Preview

Feb

2025

Preview: Bayern head in to second leg against Celtic defending a lead

Bayern Munich have one foot in the last 16 of the Champions League after a first leg win over Celtic in Glasgow.

By Graham Ruthven

A Bayern formality?

Celtic put up a fight, but Bayern Munich were simply too strong for the Scottish champions in the first leg of their Champions League last 24 tie. Indeed, a 2-1 win saw the Bavarians take a big step towards the next round.

Harry Kane and Michael Olise both found the back of the net for Bayern at Celtic Park last week before Daizen Maeda pulled one back for the hosts. The German giants can hurt opponents in so many different ways such is their attacking talent.

Brendan Rodgers set up his Celtic team to be compact at the back and hit out on the counter-attack. However, it was only once the Hoops pushed higher up the pitch that they were able to cause Bayern Munich problems.

The risk of doing this at the Allianz Arena, though, is that Bayern have the technical ability to pick off Celtic by playing through their press. Rodgers will have to strike a delicate balance with his approach for Celtic to stand any chance of a positive result.

Key players

Olise was outstanding in the first leg at Celtic Park, firing a finish high into the roof of the net after cutting inside off the left side. The French international has scored five times in the Champions League this season and could add to his tally on Wednesday night.

Kane, of course, is one of the most prolific goalscorers of his generation and will lead the line for Bayern Munich. Jamal Musiala will also be a significant three across the attacking line, finding space wherever it opens up.

*Best rated performances in the first leg*

Joshua Kimmich will be the main pace-setter in the centre of the pitch. Vincent Kompany wants his Bayern Munich to control possession. Celtic will have to stay patient as they chase the ball.

Maeda caused Bayern Munich problems in the first leg, converting from close range with an opportunistic header to pull Celtic back into the tie. The Japanese forward is a pressing machine and gives the Hoops an outlet with his pace.

Adam Idah will lead the line for Celtic with Rodgers expected to favour a midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Arne Engels. They will have a difficult time against a possession-hungry Bayern Munich outfit.

At the back, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kasper Schmeichel will have to find their best form to stop the Bayern attack from inflicting any further damage.

Team news

Alphonso Davies is still carrying a knock and so Raphaël Guerreiro is expected to keep his starting spot at left back for the match against Celtic. Meanwhile, Kane missed training on Tuesday, suggesting he is currently carrying something

Paulo Bernardo and James Forrest are still sidelined for Celtic through injury. Otherwise, Rodgers has a fully fit and available squad to choose from for the visit to the Allianz Arena.

Prediction

On home ground, and after drawing a blank over the weekend, the usually high-scoring Bayern should get back to winning ways: Bayern Munich 3-0 Celtic.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Feb

2025

Preview: Liverpool looking for return to winning ways vs. Wolves

Liverpool host Wolves on Sunday afternoon as the Reds look to get back on track after throwing away a late lead against Merseyside rivals Everton last time out.

By Matt Smith

Vítor Pereira’s side have been on a difficult run of form, but they picked up an impressive win against fellow Midlands outfit Aston Villa in their previous game.

When the two sides met earlier in the season, Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory at Molineux, with Mohamed Salah scoring the winner from the penalty spot. Wolves haven’t won at Anfield in the Premier League since 2010 – Stephen Ward scored the winner that day.

Curtis Jones picks up suspension

After the final whistle against Everton, Curtis Jones received a second yellow card and was subsequently sent off for his involvement in a scuffle with Abdoulaye Doucouré. As a result, the English midfielder will be unavailable due to suspension.

Arne Slot didn’t give much away in terms of team news in his pre-game press conference, but Joseph Gomez is likely to be out after picking up an injury against Plymouth.

Salah remains inevitable for Liverpool

By Mohamed Salah’s lofty standards, the Egyptian forward was fairly quiet against the Toffees, with David Moyes’ side producing an impressive defensive display. Despite that, Salah still came away with an assist and a goal to his name, showing his inevitability even when the Reds aren’t at their best.

