Preview

Feb

2025

Preview: Arsenal and Man City set for heavyweight clash

The race for second place is on between Arsenal and Manchester City this Sunday afternoon.

By Ian King

Two sides looking up

Arsenal’s run of fine form in both the Champions League and the Premier League has continued unabated over the last seven days. Last Saturday they overcame one of the more bizarre refereeing decisions of the season to win 1-0 at Wolves, and during the week they came from a goal down to beat Girona in the Champions League. They’re unbeaten in twelve Premier League matches and finished third out of 36 in the Champions League megagroup.

Are Manchester City BACK? Recent results would seem to indicate that they are. They’ve won four out of their last five in the Premier League, and got through against Brugge in the Champions League, albeit after a little bit of a scare. It’s probably too late for City to catch Liverpool at the top of the table, but a late run for second place is starting to take on that sheen of inevitability that always seems to come when they start winning matches relentlessly.

Title contenders in recent years

Arsenal’s form in this fixture has been much improved over the last couple of seasons. They’re unbeaten in their last four meetings, although three of those did end in a draw. But City don’t have to look back much further than this for consolation. Prior to the 2023 Community Shield, they’d won 15 of the previous 16 meetings between the two sides in all competitions.

Key players

Where Arsenal have dropped points of late, against both Brighton and Aston Villa, it’s been because of sloppiness having got themselves into a comfortable winning position. As such, the return of William Saliba to their first eleven would be a big boost to Mikel Arteta. For Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne is exactly the sort of creative outlet that Pep Guardiola needs in midfield to unlock the Premier League’s joint-stingiest defence.

Team News

Saliba’s return is welcome news for Arteta, but Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus remain on the sidelines. For Manchester City, Omar Marmoush may return to the first eleven after having missed their Champions League game because he wasn’t registered to play in that competition, while Rico Lewis may step in at left-back. John Stones played against Brugge, but Abdukodir Khusanov may be preferred for this one.

Prediction

It remains the case that it will take something most unexpected for Liverpool to be knocked off the top of this year’s Premier League table, but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to play for at The Emirates. Arsenal need to keep going, whether Liverpool have a slip or not. Manchester City, meanwhile, have a point to prove having recovered from a slump that’s already starting to feel like a bit of a fever dream to all who witnessed it. There’s little between these two teams and they’re both playing well. I’ll go for the 2-2, but this particular match feels…unpredictable.

(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: Man United vs. Palace and the battle of the back threes

Perhaps tough love was what Manchester United needed all along, who knew? Well, that and a head coach capable of a solid tactical setup. Do they finally have both in place?

By Karl Matchett

Battle of the back threes

Not a regular occurrence in the Premier League these days, but this fixture will see two managers go head-to-head who are wedded to a tactical ideal which stems from playing a three-man defence. For Rúben Amorim, he has been super clear: United hired me to play this way so the players better get on board and show they can do so. A lot of moving parts still have to be sorted out and no doubt new signings will still change a lot of the XI by the time August rolls around, but it’s still clear to see that the foundations are being put in place for what Amorim believes will work long term.

Oliver Glasner has had a few extra months to put those foundations in place in similar fashion, and after a terrible start this term, seems to have rediscovered the formula to get his team moving up the table. Palace can look sensational in attack in short bursts, and if the ability of Michael Olise has been sorely missed this term, the boss will also point to injuries down the spine of the team which has hampered consistency and progression at times.

These teams rank 10th and 13th for xG, 14th and 16th for goals actually scored. They might both be slightly better than the league table shows right now, but only one has the expectation and pressure which rightly comes with the outrageous expenditure they’ve made.

Recent form

Five wins in the last six for United, but in league terms it’s still just two wins from seven, so starting to find consistency is of paramount importance if Amorim wants this period to be more than two steps forward, one and a half steps back. Palace had won four and drawn two of their last six before defeat to Brentford last time out – and they’ve not lost away in the Premier League since late October.

