Preview

Nov

2024

Preview: Liverpool and Villa round off Saturday in the Premier League

This week’s evening kick-off sees table-toppers Liverpool face Champions League chasers Aston Villa at Anfield. In this fixture last season, the Reds came out on top with a comfortable 3-0 victory.

By Matt Smith

Diogo Jota remains on the treatment table

As Arne Slot’s side prepare to face Villa, they will be without Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who has already missed their previous five fixtures. Slot recently confirmed that he’s expected to return after the international break, but the Dutch manager has plenty of options to choose from in attack.
Federico Chiesa is also expected to remain on the treatment table and could also return after the two-week hiatus. In the Champions League during the week, Luis Díaz netted a second-half hat-trick, so he has built a case to keep his place.

The Reds are in fine form

Slot’s start to life at Anfield has likely gone better than he could ever have imagined. Liverpool currently sit top of the Premier League table, two points clear of Manchester City, and it’s not by chance. The Merseyside outfit have created 18.4 xG in their 10 games while also producing more big chances (37) than any other side.

Scoring goals has rarely been an issue for Liverpool considering the attacking options they have, but their defensive solidity has improved drastically this term. The Reds have conceded fewer goals and xG than any other side in the Premier League this season.

Emery boosted by double return

In recent weeks, Unai Emery has seen two long-term absentees return to action in Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings. The Villa duo have been forced to watch from the stands for a significant period after both picking up serious knee injuries.

Emery is likely to be without both Matty Cash and Ross Barkley, but other than that, the Spanish manager has a strong squad to pick from ahead of Villa. Mings and Kamara both started in the Champions League during the week, building up their fitness ahead of Saturday.

Creativity has to improve

Although the Villans are battling for the top-four places once again this season, Emery will be desperate to see more from his side in the final third. The Midlands outfit are defending well, but they’ve created just 15.4 xG.

One player who is becoming a key cog in Emery’s machine is Youri Tielemans. Although playing in a deeper midfield role, the Belgian international has provided three assists this season, creating 22 chances as he’s given plenty of freedom in the middle of the park.

*Tielemans passing stats, Premier League 2024/25*

Liverpool too hot to handle

Villa are undoubtedly one of the toughest teams to face in the Premier League at the moment, but taking points off Liverpool is a difficult task. The Reds are in fine form, losing just once this term, so a home win shouldn’t be a surprise. A 2-0 Liverpool win is my prediction with Díaz likely to be involved in the goalscoring after his impressive display during the week.

(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.

Nov

2024

Preview: City need to snap losing run at Brighton

Pep Guardiola is in unfamiliar territory after three consecutive defeats across Manchester City’s most recent games in Carabao Cup, the Premier League, and Champions League.

By Ian King

Historic grudge match for those with long memories

There is a little bit of ancient history here, in that City relegated Brighton from the top flight on the penultimate weekend of the 1982/83 season by winning 1-0 at The Goldstone Ground. City might have considered that to be revenge for Brighton beating them 4-0 in the FA Cup earlier that season, but were relegated themselves a week later.

More recently, Albion’s record against City has been atrocious since their 2017 return to the top flight. They’ve only beaten them once, at the very end of the 2020/21 season, with their opponents having already wrapped up the Premier League title for that season. City have won every other meeting between them bar one, when the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at the Amex in May 2023.

*H2H results, since FotMob records began (2010)*

The present day

The history books may not be encouraging for Brighton, but current form offers them greater hope. While they may have ultimately lost at Anfield last weekend, this was their first defeat in four, and they’ve already beaten Manchester United, Newcastle and Spurs so far.

Meanwhile, Manchester City need a win. Those hoping that their recent blip had bottomed out with last weekend’s defeat at Bournemouth ended up doubly disappointed after they were well-beaten in their midweek Champions League trip to Lisbon; they’ve now lost three in a row for the first time since 2018. There is a case for saying that City do this at some point every season, but there were few signs of improvement on Tuesday night.