The two contributions takes Salah to a whopping 36 goals and assists combined in the Premier League this season. Considering he’s only played 24 times, the former Chelsea man is showing no signs of slowing down as he continues his deadly run of form.

Vítor Pereira keeps his cards close to his chest

In his pre-match press conference, Pereira failed to provide an injury update for his side, perhaps keeping his cards close to his chest on this occasion.

Jørgen Strand Larsen recently returned to training, so it will be interesting to see whether he’s back and available for the Wanderers. Hwang Hee-chan came off injured in the FA Cup last time out and was set to be assessed this week.

Cunha can’t be stopped

Matheus Cunha has been the obvious threat for Wolves so far this season, and his ability to score goals from anywhere has saved Pereira’s side on multiple occasions. The Brazilian attacker has struck 11 times in the Premier League, with four goals from outside the box.

*Cunha shot map, Premier League 2024/25*

Cunha has the ability to score goals from nothing, even finding the back of the net with a corner. Wolves are likely to have minimal possession at Anfield, so they will be relying on Cunha to produce his magic once again on Sunday.

Prediction

Liverpool will be expecting to bounce back after their draw in the week, and considering they have lost just once at home this campaign, you’d expect them to secure the three points. Wolves have won just twice on their travels, conceding 28 goals during that time.

We’re going for a comfortable 3-0 victory to Liverpool.

(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.

Feb

2025

Preview: Barca and Rayo will close the latest round in LaLiga

Last weekend Barcelona took full advantage of the 1-1 draw between the two Madrid sides, beating Sevilla 4-1 and cutting the gap between themselves and the top of LaLiga to just two points (at the time of writing). They host high-flying Rayo Vallecano next.

By Alex Roberts

Rayo have won their last three consecutive league games, but they haven’t been pretty. Álvaro García’s 71^st minute goal was the decider in their previous fixture against Real Valladolid, earning them a four-point gap between themselves in sixth and Real Sociedad in seventh – as things stood heading in to the weekend.

Barca can’t seem to stop scoring goals under Hansi Flick, and now they’ve closed the gap on Real Madrid at the top, there will be an almost insatiable desire to make a real statement.

A wealth of attacking options

It doesn’t matter who Barca play in their front three right now, they’re almost guaranteed to score a real bagful of goals. Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal were the main protagonists in the 5-0 Copa del Rey over Valencia, while Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were the main men in the win over Sevilla.

Flick’s side are unbeaten across their first 11 games of 2025 across all competitions, scoring a remarkable 41 goals – the most the club has ever recorded at this stage of a new calendar year since 1943.

Barca have scored five goals OR MORE on five separate occasions since the start of the year. There are worse jobs that been a Rayo Vallecano defender, but it’ll probably be pretty dire on Monday night.

The blue haired bandit

It takes a brave man to dye his hair blue, and an even braver one to do it when they’re in the public eye. Romanian right-back Andrei Rațiu has backed his hair style with some impressive performance for Rayo, earning the reported interested of none other than, you guessed it, Barcelona.

Rațiu has been almost ever present for Rayo so far this season, starting 20 of his 21 LaLiga games, scoring once, and providing two assists, playing a key role in their charge for European football.

He didn’t make it off Rayo’s bench in the reverse fixture, which Barca won 2-1 thanks to goals from Pedri and Dani Olmo, so he’ll be wanting to prove a point in a potential audition.

Ronald Araújo can’t catch a break

The centre-back had just signed a new deal, keeping him at the Camp Nou until the summer of 2031 amid serious interest from Italian side Juventus, but now, he’s picked up another injury.

Araújo was brought off after just 22 minutes in the 4-1 win over Sevilla, replaced by youngster Pau Cubarsí, with that appeared to be, a thankfully not so serious ankle injury, keeping him out of action until the end of the month at least.

He had only started featuring regularly in the new year having picked up a hamstring injury while playing in the 2024 Copa America, forcing him to miss the first half of the season.

