Preview

Feb

2025

Preview: Spurs go to Liverpool looking to protect a one goal advantage

Spurs have a one goal lead from the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, but will that be anything like enough against the Premier League leaders?

By Ian King

Form since the first leg

Spurs managed a workmanlike win at Brentford last weekend on top of an eventual Europa League win against Elfsborg, so they have a little more spring in their step than they did a couple of weeks ago. But that may not be enough to slow the giant, red steamroller that is slowly moving towards them.

Liverpool lost at PSV in their final Champions League match, but they did finish atop the 36-team Megagroup. They’re unbeaten in the Premier League since the 14th September. They’re six points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand, though that game in hand is against David Moyes’ White-Hot Everton, and anything could happen there.

Anfield is not a happy hunting ground for Spurs

When Spurs won 2-1 at Anfield on the 25th August 1993, it was the first time they’d done so since the 16th March 1912; a month and a day before the Titanic sank. They’ve beaten them three times there since; somewhat dramatically with a late winning goal from Jürgen Klinsmann in an FA Cup quarter-final in 1995, a 3-1 win in the League Cup Fourth Round in 1998, and in the Premier League in 2011. The last player to score a goal for a winning Spurs team at Anfield was Luka Modrić. It’s not a great record.

Key players

Mo Salah feels like an obvious choice for Liverpool, but they need goals and he remains an extremely ready source of them. The issue of his new contract remains one of the biggest question marks hanging over the second half of an otherwise outstanding season for Liverpool. Throughout his career, he’s only scored more against one opposition side – Manchester United – than he has in games against Spurs. Tottenham may need a big performance from their defence. Ben Davies and Archie Gray seem set to have a busy night.

Team News

It was not ideal news for Ange Postecoglou to find that Mickey van de Ven had lasted precisely one half against Elfsborg before twanging something again and is going to be absent for this match, despite having already been rested for the Brentford match, and that Radu Drăgușin is now out for the rest of the season. Liverpool are now back to pretty much full strength, with Joe Gomez now their only absentee.

Prediction

It might be considered typical Spurs fatalism to suggest that the odds are stacked against them, but good omens really are thin on the ground when it comes to away games against Liverpool, whether we’re talking about going 81 years without winning at THIS VERY STADIUM, or anything relating to what’s happened at either club this season. Spurs are 14th in the Premier League and it’s difficult to argue that they don’t warrant that position. They won the first leg 1-0, but that’s an exception rather than the rule for this fixture, both historically and contemporaneously. 4-1 to Liverpool doesn’t sound unrealistic.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Feb

2025

Preview: Madrid face Leganes in Copa Del Rey quarterfinal

Real Madrid face a critical stretch in their season with Carlo Ancelotti’s team up against Leganés in the last eight of the Copa del Rey.

By Graham Ruthven

Real response required

Few saw Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Espanyol coming. Los Blancos had been on a five-match winning streak in all competitions and looked to have built momentum ahead of a trip to Barcelona to face a relegation-threatened opponent.

Against Espanyol, though, all the problems that troubled Madrid in the early part of the season emerged once again. They lacked creativity and failed to break down a low defensive block, leaving too much space for their opponents to counter into on the break.

Not for the first time this season, Carlo Ancelotti is facing criticism for his set-up of the team with many pointing out that the frontline of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham destabilises the rest of the side.

Leganés, on the other hand, have recently demonstrated their ability to upset the odds, beating Atlético Madrid and taking points off Athletic Club last month.

Under Borja Jiménez, Los Pepineros (the Cucumbers!) have become difficult to break down, conceding just two goals in their last three games, which could make them a tricky opponent for Real Madrid in the same way Espanyol were.

Key players

Goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović has been a standout performer for Leganés this season, recently keeping clean sheets against Atleti and Athletic. However, Real Madrid’s forward line will present the Serbian with his toughest test of the campaign to date.

Juan Cruz could pose the biggest goal threat for the hosts from his position as a left wing back. Out of possession, the 24-year-old is expected to sit back in a back five, but he has the freedom to get forward when there is the opportunity.

Ancelotti could make changes to his team after the defeat to Espanyol with many fans calling for Brahim Díaz to start. The Spanish international gives Real Madrid cohesion and work rate on the right side.

Vinícius and Rodrygo will almost certainly feature at some point, though. If they are firing on cylinders, as they had been before the weekend, Leganés will be blown away.

Team news

Enrique Francesca remains out for Leganes after suffering an ACL injury in November while Seydouba Cisse will also miss Wednesday’s meeting with the Spanish champions after picking up a hamstring strain against Rayo Vallecano last week.