Key players

For Brighton so far this season, Danny Welbeck has indeed been ‘Dat Guy’, with six goals and two assists in his first ten games. But more broadly, the key to the home team’s threat is that it can come from so many sources. Nine different players have contributed to their twelve assists so far.

Injury-ravaged though they are, Manchester City are still glittered with stardust. Phil Foden scored their early opener against Sporting, and they could do with a big performance from him on Saturday evening.

Injury news

City are still in an injury crisis but the pressure is starting to ease slightly, with Kevin De Bruyne making a brief appearance in midweek which has led to speculation that he will soon be returning to the first team. Rúben Dias and John Stones are still missing, though, and the lack of that defensive pair has been hurting them. Brighton could welcome back Yankuba Minteh and João Pedro, though Adam Webster, James Milner and Solly March all remain absent.

Prediction

Brighton’s historical record against City may be dreadful, but so was Bournemouth’s going into their meeting with them last weekend, and we all know what happened there. Should it happen, the return of De Bruyne may give them a little more zest in attack, but Brighton’s array of attacking options will be a tough test for a makeshift defence, so a score draw may be the final outcome.

Prediction: Brighton 2-2 Manchester City

(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.

Nov

2024

Preview: Madrid looking to avert a crisis as Osasuna visit the capital

Can Osasuna pile on the misery for Real Madrid and put an end to their struggles at the Bernabéu?

By Filip Mishov

Troublesome times for the hosts

As if the damning defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico (0-4) and controversy around the Ballon d’Or ceremony were not enough for Florentino Perez & co. over the past couple of weeks, AC Milan piled on the misery at the Bernabéu by outplaying the reigning champions in the Champions League and taking home a 3-1 win on Tuesday night. With back-to-back home defeats, it is fair to say that frustrations are running high both on and off the pitch for Madrid, and the rumours around Kylian Mbappé‘s unhappiness at his new club are really not helping.

High-flying Los Rojillos are coming to Spain’s capital on the back of three consecutive victories between in league and cup, and with only three points separating the Vicente Moreno-led squad from Los Blancos (although with a game in hand) after exceeding anyone’s expectations at the start of the season. However, the Basque-based club’s record against Madrid is not one to be proud of as Osasuna‘s last win dates back to 2011 and for their last win away from home you have to go all the way back to 2004. But at the same time, Osasuna are the only side to beat high-flying league leaders Barcelona this season, which surely gives flying winger Bryan Zaragoza & co. the confidence to cause another upset.

Madrid’s injury list

The Madrid-based club’s defeat to the Rossoneri came at an additional cost as Aurélien Tchouaméni suffered an injury and the tenacious Frenchman is set to be out for at least four weeks with a sprained ankle. The defensive midfielder joins Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba and Daniel Carvajal on the sidelines, while even though Federico Valverde was replaced at half-time, the Uruguayan is said to be ready for Saturday’s clash. Unlike Carlo Ancelotti, Vicente Moreno has a full squad available to pick from as there are no injury concerns within Osasuna’s dressing room.

Players to watch

After enduring a slow start to the season, Ante Budimir truly came to life against Barcelona with the experienced striker scoring a brace in Osasuna’s memorable win (4-2) back in late September. Additionally, the 33-year-old scored the winning goal (1-0) against Real Valladolid last weekend and found the net against Real Sociedad the weekend before. The Croatian target man is the joint-third top scorer in LaLiga with six goals, just like Mbappé, Madrid’s no. 9, and with Antonio Rüdiger‘s slump in form as well as abysmal positioning in recent matches, guarding Budimir will be a tricky task for the centre-back and his partner.

Prediction

Even though Real Madrid are viably struggling at the moment and Osasuna are flying high on confidence, it is hard to look past or bet against the world-class quality within Ancelotti’s squad. Furthermore, Los Rojillos’ record at the Bernabéu is discouraging to say the least, and although one cannot expect a goal fest given their recent low-scoring attacking output, a narrow win for Los Blancos is the most realistic scenario. Anything less, and especially if Osasuna were to inflict a third straight home defeat on Madrid, then it would undoubtably be crisis time in the Spanish capital.

