and desperately needing a spark, but there does seem to be some glimmers of positivity cultivating under Ruben Amorim’s watchful eye.

Both teams are facing their own challenges, though City are clearly faring better. Still, derbies have a way of throwing logic out the window. They don’t care about xG, form tables, or winning streaks. One mistake, one flash of brilliance, and the entire momentum can shift. The fans sing louder; the players feel it and are reminded of who they’re playing for and what this match means to the city. Tackles come in harder, tempers flare quicker, and the chaos breeds magic. That’s the derby effect.

For City, a win would help to maintain their current position as Manchester’s dominant force. But for United, it would be a reminder to the Premier League and the global football scene that they’re a sleeping giant capable of beating some of the biggest and best. Beating City won’t fix the club’s immediate problems, but it might offer a glimpse of identity and a show of resilience. And for what the fans are going through this season, those bragging rights at work on Monday morning will be priceless.

The Manchester Derby has always been emotional, it’s symbolic. A clash between tradition and innovation. Between a club that has reached the top and looking towards the future and one haunted by its past. The result won’t just echo through Manchester, it’ll ripple across fanbases and the media around the world.

Because in the modern football era, nothing is truly local anymore. But make no mistake, this is still a fight for the soul of Manchester.

(Images 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.

Apr

2025

Preview: Chelsea and Spurs close the midweek round in the Premier League

Chelsea’s form has been patchy since the end of January, but will Doctor Tottenham provide them with a cure for their recent ills?

By Ian King

Two out of form London rivals

Neither club are in especially stellar form at the moment, with Chelsea having won just four Premier League games in 2025 so far and Spurs having won just three and both clubs having been eliminated early from both the EFL and FA Cups. Chelsea’s only recent wins have come against relegation fodder in the form of Leicester City and Southampton, while Spurs have failed to win any of their last three Premier League matches.

History

Chelsea have long had the upper hand in this fixture, with Spurs having won just two of their last sixteen meetings, going back more than six years. They’ve won more Premier League matches against Spurs – 36 – than any other team, while earlier this season Chelsea won 4-3 at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Going back a little further, both sides have some degree of reason to be a little cheerful. Spurs won their last major trophy against Chelsea, the EFL Cup in 2008, and beat them in the 1967 FA Cup final. But the last time the two clubs met in a cup final, Chelsea beat Spurs 2-0 to win the 2015 EFL Cup.

Key players

Southampton aside, Chelsea haven’t scored more than a single goal in a Premier League match since the start of February. Enzo Maresca will, therefore, likely be pleased to see the return of Nicolas Jackson from injury. Jackson is Chelsea’s second highest goalscorer so far in the Premier League this season behind Cole Palmer with nine goals. But will Maresca throw him straight back in?

With the pressure starting to build on Ange Postecoglou, the Spurs manager needs big performances from his available big name players for this match. James Maddison scored the goal that finished off AZ in their recent Europa League last 16 match. Spurs will be needing his creativity in midfield if the Chelsea defence is to be unlocked.

Team News

Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson all returned to training for Chelsea during the international break, but Omari Kellyman and Marc Guiu both remain sidelined. The injury situation is worse for Spurs, who will be missing Radu Drăgușin and Dejan Kulusevski, while Kevin Danso, Richarlison and Lucas Bergvall all remain doubtful, though could be due to return after their combined international and FA Cup break.

Prediction

Ange Postecoglou needs a result, and while Chelsea away is a bit of a nightmare fixture for Spurs – they haven’t won at Stamford Bridge in seven years – another defeat would only continue to build the narrative that the manager will be on his way come the end of this season. Chelsea may still be patchy themselves, at times, but they have the necessary institutional arrogance to get through a game like this without too many worries. I’ll go for a comfortable 3-1 Chelsea win and the agony to continue to pile up for their London rivals.

(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.

Apr

2025

How to add and hide leagues in FotMob

Customise the leagues in your feed

Looking to get that perfect view of your football world? The unique list of leagues you care about, and nothing else?

You can create a personalised view in just a few steps by following the leagues you want to keep an eye on, sorting them into the order you like, and hiding those you’re not interested in.

First, head to the Leagues tab at the bottom of your screen and Follow the leagues you are interested in either by going to the country categories or searching for leagues at the top.

Then, tap Edit and drag on the right side of a leagues to re-order them into the order you’d like. This is the order used for your main Matches view in the app.

Once you’re finished there, go back to the Matches tab on the bottom left, where your leagues will now be in the order you chose.

Then, you can tap Hide All to clean up your view. We’ll let you know under the button if there’s anything important you’re missing out on.

For other tips and tricks, head to our FAQ.