Team news

The names are familiar for Manchester United who’ll be missing in action: Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans. For Palace it’s still the midfield pivot pairing of Adam Wharton and Cheick Doucouré who are the big absentees, with Joel Ward, Franca and Chadi Riad all sidelined too – the latter is out for the whole season.

Key player

It seems obvious and boring to pick out Bruno Fernandes but…it’s Bruno Fernandes. He’s still United’s chief lock-unpicker, most likely to take a half-chance and has the best movement in tight matches. Palace rank ninth for lowest xG conceded, while United are ninth-lowest for shots on target. They’re fifth-worst for shot conversion too, with Palace even lower down that list. Fernandes – highest xG in the team, highest key passes, most big chances created, top of the league in his role for long passes per 90 – is the one who can find or force a breakthrough.

Prediction

Only a goal in it either way…so we’re just about leaning towards a home win: United 1 Palace 0.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Feb

2025

Preview: Barcelona playing catch up vs. Alaves in LaLiga

The form book suggests Sunday’s meeting between Barcelona and Alavés could be one-sided as Hansi Flick’s side hit their stride again.

By Graham Ruthven

No margin for error

The gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga could stand at 10 points by the time Hansi Flick’s team kick off against Alavés on Sunday afternoon.

Real Madrid will have faced Espanyol the night before with the table-toppers firm favourites to extend their winning run to six games. This would pile the pressure on Barca to match the pace of their fiercest rivals.

Since dropping points away to Getafe two weeks ago, Barcelona have scored 12 goals in wins over Benfica and Valencia, also drawing 2-2 against Atalanta when their place in the Champions League top eight was already secured.

Barcelona’s chances of catching Real Madrid depend on whether their defence can hold out. Flick’s high defensive line has given countless opponents space to attack in behind this season, making Barca vulnerable.

It might only be February, but Barcelona have no margin for error in the title race. Sunday’s home match against Alavés at Montjuïc is a must win.

Alavés, on the other hand, are on a run of just one win in their last nine matches, but did claim three points in their last away outing against Real Betis. Eduardo Coudet will hope that result can give his team confidence to upset the odds in Catalonia.

Key players

Anyone who has watched Barcelona this season will be well aware of the players who pose an attacking threat to every opposition team they come up against.

Lamine Yamal is the Catalans’ creative hub, registering 15 goal involvements in just 18 league appearances this season. The teenager found the net against Atalanta on Wednesday and is a danger cutting inside off the right wing.

Robert Lewandowski gives Barcelona cutting edge in front of goal while Raphinha is in the form of his life this season. Indeed, only Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappé have scored more league goals than the Brazilian winger this season.

Kike García will be Alavés’ primary goal threat with the veteran centre forward expected to lead the line for the visitors on Sunday. Carlos Vicente, who has three league assists this season, will provide support from the wings.

Realistically, though, Alavés will need fill-in goalkeeper Jesús Owono to be in top form if they are to stand any chance of earning a result at Montjuïc with centre back Abdel Abqar also sure to be under pressure.

Team news

Marc-André ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Iñigo Martínez and Marc Bernal are all long-term absentees for Barcelona with Dani Olmo also expected to miss Sunday’s match against Alavés.

Flick could rotate his starting lineup after fielding a full strength team against Atalanta in the Champions League during the week with Fermín López and Ferran Torres two players who could come into the side.

Goalkeeper Antonio Sivera will be sidelined for Alavés as they travel to Montjuïc this weekend. Central midfielder Joan Jordan is another player who will miss out for the visitors through injury.

Prediction

All the signs suggest that this is going to be another high scoring win for Hansi Flick’s side but, as always, it’s hard to say that Barca will keep a clean sheet: Barcelona 4-1 Alavés.

(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: Madrid travel to Espanyol on Saturday night

Struggling Espanyol host Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid on Saturday with both teams in need of points for different reasons.