(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.

Nov

2024

Preview: Spurs travel to Turkish league leaders Galatasaray in the Europa League

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur are starting to pick up some momentum and they could have an excellent chance of going top of the Europa League when they take on Galatasaray on Thursday.

By Kaustubh Pandey

Spurs have won their last two games in all competitions, eliminating Manchester City from the League Cup and handing out a 4-1 drubbing to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

They have won all three of their previous games in the Europa League but Galatasaray could prove to be a fresh challenge for the London giants.

Gala reigning supreme in Turkey

Okan Buruk‘s Gala have been very impressive so far this season. They remain unbeaten in the Turkish Süper Lig, they’ve tasted victory over José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe, all while scoring the most goals and conceding just nine times in 10 games.

In fact, the last time they lost was against Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and it has been smooth sailing since then, with their most recent game yielding a 2-1 win over fierce rivals Beşiktaş.

The side’s setup focuses on pressing high up the pitch and playing through the lines quickly and while Buruk has used a 4-2-3-1 setup, he used a flat 4-2-2-2 shape against Beşiktaş, which suggests that he isn’t averse to adapting.

Tottenham to face some familiar faces

Spurs fans will be familiar with at least a couple of faces during the game against Gala, both of whom have history with Tottenham.

*Galatasaray’s best rated players, Süper Lig 2024/25*

Former defender Davinson Sánchez has been a key performer in the season so far, as he scored against Beşiktaş at the weekend. Ex-Arsenal man Lucas Torreira has also shown some consistency, as he comes up against the Lilywhites years after scoring a winning goal against them during Spurs’ Mauricio Pochettino-era.

The man to be scared of though, is Victor Osimhen. The Napoli loanee is arguably one of the best strikers in the world and like Sánchez, he had also scored against Beşiktaş. So far in the campaign, he has four goals across all competitions while fellow marksman Mauro Icardi has just as many.

It is Osimhen who is expected to start for Gala and both Torreira and Sánchez will also feature. Only Ismail Jakobs is absent for Buruk’s side and keeper Fernando Muslera is back in contention.

Spurs may look to rotate

The last week has seen Postecoglou rotate his side, as James Maddison only came off the bench against Aston Villa and Mikey Moore remained on the sidelines for the weekend clash against Villa. Heung Min-Son and Timo Werner also rotated and it suggests that Tottenham will likely make chan get to keep their side fresh for Thursday.

Cristian Romero picked up an injury at the weekend, days after Micky van de Ven was also injured in mid-week, meaning that Ben Davies will start alongside Radu Drăgușin. Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray should also feature.

Prediction

The Ali Sami Yen Stadium is always a difficult place to go to but Spurs’ run of form should give them confidence, and that, combined with their ability to create constant chances is likely to put them in good stead for a close, yet thrilling away win.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Nov

2024

Preview: Manchester United looking to end run of draws in the Europa League

Can Ruud lift the underperforming Red Devils to ensure himself a role at Old Trafford beyond this next week?

By Filip Mishov

United looking to maintain their home record against Greek opposition

Ruud van Nistelrooy‘s Red Army was roaring at Old Trafford with the flying Dutchman’s fists pumping the air in jubilation as Bruno Fernandes masterfully converted his penalty against Chelsea, but the Red Devils’ interim head coach better not get used to the feeling as the former striker only has a couple of matches left before Rúben Amorim takes over the reins next week. With that being said, Nistelrooy’s task is to get the squad back on the winning track, both in the Premier League and the Europa League, in the hope that such a feat can earn him a place to stay on in some capacity under the Portuguese coach.

Manchester United await a first-ever meeting against the reigning Greek champions – PAOK Thessaloniki FC, boasting an excellent record against Greek opponents in the UEFA’s club competitions. In 12 matches (9W, 2D, 1L) over the years, the Red Devils are unbeaten at the Theatre of Dreams against Greek opposition and have suffered only one defeat, to Olympiacos in Athens back in 2014, who coincidentally PAOK play next in the Super League, in what is one of the biggest games in the country.