Just as things were looking up the Uruguay international suffered yet another setback.

Prediction

Barcelona have been seriously impressive so far this year. While Rayo are punching about their weight, this one doesn’t seem like a bout they can win. We’re going to go with 3-0 to Barca.

(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.

Feb

2025

Preview: Juve and Inter set for Derby d’Italia clash

Sunday’s Derby d’Italia has the potential to be a pivotal match for both Juventus and Inter in their respective Serie A campaigns.

By Graham Ruthven

Italy’s derby

Serie A isn’t short of its historic and passionate derbies. The Derby della Capitale is fierce while the Derby della Madonnina is iconic. And yet the Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus is the fixture that possibly reflects Italian football best of all.

It’s in the name – this is Italy’s derby. It pits the two most successful clubs in the country against each other with Juventus hosting Inter in the latest episode of this historic rivalry on Sunday.

There is plenty on the line for both sides. For hosts Juve, this is an opportunity to build further momentum after three straight wins in all competitions. The Old Lady haven’t won four matches in-a-row all season and so a victory over Inter would add to the sense that they have turned a corner.

Inter, meanwhile, are chasing Napoli at the top of the Serie A table. Depending on their result away to Lazio, on Saturday, the defending champions may have the opportunity to claim top spot over Antonio Conte’s side.

Juve are unbeaten in 31 of their last 32 league games while Inter are unbeaten in 18 of their last 19. Sunday’s match could be a cagey encounter between two rivals who don’t want to give away too much.

Key players

Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram have a combined 22 league goals this season, giving Inter the second most dangerous and prolific forward line in Serie A (Atalanta’s Retegui and Lookman have a staggering 30 between them). Indeed, no team has scored more goals than the Nerazzurri.

Behind the front two, Inter also boast arguably the strongest midfield unit in the division with Nicolo Barella the two-way operator who will conduct their attacks in quick transition while also providing cohesion in the middle.

Federico Dimarco is a key player for Inter in the way they funnel attacks down the left wing. Juve will need to find a way to stop him if they are to prevent the Nerazzurri from leaving Turn with a win.

Randal Kolo Muani has made an instant impact after joining Juventus on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, scoring five goals in his first three Serie A games against Roma, Como and Empoli. The Frenchman will lead the line for the hosts this weekend.

Weston McKennie scored against PSV on Tuesday and could keep his place in attacking midfield having filled in as a full back in recent matches. Renato Veiga is also expected to start in the backline after joining on loan from Chelsea.

Team news

Inter might be the fresher of the two teams on Sunday given they have had a full week’s rest whereas Juventus faced PSV in a testing Champions League match on Tuesday night. This could give the Nerazzurri an advantage.

Bremer is a long-term absentee for Juventus with Pierre Kalulu also sidelined. Andrea Cambiasso missed the match against PSV with a knock, but could make the bench against Inter this weekend.

Denzel Dumfries will be available again for Inter after missing the recent win over Fiorentina through suspension. With the exception of Raffaele Di Gennaro, Inzaghi will have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Prediction

We’re going to play it safe but considering Juve’s draw record this season, maybe a 1-1 draw is the most realistic scoreline prediction.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Feb

2025

Preview: Real Madrid travel to draw specialists Osasuna

It’s all going well for Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti once more. Following a midweek victory over Manchester City in the Champions League, they’re well-placed to start their usual assault on the knockout stages there – and domestically they sit top of LaLiga ahead of a trip to win-shy Osasuna.

By Karl Matchett

Always a crisis, always a way out

It’s not uncommon for headlines around Los Blancos to focus on things they’re doing badly, players they need to sign and anything else which could or should be improved, in the eyes of those commentating. But the truth is usually rather less remarkable: Real Madrid are an exceptional team, but don’t win every single game. And, the size of the club being what it is, every non-victory is held up as proof that Things Must Change. So are some of the victories, actually.