Sergio González was shown a straight red card in the defeat to Rayo, but his suspension only applies to league games and so the centre back will be available.

Antonio Rüdiger’s injury will rule him out of action for the next three weeks. This means the German defender will miss this Copa del Rey quarter-final as well as the Madrid Derby and two Champions League matches against Manchester City. His absence couldn’t have come at a worse time for Los Blancos.

Éder Militão is still sidelined through injury while David Alaba has yet to play a full 90-minute match since his own return from injury last month. This could see Raul Asencio start in central defence against Leganés.

Andriy Lunin is expected to start in goal having started Real Madrid’s last two matches in the Copa del Rey. But Ancelotti has confirmed that Mbappé and Bellingham will be missing due to slight knocks picked up over the weekend.

Prediction

Leganés will look to continue their recent strong run of results against Spain’s biggest sides but should be undone by Madrid’s superior firepower on the day, just. We’re saying 1-0 to Real Madrid.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Feb

2025

Preview: Newcastle United vs. Arsenal, can the Magpies defend their lead?

A place in the first Cup final of the season is up for grabs and, improbably, it’s Newcastle United who hold a serious upper hand to get there – but Arsenal couldn’t have had a bigger pre-match boost as they look for a second-leg overhaul here.

By Karl Matchett

Big ask, big reward

The Magpies took a 2-0 win from the Emirates a month ago and Eddie Howe has fans dreaming of, finally, ending the long wait for a significant trophy: the 1955 FA Cup final, still the last time they won a major honour. They have, remember, never won the EFL Cup. This is the opportunity of a generation for them to have a crack at it, and all they need to do…is not concede two against the team who have just put five past Manchester City.

Change in flow at a tricky time?

Newcastle will rightly point to their own in-form forward, Alexander Isak. His goal in the first leg came at a time when he also netted in eight Premier League games in a row – 11 goals in that period – but, since then, he had one shot and failed to score against Bournemouth, netted twice against bottom club Southampton, then had one shot again and didn’t score against Fulham. No run of form can go on without end, but Newcastle will hope the chance creation and clinical edge isn’t drying up at a hugely important time.

Recent form

As for Arsenal, they had 23 shots and didn’t score in that first leg, then had 26 shots, scored once and went out in the FA Cup in their next match. Since then it’s 15 goals in six games and they’ve won five of them. The Gunners don’t just have some winning rhythm again, they have enormously growing confidence, particularly after battering the champions in such emphatic fashion. Newcastle had won nine in a row before the recent loss-win-loss run, but perhaps that pendulum has just swung away from them ahead of this second leg.

Team news

Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson are the squad options missing at St. James’ Park, but Joelinton remains a doubt. Bruno Guimarães is back from a ban and will start. For Arsenal, it’s the same faces as recently who are long-term absentees: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ben White. Neto is unavailable to play.

Key player

Obviously, Arsenal need goals to find a way back into the tie. But if they concede, that might be game over. Goalkeeper David Raya is third in the Premier League for clean sheets (eight), fourth for save percentage (72.8%) and top for lowest goals conceded per 90 (0.9). However, he’s also 13th for goals prevented; with -0.1, his value shows he basically concedes as many goals as you’d expect him to from the shots he faces – by number rather than the actual reflex stops we’ve all seen highlights of. The Spaniard has had a good season in terms of occasional sensational impact, but here Arsenal need him to excel.

*Raya’s goalkeeping numbers, Premier League 2024/25*

Prediction

Arsenal to find a route back into the match and pick up a win by two goals…From there, pick your own winner from the ensuing penalty shootout!

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Feb

2025

Preview: Graham Potter takes West Ham to Chelsea

It’s no more Mr Nice Guy for Graham Potter as he returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his doomed seven-month spell in charge of the club back in 2022-23. East London’s West Ham travel west to face Cheslea. Confusing we know.

By Alex Roberts

Enzo Maresca has had a week to mull over their disappointing 3-1 defeat to Champions League qualification rivals Man City in their previous fixture, and it’s fair to say he has some serious decisions to make.

Potter has only had four games at West Ham since replacing Julen Lopetegui, and they’ve been a mixed bag. A decent win over Fulham was quickly forgotten when they lost to Crystal Palace. Their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa last week was another good result, but that doesn’t mean they’ll get another today.

It’s OK to admit when you’re wrong, Enzo

The Italian has backed Robert Sánchez to the hilt all season, but he seriously struggled to look on the bright side after the goalkeeper’s performance in the defeat to Man City, admitting he doesn’t know if the Spaniard will keep his place beyond this season.

For many Chelsea fans, the prospect of him staying between the sticks for the next few months is daunting, especially considering no goalkeeper has made more mistakes leading to a goal in the Premier League this campaign.