By Graham Ruthven

It’s happening again

We’ve been here before. How many times have Real Madrid slogged through the first half of a season before finding top gear in the new year? On the basis of their recent form, Los Blancos are repeating their favourite trick.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team will arrive in Barcelona to take on Espanyol this weekend on the back of five straight wins in all competitions. Since losing to Barca in the Spanish Supercopa, Real Madrid have scored 20 goals, averaging four goals a game.

Sitting four points clear at the top of LaLiga, Saturday’s match is an opportunity for Real Madrid to put further distance between themselves and Barcelona who don’t face Alavés until Sunday afternoon. By then, the gap between the rivals could be 10 points.

While Espanyol are scrapping against the threat of relegation, Manolo’s team have lost just one of their last six matches. They’ve also won just once over this stretch, but Los Periquitos have become harder to beat in recent weeks.

Nonetheless, Real Madrid will present a different sort of test. This is a match that could have significant bearing on the top and bottom of the table.

Key players

Javi Puado could pose the biggest goal threat for Espanyol against the LaLiga table-toppers with veteran defender Leandro Cabrera charged with stopping Real Madrid in the other direction.

Carlos Romero is a key outlet down the left side, although the 23-year-old could be forced into the left back position due to the injury to Brian Oliván. This could have an impact on Espanyol’s ability to get out from the back.

Concerns over Kylian Mbappé’s place in the Real Madrid forward line have well and truly faded away. The Frenchman has scored eight goals in his last six games in all competitions including a hat-trick in last week’s comfortable away win over Real Valladolid. This is now Mbappé’s team.

Rodrygo has similarly been in excellent form of late, registering seven goal involvements in his last four outings. The Brazilian has been playing on the left side and so he will likely be shifted to the right wing now that Vinícius Júnior is back from suspension.

Jude Bellingham is thriving in the free role he has been given by Ancelotti with the England international back to his box-crashing best, scoring in the mid-week Champions League win over Brest.

Team news

José Gragera and Salvi Sanchez will miss out through injury for Espanyol this weekend while Oliván is a doubt after being forced off against Sevilla in the Catalans’ last league outing.

Roberto Fernández could be in line for a debut after joining on loan from Braga in the transfer window.

Vinícius will make his return from suspension after missing the last two LaLiga matches following his red card against Valencia at the start of January.

David Alaba is still working his way back to full fitness after missing 13 months of action through injury while Éder Militão remains a long-term absentee. Dani Ceballos is also expected to be sidelined for this weekend’s trip to Catalonia.

Prediction

Espanyol are becoming harder to beat but once Madrid get going on a run like the one they are currently on, Ancelotti’s side are near-impossible to stop: Espanyol 0-2 Real Madrid.

(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: In form Bournemouth out to test leaders Liverpool

Bournemouth will host Liverpool in the Premier League at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday as two of the most in-form sides go head-to-head.

By Matt Smith

The Cherries could find themselves venturing into the top four with a victory, while Arne Slot’s men will be hoping to extend their lead at the top.

When the two teams met earlier in the season, Liverpool secured a comfortable 3-0 win at Anfield, with Luis Díaz scoring a brace and Darwin Núñez grabbing the other.

Sinisterra could return for the Cherries

Andoni Iraola has been forced to deal with a host of injury troubles this season, and the Cherries still have a significant number of players on the treatment table.

The Bournemouth boss did confirm that there are no new injury concerns heading into the game against Liverpool, and Luis Sinisterra could be back in contention. After recovering from a hamstring injury, Iraola said he needs to be ‘assessed again’ before they make a decision as to whether he will be available.

Kluivert untouchable for Bournemouth

Justin Kluivert hasn’t always been a guaranteed starter since arriving at Bournemouth, but he’s beginning to flourish under Iraola this season. In the last four games, the Dutch attacker has provided nine goals and assists combined, helping the Cherries score 16 goals during that time.