The White and Blacks are standing firm in their bid to defend the title in Greece’s top-tier and the Razvan Lucescu-led squad are sat second in the standings, a point behind their arch-rivals, Aris. However, PAOK’s start in the Europa League’s league phase reads worse than United’s with a couple of defeats and one draw on board, leaving them out of the play-off’s places.

A familiar face may line up for the visitors

The hosts’ injury list is still bloated with Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo all ruled out, but some of the players are set to return with Christian Eriksen and Antony spearheading the positive news, while Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount are back in group training and the trio are edging closer to a comeback, possibly only after the international break. However, the captain – Fernandes is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension due to getting sent off at Porto.

For PAOK, Razvan Lucescu has almost a full squad at his disposal with only a couple of players doubtful (Antonis Tsiftsis, Tiemoué Bakayoko). Perhaps most interestingly, former-United prospect Shola Shoretire, who rejected a new contract and moved to Thessaloniki over the summer could feature for PAOK. The Englishman is slowly but surely finding his feet and scored his debut goal in the Greek Cup last week.

Key player

Alejandro Garnacho has been Manchester United’s most effective player since the start of the season, with 10 goal contributions (6G/4A) in 16 matches (all comps), but the Argentinean wonderkid is beginning to look weary amid his extended playing time, as was evident in his decision-making during last weekend’s draw against Chelsea. Even though Garnacho remains Nistelrooy’s most dangerous player, it will be interesting to see whether the interim boss drops him after putting in one of his poorer performances in a red shirt. That is not to doubt the no. 17’s undeniable talent, but Ruud’s gamble with him staying on instead of Marcus Rashford did not pay off, and may have cost his side the win.

*Possible XI made with the lineup builder available on FotMob.com*

Prediction

After recording three disappointing draws in the opening three rounds of the Europa League’s league stage, the Red Devils desperately need a win to start climbing the table. Erik ten Hag‘s dismal record in the European competitions was one of the many factors behind his sacking, but his compatriot has a chance to improve on that, and enhance his chances of staying in Manchester with a victory. With United’s excellent record against Greek clubs, anything other than an extension of that would be a failure, and even though PAOK may not pose the same threat as Porto and Fenerbahçe, their passionate and loud supporters will fearlessly back them to cause a upset at Old Trafford.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Nov

2024

Preview: Chelsea face Armenians Noah in their next Conference League adventure

Noah will need an upset of biblical proportions to beat Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night. The Armenian side, who usually play in front of crowds of just a few thousand, have only been around since 2017 when they were founded, but have made great strides since then.

By Graham Ruthven

Context and form

While Chelsea will be strong favourites, Noah already have three points on the board in this season’s Conference League after beating Mlada Boleslav in their first fixture. Even as they were defeated away from home to Rapid Vienna, the Armenians were competitive, losing only 1-0. Chelsea can’t afford to be complacent.

Nonetheless, this has the potential to be mismatch with Chelsea currently on a run of back-to-back victories in this season’s Conference League. Enzo Maresca’s team will be expected to make it three from three against a relative minnow on Thursday.

Key players

Maresca has so far used the Conference League to rest his best players and give a run out to Chelsea’s second string and there’s no reason to believe the Italian will change tact for the visit of Noah on Thursday.

Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku could all be in line for a start after starting in Chelsea’s last two Conference League games against Panathinaikos and Gent. This could be another opportunity for them to prove they deserve more game time in the Premier League.

Benoit Badiashille, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga are among the others who could be picked to play against Noah. Filip Jorgensen could also start in goals just as he did against Panathinaikos and Gent.

Noah might not have the natural talent of even Chelsea’s second string, but Brazilian forward Matheus Aias has already scored in the Conference League this season with Portuguese Goncalo Gregorio also a threat in the final third.

In central midfield, Burkina Faso international Gustavo Sangare is expected to feature with Gor Manvelyan his most frequent partner in the middle of the pitch. They need to be in top form for Noah to stand any chance at Stamford Bridge.