*Sánchez goalkeeper stats, Premier League 2024/25*

Filip Jörgensen is the only viable option to replace Sanchez currently with the squad, although they do have a couple lads out on loan who could do a decent job, including Djordje Petrovic, who supplanted him last season. If Maresca is going to pull the trigger on Sánchez, he needs to do it soon.

Aaron Wan Maldini

The great Italian one said, “If I have to make a tackle, then I’ve already made a mistake. Wan-Bissaka doesn’t quite subscribe to that school of thinking, but he may well be one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League.

He’s only been dribbled past five times throughout his 22 Premier League appearances, that’s pretty decent going for a defender playing for a side in the bottom half of the table. The thing is, even if you do somehow get past him, he ain’t letting you go.

With 115 recoveries, 30 tackles won, and 41 interceptions made, whoever Maresca plays against him, likely Jadon Sancho, will have to be at their tricky best.

Nicolas Jackson needs a goal

Jackson was arguably the best forward in the league earlier in the season, but it’s been a while since he bagged, seven games to be precise, and old questions about his ability to lead the line for top four side are starting to pop up again.

He had a hand in all of Chelsea’s goals the last time they met West Ham, scoring a brace and providing the assist for Cole Palmer’s goal.

His hold up play and ability to create space for his teammates remains the most important aspect of his game but improving in front of goal need to be a priority, although we’ve been saying that for some time now.

They just can’t seem to get it right!

West Ham’s luck with striker signings is unfathomably bad. The club had signed a remarkable 52 forwards since David Gold and David Sullivan took over all the way back in 2010, and Niclas Füllkrug appears to be the latest of numerous big investments.

Potter was forced to play Mohammed Kudus up top in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa because of the German’s injury, and he played well, completing more dribbles than any other player (6) and ending his game with a 100% pass accuracy rate.

Still, they need a focal point, and a deal for Evan Ferguson is reportedly progressing. He’ young, had injury issues, and is incredibly raw, but he really can’t be any worse than what they’ve had for the past 15 years.

Prediction

Sorry Chelsea fans, we think it’s going to be another frustrating night for you, we’re going to go with a 1-1 draw at the Bridge.

(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: Inter out for Derby Day revenge against Milan

Defending Serie A champions Inter are going neck-and-neck with Napoli in the title race, so anything but a win against local rivals Milan will be a disappointing result for the Nerazzurri.

By Neel Shelat

Milan’s shot at an unlikely head-to-head treble

16 points separate Italy’s premier capital clubs going into this big game as Milan have had a very disappointing season so far. Even so, they have been responsible for both of Inter’s domestic defeats this term – first in an early league meeting and then in the Supercoppa last month.

These results are made even more surprising by the fact that Milan had lost a record-equalling six consecutive derbies over the last couple of years. It is worth noting, though, that both wins required dramatic late winners in games that Inter controlled for the most part.

If the Rossoneri manage to pull off another victory, this will be their first league double over Inter since 2010/11. It will also be the first time in two decades that they register three wins over their bitter rivals in the same season.

Conceição’s side yet to show consistency

Sérgio Conceição‘s side certainly displayed the grit and fighting spirit he promised in their Supercoppa triumph, but they are yet to show some much-needed consistency. They have drawn with Cagliari and lost to Juventus in Serie A, while both of their wins in the league have required late turnarounds. They suffered some more disappointment this week as a loss to Dinamo Zagreb bumped them out of the UEFA Champions League’s top eight.

Injuries and absences have obviously not helped the Rossoneri cause, and they will have to deal with some big ones tonight. New signing Kyle Walker could be in for a trial by fire as Emerson Royal picked up an injury last week while Alessandro Florenzi has been out since the start of the season. Malick Thiaw will be missed at centre-back as both he and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are contending with a hamstring injury, while Youssouf Fofana’s yellow card suspension could well force Ismaël Bennacer to complete his first full 90 of the season.

Inter’s rock-solid defence setting them up for success

Simone Inzaghi’s Inter have consistently been one of the best teams in Europe over the last couple of years. They are perhaps best known for their fluid and eye-catching attacking play, but their defensive record has been even more impressive this term.

They conceded just one goal in their eight UEFA Champions League matches despite facing the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen. In the league, their title rivals Napoli are the only team to have conceded fewer goals.

Of course, Inter also have some serious firepower up front and in the wings, while their experienced midfielders can dictate proceedings against almost any opponents. So, the Nerazzurri are as close as they come to being a complete package.

Prediction

With no noteworthy absences, a full-strength Inter should be expected to control the match and get the better of Milan by a goal or two.

(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: 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)

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