Here’s a stat to show that’s probably not really true: more teams have had a player sent off against Real Madrid in 2025, than Real Madrid have actually lost fixtures. The only sides to beat them since early December are Barcelona and Espanyol – hardly “Ancelotti out” territory, nor an example of why they need six summer reinforcements, despite what some headlines will have you believe.

Having drawn the derby last time out in the league they still lead the table by a point and have a reasonable run of league fixtures coming up – nobody in the top six in their next four – which starts at El Sadar on Saturday.

Recent form

Here’s a riddle for you: which three Spanish teams have lost fewer matches than Real Madrid (four) across all competitions in the past three months? Obviously part of the answer is easy, because it’s their next opponents. The other parts of the riddle are their last opponents, actually (Atlético Madrid, one), and Athletic Club (three). Osasuna have tasted defeat just three times too since 9 November, yet ridiculously have won only four. Seven draws in that time explain how they have only lost once more than Barcelona in LaLiga this term, yet sit ninth in the table. Real have won seven of their last nine.

Team news

Enzo Boyomo is suspended and Ante Budimir will probably miss out for Osasuna – a big blow if he does as that’s starting centre-back and striker both then out. Real Madrid are without Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Lucas Vázquez and David Alaba. The latter two could return at the end of this month, though Alaba has been sidelined for months so certainly won’t be rushed back.

Key player

After a slow start to the campaign, Kylian Mbappé is now behind only Robert Lewandowski (19 goals) in the scoring charts, with 16 from an xG of 15.3. He’s averaging 2.3 shots on target per 90, the best of any starter in the league, but also ranks in the top 90 per cent-plus for touches in the box, dribbles, accurate long balls and shots. All-round threat now, which you’d expect for his hype and cost.

*Mbappé player traits – just don’t ask him to track back!*

Prediction

Another three points for the visitors, in a fairly low-key game: Osasuna 1 Real Madrid 2.

(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.

Feb

2025

Preview: Man City meet Newcastle in potentially pivotal Premier League clash

It’s a must-win match for Manchester City against Newcastle, following a difficult couple of weeks.

By Ian King

Five goals are all that separate the sides

How quickly things change. It’s only been a couple of weeks since Manchester City were BACK, but now they’re BACK IN CRISIS following a fortnight which has taken in getting their buttocks handed to them on a silver platter by Arsenal, making rather too hard work of beating Leyton Orient in the Cup, and surrendering a winning lead in the closing few minutes of their Champions League match against Real Madrid.

It’s unclear whether losing consecutive home games to Bournemouth and Fulham constitutes a CRISIS or not, but Newcastle got past Birmingham in the FA Cup following a bit of a scare and eased past Arsenal in the Carabao Cup over two legs, winning both matches comfortably. They’re separated from Manchester City in the League by goals scored only, with the teams tied on both points and goal difference.

History

These two have met at Wembley in the finals of both the FA Cup and the League Cup, with Newcastle beating City to win the FA Cup in 1955 and City beating Newcastle to win the League Cup in 1976. Newcastle’s form in the modern form of this fixture has, however, been atrocious for so long that it even predates the Abu Dhabi years. These two have met 39 times in all competitions since the start of 2006, and Newcastle have won precisely three games, two of which have come in the League Cup.

The earlier league fixture between the sides this season ended in a 1-1 draw.

Key players

Alexander Isak has been Newcastle’s starboy so far this season, with seventeen goals. He was the Premier League’s player of the month for December, having registered eight goals and two assists throughout that calendar month alone. Can Manchester City’s creaking defence cope with him? The two late goals conceded on Tuesday night certainly indicated that there are gaps that can be exploited. This could be a big game for John Stones, who will likely have his work cut out.