Realistically, Ognjen Cancarevic will also need to have a good game for Noah to be competitive. The veteran goalkeeper has conceded just one goal in two Conference League matches this season, but Thursday will be his toughest test so far. He will most likely be extremely busy.

Team news

Jadon Sancho could return after missing Chelsea’s last two matches through illness, although Maresca might prefer to keep the winger fresh for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.

Otherwise, the Blues have a fully fit squad to choose from, although Chelsea’s decision to largely register second string players for this season’s Conference League will limit Maresca’s lineup options.

This means Cole Palmer will be rested ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action, which will be a relief for Noah who won’t have to face the in-form England international.

Prediction – Chelsea 3-0 Noah

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Nov

2024

Preview: Inter and Arsenal put their spotless defensive records on the line at San Siro

Huge clubs on the face of things, reluctant attackers with a slightly closer look. Inter Milan and Arsenal is probably one of those fixtures that Uefa imagined would spark excitement, a big-game feel and all the razzmatazz they wanted to be front and centre in a new-look Champions League every single gameweek.

By Karl Matchett

In reality, we’ve got another match where the outcome won’t be a tell-all for progression, leaving less enticement than usual to go all-in on a win with key domestic matches on the horizon: Napoli and Chelsea at the weekend represent more important three points than these ones do.

A battle between impressive defences

Inter have home advantage and by far the better form of late, being unbeaten across their last eight in all competitions and keeping five clean sheets in the last seven. That certainly points to them being a side who can trouble the Gunners – plus they drew 0-0 with Man City back in September – but Arsenal will hope for a return to their own formidable defensive ways. At the start of the season the Gunners kept four clean sheets out of the first five – and they’ve managed three shutouts from three in Europe. With two wins and two defeats in their last five, though, they are not anywhere near the relentless level right now that they need to be to be among title contenders in all competitions.

Possible return for Arsenal skipper?

The influential Martin Ødegaard is back in training but this game is surely too soon for him, while Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also out. It likely means more of the same from Mikel Arteta, but a lack of impact from Leandro Trossard of late could see him lose his starting spot to either a third central midfielder or perhaps Gabriel Jesus. Inter are missing Carlos Augusto but otherwise have a full squad to choose from, so Federico Dimarco – the leading chance creator in Serie A this season (with 27) – should line up at left wing-back.

Key players

While Simone Inzaghi might have a full squad, it might not mean full strength. Lautaro Martínez for example has five goals in ten in Serie A and strike partner Marcus Thuram has seven in 11 – but they’ve made one Champions League start between them. Inzaghi has rotated for this competition, so Nicolo Barella – as one of the few regulars in both teams – is a must-perform player for the hosts.

He’s creating at a rate of 2.5 chances per 90, plays 4.5 accurate long balls and makes seven recoveries in Europe so far this term, highlighting his impact the entire length of the pitch. Arsenal meanwhile could do with a return to form for Kai Havertz, who has just one goal in his last five…and that came against lower league Preston in the cup. At the moment, it’s Bukayo Saka or nobody for chance creation.

Prediction

Unless Arsenal find a way to raise their game, they’ll struggle to break down Inter, who themselves don’t need to go all-out to find a win. A solitary strike on the night will decide the points and we’ll side with the home team. Inter 1-0 Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Nov

2024

Preview: Barcelona looking to stay on song in Belgrade

Serbian champions Crvena zvezda (or Red Star Belgrade if you prefer) will host Barcelona for their first meeting in the UEFA Champions League era. The hosts will want to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat in Europe, but the visitors will be the overwhelming favourites.

By Neel Shelat

Red Star outmatched in the Champions League

Crvena zvezda have been absolutely dominant in Serbia in recent times. They have won each of the last seven Super Liga titles, also winning the Cup to complete domestic doubles in each of the last four seasons. Since 2020, their final points tallies have been quite something: 108, 100, 97 and 96 last term. They have completed two invincible seasons and lost just four league games in those four seasons.