The 25-year-old is arguably in the form of his life – something we covered here – so Liverpool will have a task on their hands keeping him quiet. The former Roma forward has often been deployed in wide areas during his career, but Iraola is getting the best out of him in an attacking midfield role.

Slot receives triple boost

Arne Slot confirmed in his press conference ahead of the trip to Bournemouth that Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez, and Joe Gomez all trained on Friday.

The Reds were able to rest a host of players against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League during the week, allowing some of their more senior players plenty of recovery time.

Gakpo red hot for Slot’s side

Naturally, Mohamed Salah is the danger man for Liverpool and takes the majority of the plaudits, but Cody Gakpo’s form of late has been seriously impressive. The Dutch attacker is starting to make the left forward position his own in Slot’s system.

Against Ipswich last time out in the Premier League, Gakpo found the back of the net twice while also providing an assist. The 25-year-old is providing a real threat off the left for the Reds, cutting inside on his right foot regularly. That’s where a couple of his goals this season have come from, while he’s also proving to be a danger in the air.

Prediction

Liverpool haven’t lost away from home this season, but Bournemouth have won six of their 11 games at the Vitality Stadium. Both sides are unbeaten in their last five league games and have accumulated the same number of points. We’re going to go for a 1-1 draw in this one.

(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.

Jan

2025

Preview: Spurs take on Swedish side Elfsborg in the Europa

There’s been an element of “Stop, stop, he’s already dead” to media coverage of Spurs of late, but can they confound their critics against Sweden’s seventh-best team in the Europa League?

By Ian King

Form…the dreaded question

Still the torment continues for Spurs. Another home match against mediocre opposition. Another half-time lead. Another full-time defeat. Another round of soul-searching. Daniel Levy has said that Spurs are sticking with Ange Postecoglou, but for how much longer can the club bear this strain? They’re eight points above the relegation places at the moment and seem unable to beat anyone.

IK Elfsborg have no league form. Because they’re a Swedish club, they play a summer league in the Allsvenskan, so their domestic season doesn’t start until the end of March. Last season they finished 7th, with European qualification having been determined by them having been runners-up to Malmö back in 2023.

But they’ve been in this competition since the First Qualifying Round on the 11th July, and with nine wins in it so far, they’ve won more games in this year’s Europa League than Spurs have in this year’s Premier League. They’re in 20th place in the 36-team mega-group and they’ve already beaten Roma, Nice and Qarabağ in the group stages.

History

These two clubs have never met before, and Elfsborg have never faced English opposition in Europe before. Spurs have only played one Swedish team in Europe themselves, and under pretty ignominious circumstances; a 2-1 ‘home’ defeat to Östers IF in a 1995 Intertoto Cup match played at the now defunct Goldstone Ground in Brighton.

Key players

Mikey Moore is clearly a player to watch, but he hasn’t quite yet shown his full potential in the Spurs first team and may be hoping to give people something to remember should he start.

For Elfsborg, keep an eye on Niklas Hult, who’s 34 and has played in France, Germany and Greece, as well as having made eight appearances for the Sweden national team.

Team News

James Maddison missed the weekend’s match against his former club with injury, and Dominic Solanke will also be absent. Otherwise, the current Spurs injury news remains “more or less all of them”. With their domestic season having ended more than two months ago, Elfsborg are expected to be at full strength, though they did lose their top goalscorer Michael Baidoo to Plymouth Argyle earlier this month.

Prediction

Spurs’ win in Hoffenheim last week was a sign that their season isn’t quite over and they only need a win against modest opposition to get automatic qualification to the next round without a pesky playoff match in between. They should win this comfortably, but then again Everton and Leicester were both modest opposition and we all know what happened there.

But Elfsborg had an average domestic league season in 2024 and their progress through the group stage has been somewhat stop-start. They should go through regardless of the result on Thursday, and even a patched-up Spurs side should be good enough to ease through 2-0 against them… shouldn’t they?