Team News

Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji are fresh injury doubts for Pep Guardiola. Both were withdrawn during the Real Madrid match, while Oscar Bobb remains sidelined and Rodri won’t be back any time soon. Matheus Nunes was back on the bench on Wednesday and could return. It looks like Anthony Gordon, Dan Burn, and Sven Botman, all of whom were possible absentees for this match, will be okay for Newcastle, though Joelinton, Harvey Barnes and Jamaal Lascelles all remain injured.

Prediction

With the two teams so tight in the table and both having had patchy form of late, this is a difficult match to call. The Newcastle who beat Arsenal so convincingly in the Carabao Cup (twice!) could easily beat the Manchester City who lost to Arsenal, but the City team who breezed past Chelsea just three weeks ago could easily do the same to the Newcastle team who forgot that they had to play a second half against Fulham. Defensive wobbliness and mercurial attacking talent on both teams hints at something like a 2-2 draw.

(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.

Feb

2025

Preview: Leicester host Arsenal in early Saturday kickoff

Rested but injury-stricken, Arsenal should still be too strong for defensively frail Leicester.

By Ian King

Contrasting form

Leicester’s brief bump, which came through beating Spurs away, came crashing back to earth with a 4-0 defeat at Everton a fortnight ago. The Spurs win had been their first since 3 December, but the Everton performance didn’t indicate that it would be repeated particularly soon, though they were unfortunate not to take Manchester United to extra-time in the FA Cup last weekend.

Arsenal, of course, continue to ride the crest of a wave in the League following their 5-1 win against Manchester City a fortnight ago. Putting five past The Erling Haaland Team made something of a mockery of all the chatter about their need for a number nine, though they were then well beaten by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. They’re still unbeaten in the League since early November and have had a little FA Cup-related break.

History

This game is a record-breaker. When they drew 6-6 on the 21st April 1930, it set a record for the highest scoring draw in the top flight which still stands today. In more recent times, Leicester’s record against the Gunners hasn’t been so great. They’ve lost their last six in a row, although they did win four and draw one of the seven prior to that. When the two met earlier this season Arsenal eventually won 4-2, but not before losing a two-goal lead and then recovering to win in stoppage-time.

Key players

Leicester have been pretty poor up front this season, but they did score twice at The Emirates in September with both scored by a defender; James Justin. Jamie Vardy’s goal at Spurs was his first in the Premier League since the 8 December. He’s scored seven but no-one else has scored more than four. Leicester really need his goals if they’re to stay up this season.

Arsenal, meanwhile, had five different goalscorers against Manchester City, but the one of those five who drew the most attention was Myles Lewes-Skelly, whose post-goal celebration grabbed the headlines the following morning. It was his first for the club, and it came from his very first shot recorded in the Premier League! Might he have another in him this weekend?

*Myles Lewis-Skelly’s unique shot map, Premier League 2024/25*

Team News

It never crisis, it crises. Kai Havertz is now reported as out for the season, joining Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka on the Arsenal injury list.

Jamie Vardy, Jannik Vestergaard, and Victor Kristiansen may all return for Leicester following the Manchester United game, though Issahaku Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira are absent, Fatawu for the season.

Prediction

This match is third from bottom against second in the table, and there’s little to recommend Leicester being able to get a result from this one. Liverpool’s midweek draw in the final Goodison Park Merseyside Derby means that the gap will be seven rather than nine, so the chase is on for an Arsenal team who also had a bit of rest as a result of their early FA Cup elimination. A comfortable 3-0 win against a team likely to be relegated come the end of this season sounds about right.

(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.

Feb

2025

Preview: Bayern Munich out to wrestle the title back from Bayer Leverkusen

Defending Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen host league leaders Bayern Munich, who have the chance to build a double-digit lead at the top of the standings.

By Neel Shelat

Bayern Munich’s imperious form

There were a good few doubters when Vincent Kompany was appointed as Bayern Munich’s head coach ahead of this season, but the signs were always there that he could lead the team to success. He looks well on course to doing just that as the Rekordmeister are taking an eight-point lead into this fixture and have won all but one of their last 10 games.