Despite such dominance, Red Star used to be pushed to a decent extent by city rivals Partizan in the past. The 10-time Super Liga winners have been plagued by massive financial and management issues in the 2020s, so they have fallen off to a significant extent. This has left Crvena zvezda without any serious domestic competition, which hasn’t seemed to have helped them in Europe either.

In 2022/23, the Serbian giants finished at the bottom of their four-team group in the Europa League. Last term, they only managed to come away with one point from six games in the Champions League, and their current record is even worse as they have lost all three games in the league phase so far.

A chance for Barcelona to rotate?

Injury issues have been a major concern for Barcelona in recent years. At the moment, they are the only blot on an otherwise fantastic start to the season under Hansi Flick, as three defenders and three others are unavailable.

With an international break coming up after the weekend’s fixtures, Barcelona’s schedule isn’t too congested for the next couple of weeks, but of course, many of their stars will be quite busy as they go on international duty. So, they might want to use this opportunity to give some of them a bit of rest.

The trouble for Flick is that his first-team squad is pretty thin, so he does not have a great deal of senior options. Among them, the likes of Gavi and Frenkie de Jong have just returned from long injury layoffs and will need to be carefully handled. The Spanish teenager hasn’t started a game in all of 2024, while the Dutchman’s last full 90 was all the way back in February.

The swarms of talent coming through La Masia have been pivotal to Barcelona’s recent success, so a good few of them should be spotted in this match. At the same time, some key youngsters such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí could also do with some rest, though the lack of alternatives will make it difficult for them to get it.

Prediction

Crvena zvezda 1-4 Barcelona

Even if they rotate the team as much as reasonably possible, Barcelona surely have the quality to overwhelm Red Star. The Serbian champions’ domestic dominance means that their defence isn’t very solid as they have already shipped 11 goals in three Champions League match days so far.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Nov

2024

Preview: Ruben Amorim’s Sporting take on City with the world watching on

Rúben Amorim knows how Tuesday’s Champions League meeting between Sporting CP and Manchester City will be viewed. In the next Manchester United manager’s own words, a home win would have some label him the “new Alex Ferguson” before his arrival at Old Trafford later this month.

By Graham Ruthven

Context and form

The way Sporting are faring right now, victory over the Premier League champions isn’t out of the question. Indeed, Rúben Amorim’s team have won two of their three Champions League matches this season and will face a City team that has looked shaky in recent matches, particularly Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth.

Even as Manchester City have won games recently, opponents have been able to cause them problems in attacking transition – see Brentford, Fulham and Wolves. Against a Sporting team that has scored an incredible 35 goals in just 10 league games this season, Pep Guardiola and his players could be set for an uncomfortable evening.

The two hottest strikers in Europe meet

This game will see two of Europe’s most potent centre forwards face each other – Viktor Gyökeres and Erling Haaland. The former has 20 goals in 14 games this season while the latter has 14 goals in 13 games. At a time when goalscoring strikers are increasingly difficult to find, Sporting and City have two Scandinavians that find the back of the net for fun.

It could be argued that Gyökeres is a more rounded centre forward than Haaland. The Swede is comfortable taking the ball into his feet and linking up play. However, Gyökeres is more dangerous when attacking open space – as he did for his sensational solo goal against Estrela da Amadora last week – and there could be plenty of that behind City’s backline.

By Haaland’s ridiculously high standards, a run of three goals in his last five games represents something of a lean streak. It’s also somewhat unusual that Manchester City have failed to score more than once in each of their last three games in all competitions – against Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth.

*Gyökeres vs. Haaland comparison, league stats only*

Nonetheless, City have several attackers capable of producing something out of nothing with Jérémy Doku, Phil Foden, Matheus Nunes and Savinho all in contention to start on Tuesday evening. Similar could be said of Sporting CP who have Pote and Trincão to provide attacking threat in the half spaces around Gyökeres.