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Europa 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.

Jan

2025

Preview: Man United need something from their trip to Romanian giants FCSB

Bucharest isn’t as cold as it usually is this year, shout out global warming, so Man United have no real excuses as they travel to Romania in search of at least a point from their final Europa League league phase game against FCSB on Thursday.

By Alex Roberts

It took a late Bruno Fernandes goal to secure an edgy 2-1 win over Scottish side Rangers in United’s previous fixture, a side who beat FCSB 4-0 earlier in the campaign. Sitting four places below United in eighth, it’s fair to say they’re punching above their weight.

A draw would likely see Rúben Amorim’s side avoid a potentially tricky two-legged play-off fixture, but a win would guarantee it. The last thing the Premier League side need right now is another spanner thrown in the works.

They have a history

For many, the name FCSB won’t ring any bells, but Steaua Bucharest should. The 1985-86 European Cup winners are, arguably, Romania’s biggest club, and the only side in the proud nation’s history to win a major European trophy.

They changed their name to FCSB back in 2017 after being sued by the Romanian army, who believed they were the rightful owners of the name, badge, colours, and trophies the club had won.

Led by Ilias Charalampous, they’ve earned some impressive results in Europe this season, notably beating FC Midtjylland, LASK, RFS, and Qarabağ ahead of their game against the Premier League giants.

A potential solution to one of many problems

Amorim has struggled at United, his side simply doesn’t have the necessary balance required for his 3-4-3 system, and one of the most obvious areas in need of improvement in central midfield.

Modern day Ebenezer Scrooge, Sir Jim Ratcliffe appears reluctant to put his hands in his overflowing pockets, instead preferring to increase ticket prices and inflict further misery on the hard-working people of Manchester.

The manager has scoured the youth ranks in hope of finding someone to help fill their midfield gap, and he’s found Toby Collyer. The youngster was fantasic in his full debut against Rangers, winning ¾ ground duels, making eight recoveries, and having a 94% pass accuracy rate. Perhaps the kids are alright after all.

The return of a familiar, and terrifying face

Former Tottenham centre-back Vlad Chiricheș could be in line to make his first appearance against Man United for the first time since leaving Spurs for Napoli back in 2015.

Back at his boyhood club, the big 35-year-old centre-back may not be playing for much longer, and will no doubt want one of the biggest scalps in European football under his belt before that day finally comes.

He had a fairly good record against them while in North London, winning one, and drawing two of his three games against the 20-time Champions. Now, he’s in a weaker side, but according to Amorim, this is the worst United team in history. Who knows what might happen.

Bereft of confidence

Rasmus Højlund is straight up not having a good time at United this season, but he has found some solace in the Europa league. Five of his seven goals this season have come against European opposition.

Goalless in his last 11 appearances across all competitions, the Danish forward is in dire need of a one, with many of the Old Trafford failthful losing faith in the youngster they originally thought was ready to compete with Erling Haaland.

Joshua Zirkzee hasn’t been any better, and much like Højlund, is unlikely to find top form any time soon. Progress in the Europa League, and qualification for the Champions League would be crucial if United want to improve their forward line.

Prediction

Like many of United’s games this season, we reckon this is going to be a lot closer than it should be. FCSB will take the lead, then United will score three goals in the last 20 minutes, and thus guarantee themselves that guaranteed last 16 berth.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

Jan

2025

Preview: Real Madrid can finally afford to rest against Brest

Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign has not been the smoothest so far, but they are safely through to the knockouts ahead of the final round of league phase matches. In a busy period of fixtures for home side, they could well look to rotate against Stade Brestois.

By Neel Shelat

Both sides bound for playoff round

Brest and Real Madrid will start the day in 13th and 16th place respectively, with enough points to be sure of a place within the top 24 at worst. However, both also have an outside shot at breaking into the top eight.