Bayern have absolutely dominated the vast majority of their Bundesliga matches this season. They have scored the most goals with an average of over three per game, conceded the fewest times, and maintained a staggering possession average of over 70%! Without a doubt, they have been the best team in Germany this term.

Draws set to cost Leverkusen the title

Bayer Leverkusen were never likely to match the highs of their invincible domestic campaign in 2023/24, so their ongoing campaign should be considered a success in the bigger picture. While their chances of defending the title willl remain slim even if they manage to win this match, they are arguably the favourites in the DFB Pokal and have a spot in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. So, more silverware could well be on the cards for Die Werkself.

In the Bundesliga, though, Xabi Alonso’s side will likely point to draws as the cause of their failure to retain the title. Like Bayern, they too have lost just one league game, so dropped points against the likes of Holstien Kiel, Bochum, Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg have opened up the points deficit.

Leverkusen on their best-ever head-to-head streak

Bayer Leverkusen have played over a hundred games against Bayern, but they have only managed to put together one five-game unbeaten streak against Die Roten. That run started a couple of years ago and is currently ongoing, with their narrow cup victory in December being the most recent meeting. That means Xabi Alonso is yet to taste defeat against Bayern as a head coach, the club where he ended his playing career.

Bayern Munich still in with a shot at a record points haul

Bayern Munich will effectively have one hand on the title if they win this game, but they should have some extra motivation to keep going at 100% until the end of the season.

Die Roten are still in with a chance of breaking the Bundesliga points record that they themselves set over a decade ago, but the margin for error is absolutely zero. They are currently on course for a final tally of 93 points if they win all of their matches, so even one more draw will make it impossible for them to overtake the 91-point record.

Prediction

A high-quality tactical match-up is pretty much guaranteed between these two teams and coaches, but Bayern might just have the quality and momentum to edge out a narrow one-goal victory.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Feb

2025

Preview: Brighton vs. Chelsea 2.0

It’s déjà vu for Brighton and Chelsea as the two sides face off on Friday, for the second time in a week, with the South Coast side beating the West Londoners 2-1 in the FA Cup, knocking them out of a tournament Enzo Maresca should have had his eyes on.

By Alex Roberts

There is no love lost between these two sides that aren’t quite rivals but kind of are as Chelsea travel south on Valentine’s Day. Maresca, who is in need of a result as his side’s rocky run continues, will doubtless be hoping to solidify Chelsea’s place in the top four.

There is only so much Cole Palmer can do

Last season, Cole Palmer almost single-handedly carried Chelsea to a sixth-place finish, he’s still their main man, leading the way for Premier League goals and assists. Unfortunately for the lanky genius, he continues to be let down by those around him.

Palmer has created more chances (66) than any other player in the Premier League season. He’s also created 32 chances since 4 December without registering a single assist in that time.

His body language is becoming more and more frustrated, it’s easy to tell he’s starting to lose a little faith in his fellow attackers. Chelsea fans will be hoping he doesn’t lose faith in the clubs ‘project’ too.

Which Brighton will turn up?

After an impressive start to the season, it’s been one step forward, one step back for Brighton. Their impressive 3-1 win over Man United at Old Trafford was undone by two consecutive defeats to Everton and Nottingham Forest.

Brighton were by far the better side in the two club’s FA Cup tie, despite Chelsea’s domination in terms of possession, but that doesn’t mean the same side will turn up on Friday.

Chelsea didn’t field their best XI, although a good chunk of them were in there. Should they add the final couple of pieces to the puzzle, it may throw the Seagulls off a little.

Burn out in central midfield

It’s wild that Chelsea have spent all that money but only have two top class options in the centre of the park. Enzo Fernández is clearly still getting to grip with playing in the Premier League, despite a purple patch earlier in the season, but the improvement is clear.

Outside of Palmer, former-Brighton player Moisés Caicedo has arguably been Chelsea’s best performer this season, making a massive 139 recoveries, 45 tackles, and 33 interceptions. He’s channelling his inner N’Golo Kanté, and the fans love him for it.