This could be a match ultimately decided by which team can hold things together best in defensive transition. Amorim will hope that his back three formation allows Sporting to outnumber City in the attack while giving Morten Hjulmand and Hidemasa Morita the chance to control possession in midfield.

City’s injury headaches

Manchester City are still figuring out a way to cope in Rodri’s absence with the Ballon d’Or set to miss the rest of the season through injury. Kevin de Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Rúben Dias, John Stones and Oscar Bobb are also currently sidelined for the Premier League champions.

Meanwhile, defender Eduardo Quaresma is the only player Sporting CP have unavailable through injury, giving Amorim a full squad to choose from. Geny Catamo missed Friday’s match against Estrela da Amadora, but is expected to return at right wing back for Tuesday’s game.

Prediction

Sporting 2-2 Man City – a respectable score draw for both sides, given current goalscoring form.

(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.

Nov

2024

Preview: Liverpool welcome Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen to Anfield

Liverpool are looking to extend their 100% record in the Champions League on Tuesday as they welcome Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield.

By Sam McGuire

For the neutrals, it is one of the group games you aren’t going to want to miss. The potential is there for it to be one of the matches of the tournament so far.

The season so far in Europe

The Reds are one of just two sides to have won all three of their matches in Europe this term. Arne Slot has guided his team to wins over AC Milan, Bologna and RB Leipzig. He comes up against the man many felt would be the perfect Jürgen Klopp replacement, Xabi Alonso.

Had the former Spanish playmaker decided to leave B04 after their unlikely title success last season, he could have been in the home dugout on Tuesday. He instead opted to remain in Germany.

Despite many claiming Alonso wouldn’t be able to recapture the lightning in the bottle that was the 2023/24 campaign, Leverkusen have started well in Europe. They have claimed seven points from a possible nine having beaten Feyenoord and AC Milan. Their last outing, however, was a disappointing 1-1 draw with Brest in a game they took the lead in.

Interestingly, both Liverpool and Leverkusen have scored six goals and conceded one in Europe.

The not so recent history

It’s been almost two decades since these two sides faced off.

Liverpool have met the Bundesliga side on four occasions. There have been two two-legged match-ups and despite the Reds winning three of the four games, the aggregate scoreline of ties won stands at 1-1.

Leverkusen knocked the Merseyside club out of the Champions League in 2002 after overcoming a 1-0 first-leg deficit, winning 4-2 at home.

A Rafa Benítez-led Liverpool romped to a 6-2 aggregate scoreline win over Bayer on their way to success in 2005.

Back to the present day

Liverpool are top of the Premier League table having won eight of their opening 10 fixtures. The Reds came from behind on Saturday to beat Brighton at Anfield just one week after twice coming from behind to draw with Arsenal at the Emirates.

Slot’s side have the mental resilience this term and the defensive resilience required to really be a problem in every single competition. They have the best defensive record in the Premier League and lead the Expected Points table. The praise going their way is more than justified. It is fully deserved.

Leverkusen, on the other hand, have had a strange start to the season in the league. They’re currently fourth in the Bundesliga, seven points off of the top.

An issue for Alonso’s side this term has been the defence. B04 have conceded 15 in the league. For context, this is more than 13th-placed Mainz and 15th-placed St Pauli. When looking at the Expected Points table, Leverkusen have, performance-wise, done enough to be second. They have an Expected Points haul of 18. The reason they aren’t riding high in the league is because they’ve conceded four more goals than they should have, which points to poor goalkeeping.

The Injury situation

Both teams are missing players for this clash.

Liverpool are without Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa and Harvey Elliott but Ibrahima Konaté should be available after coming off at half-time against Brighton with a hand injury.

The visitors are expected to be without Martin Terrier, though he could be fit enough to make the bench, while both Amine Adli and Nordi Mukiele are definitely missing from this game at Anfield.

Prediction

It’ll be a tactical battle but with momentum on their side and the backing of Anfield, a Liverpool win should be on the cards. It is an ideal opportunity for Slot to make a statement too, proving he was the right man for the job by picking up the win over someone many had at the top of their Klopp replacement list.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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