Even if Brest pull off an unlikely victory, they will need a few other results to go their way if they are to make up the five positions they need in the 36-team table. They should not be too bothered about where they finish because merely qualifying for the knockouts in their debut UEFA Champions League campaign has to be considered a resounding success. Furthermore, with sides like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain battling to just sneak into the top 24, a higher table position will not necessarily guarantee a favourable knockout draw.

Real Madrid will need to win big and hope that at least four other results go precisely their way if they are to skip the playoff round, so they will most likely have to prepare for a couple more games in mid-February.

Brest’s left back injury crisis

A lot has been made of the long-term injuries that a couple of Real Madrid’s key defenders are currently recovering from, but Brest are in an even worse position. They will be without four defenders and a more defensive-minded midfielder for this game.

Young left back Bradley Locko is the biggest miss, although he has been out with an Achilles tendon injury since the start of the season. French duo Jonas Martin and Julien Le Cardinal have accompanied him on the treatment table for the last couple of months, but the recent injuries to left backs Massadio Haïdara and Jordan Amavi have dealt the biggest blows to the squad.

Les Pirates have been forced to alternate between teenage defender Luck Zogbe and experienced winger Mathias Pereria-Lage on the left of their back four in recent matches, so it certainly is a potential weakness in their side.

A chance for Real Madrid’s backups to impress

Besides Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, Real Madrid will be without the suspended Vinícius Júnior and injured Eduardo Camavinga for this match. Given the unlikelihood of a top-eight finish regardless of their result, Los Blancos might be best advised to rest some of their stars for this match.

Jude Bellingham, for one, certainly deserves a rest having started every single one of his side’s league and Champions League matches since September. The likes of Arda Güler, Endrick and Brahim Díaz will be raring to go if given a start, especially with the knowledge that they can get at the left side of Brest’s defence.

Prediction

Anything is possible in a relatively low-stakes encounter, but as ever, Real Madrid’s quality certainly makes them strong favourites.

(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.

Jan

2025

Preview: Qualification is on the line for Man City and Club Brugge

Pep Guardiola and co may not be In Bruges but they do play them in the Champions League on Wednesday, knowing they may not see the knock-out rounds of Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the Spaniard coach joined the club.

By Alex Roberts

City’s 4-2 capitulation against PSG in their previous fixture was somewhat offset by a 3-1 Premier League win over Chelsea over the weekend but the cracks were still visible, and they’ll have to work hard to get the better of Club Brugge.

The Belgian club currently sit 20th, five places above City in the new-look league phase table, and have claimed a Premier League scalp already, beating Aston Villa 1-0 back in early November 2024.

A rocky start for Abdukodir Khusanov

The Uzbek centre-back wasn’t at his best on his debut. A clear miscommunication between himself and Ederson allowed for Chelsea to open the scoring after just three minutes through Noni Madueke.

Khusanov allowed the ball to bounce while under immense pressure from Nicolas Jackson, heading it back to his ‘keeper but it was too light, and the striker latched on to it before laying it off to Madueke.

Guardiola admitted it was a baptism of fire for the 20-year-old having hooked him off in the 54^th minute, but a relatively low-pressure game against Club Brugge might be the perfect opportunity to ease him in a little.

Struggled in the Prem, thriving in Belgium

When Norwich signed Greek winger Christos Tzolis from PAOK in 2021, they thought they were picking up one of Europe’s hottest prospects, and for good reason, he was tearing it up back in his home country.

Unfortunately for everyone involved it didn’t work out, and he was eventually sold to Fortuna Dusseldorf, where he scored 24 goals and provided eight assists in his 37 games across all competitions.

Now at Club Brugge, and still only 22-years-old, he’s continued his fine form, bagging 19 goal contributions in his 33 games so far. Tzolis’ confidence is brimming, City should be wary.

An unexpected Kyle Walker replacement

Kyle Walker is gone, joining AC Milan on loan for the rest of the season, having spent seven-and-a-half years at City, winning 19 trophies in the process and establishing himself as arguably the best right-back in Premier League history. With apologies to Gary Neville.