Caicedo is starting to look a little leggy though, and should the Ecuadorian pick up any kind of serious injury, Chelsea’s midfield wouldn’t just be exposed, it would be wide open.

*Caicedo defensive numbers, Premier League 2024/25*

The Georginio Rutter show

A few eyebrows were raised when Brighton decided to splash a club-record transfer fee to secure the Frenchman’s signature from Leeds, despite his impressive season in the Championship. It’s fair to say he’s silenced the doubters.

Rutter was the star of the show in the FA Cup game, bagging Brighton’s equaliser and providing the assist for Kaoru Mitoma’s winner.

He scored in the reverse Premier League fixture too. He clearly loves playing against Chelsea, don’t be surprised if he ends up either scoring or assisting against the Blues yet again.

Prediction

Brighton deserved their win the other day, but we don’t see them pulling off a similar kind of result on Valentine’s Day. We reckon the points will be shared, and it’ll be 1-1 at the AMEX.

(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.

Feb

2025

Preview: Celtic face Bayern in the Champions League knockouts

Celtic host Bayern Munich in a Champions League last 24 match that could hold upset potential for the German giants.

By Graham Ruthven

A long time coming

It’s been 12 years since Celtic Park last hosted a Champions League knockout tie. That in itself makes Wednesday’s match between the Scottish champions and Bayern Munich an historic one.

The German giants are firm favourites to win the tie over two legs. However, Celtic could be set up to give them a scare such is their threat in quick transition. Brendan Rodgers’ team could benefit from the tactical match-up.

Only Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund scored more goals than Bayern in the league phase. They have the highest Expected Goals (22.5) in the competition and have created the most Big Chances (41).

If, however, Celtic can find a way to stay compact at the back, their speed in attack through the likes of Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kühn could give them threat on the counter-attack.

Celtic have already beaten one Bundesliga team in this season’s Champions League, sweeping aside RB Leipzig in November. The Hoops will need to find similar performance levels to get the better of Bayern Munich.

Key players

Maeda’s pace will be key to Celtic’s game plan against Bayern Munich with the Japanese forward available to play on Wednesday after his suspension for a red card against Young Boys was downgraded to just one match from two.

Rodgers faces a decision between Kühn and Filipe Jota on the wing with Adam Idah expected to start through the middle having scored twice in Celtic’s last Champions League match against Aston Villa.

Defensively, Kasper Schmeichel will likely need to find his best form to keep out the formidable Bayern forward line with Cameron Carter-Vickers also key to the Hoops’ defensive game plan.

*Celtic’s top goalscorers in the Champions League*

Harry Kane will lead the line for the visitors to the east end of Glasgow. The England international has notched six goals in seven Champions League games this season and will be a threat inside the penalty box.

Jamal Musiala will be a danger in between the lines with Kingsley Coman and Michael Olise predicted to start on the wings. Leroy Sané scored against Werder Bremen on Friday and could start, but Vincent Kompany may also use him off the bench against tired legs.

*Bayern’s top performers in the Champions League*

Kim Min-Jae and Dayot Upamecano will have their hands full against an energetic Celtic attack. Considering their previous struggles against opponents that play in quick transition, this could be a key battle.

Team news

The reduction of Maeda’s suspension means he will be free to face Bayern Munich. James Forrest, however, will miss the match with a foot injury that will keep him out until the end of the month. Otherwise, Rodgers has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Alphonso Davies and João Palhinha will be assessed before Wednesday’s match as both are carrying knocks. Davies’ absence would see Raphaël Guerreiro fill in at left back for the Bundesliga table-toppers.

Prediction

The Celtic Park faithful have waited a long time for Champions League knockout football, and they deserve a goal for their patience. That being said, they might not get the result on the night, but our prediction of a 2-1 away win for Bayern would at least mean Celtic are still in the tie when it comes to next week’s return leg.

(Cover image from IMAGO)