Although he hadn’t exactly set the world alight for City this season, he will be missed, and Guardiola needs to work out how to fill his void. Matheus Nunes has stepped up for their last three games and done a pretty good job.

Against Chelsea he was one of their stand-out performers, providing the assist for Joško Gvardiol’s equaliser, winning 100% of his tackles, and making eight defensive actions. He may not be there forever, but he’s doing well in the meantime.

Hans Vanaken rolling back the years

In footballing terms, if you’re 32, you’re essentially on life support. OK, that might be a little harsh, but in a world where 17-year-old’s can become one of the best in the world – we’re looking at you Lamine Yamal – Vanaken is an elder statesman.

He earned the player of the match award in their 0-0 draw with Juventus, a side who beat Man City 2-0 earlier in the season, in Brugge’s previous Champions League game.

It was a fairly dull contest, but the attacking midfielder shined, creating one chance, having 2/3 successful dribbles, and made seven passes into the final third. Considering City aren’t the best defensively at the moment, he’s another they need to keep an eye on.

Prediction

However shocking it would be to see City get knocked out of the Champions League so soon, it really is unlikely to happen. Against Club Brugge, at the Etihad, we’re going to go with a 4-0 win for the home side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

Jan

2025

Preview: Barcelona face an Atalanta side hunting for points

Champions League top spot is just about still up for grabs for Barcelona after their wild comeback win at Benfica last time out, but for Hansi Flick the bigger picture is about a return to form in the new year as he chases major titles.

By Karl Matchett

Bounceback for Barca

After a fine first third of the new campaign, Barca were looking strong at the top of LaLiga, flying well enough in Europe and picking up notable results along the way – such as the demolishing of Real Madrid. Fast forward to mid-November and the wheels started to come off, though. A nine-game run in all competitions yielded three wins and, in the relentless nature of elite domestic competition, that’s enough to see you fall off the pace these days.

Post-Christmas, though, Flick’s side have won the Supercopa, won another Clásico, rediscovered their scoring touch and plundered 12 goals in their last two games, including smashing seven past Valencia.

Flick doesn’t need his side to finish top of the initial Champions League phase to show how they’ll be a danger in the knockouts, and the boss has noted winning LaLiga remains the priority. But he also won’t want to give up momentum again and that means possible trouble for Atalanta, who themselves need a result to guarantee a top-eight finish.

The Serie A side are seventh, one point above the dotted line – but 14 points probably won’t be enough to see them avoid the playoffs. It’ll take an almighty effort for them to win this game…but with three wins from three on the road, they do actually have the best away record in the Champions League this term (along with Liverpool.)

Recent form

After going from late September to late December with just a single defeat to Real Madrid against them, Atalanta then recently went five without a win. That unhelpful spell has been ended by two straight victories, but Barcelona is a different test to Sturm Graz and Como. They may well see a draw as a great result on the night but a disappointing outcome overall, if the likes of Aston Villa and Feyenoord or Lille find a win of their own.

Barcelona have won six and drawn one of their last seven in all competitions, scoring an amazing 29 goals in that time. They have hit five or more in four of their last five games.

Team news

Dani Olmo has joined the treatment table which already had Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Iñigo Martínez on it. Ademola Lookman – star of last season’s Europa League triumph, Odilon Koussounou and Gianluca Scamacca are all missing in action for the visitors.

Key player

Not to put too much expectation on Barcelona scoring a hatful more if they rotate their team too much, but Atalanta’s back line needs to be on point. Berat Djimsiti has been their main man: the do-everything defender tops their stats for tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks per 90 this season.

Prediction

Barcelona to wrap up their campaign with another high-scoring game – which will probably see Atalanta just miss out on the top eight: Barcelona 3-2 Atalanta.

(Cover image from IMAGO)