Preview

Mar

2025

Preview: England take on Latvia in Thomas Tuchel’s second Wembley test

England should be able to run up a comfortable win against a Latvia team who’ve been out of form for years.

By Ian King

The road to 2026 continues

The Tuchel Era is upon us. The new England manager kicked off his spell in charge (and bid for a place at the 2026 World Cup finals) with a workmanlike 2-0 win against Albania on Friday night. A win is a win, and the manager was forthcoming about his team’s shortcomings afterwards. Latvia started theirs with a 1-0 win in Andorra, but more broadly their form has been wretched. Andorra, the Faroe Islands, Armenia, Liechtenstein and Moldova are the only teams they’ve beaten in the last four years.

First ever meeting

This is the first time that England have ever played Latvia, whose football association was originally set up in 1922 but who had a break of 50 years before reforming in 1990 as the country gained independence from the Soviet Union. The England women’s team beat the Latvia women’s team 20-0 in 2021 in a World Cup qualifier.

Key players

If there was one thing that England were missing on Friday night it was goals, and Latvia’s lowly position should give Tuchel the opportunity to let his players run wild a little. If he starts again – and he was withdrawn against Albania – Marcus Rashford increasingly feels like a player who could really do with a goal after nine appearances for Aston Villa without one, though it should be added that he’s certainly come close and that his performances since his loan have broadly been decent.

There’s not much celebrity to be found in the Latvia team. They only have one UK-based player, and that’s defender Daniels Balodis of St Johnstone, who signed for them at the end of the January transfer window. Their top goalscorer is Jānis Ikaunieks of RFS. He’s scored 12 goals for them in 64 appearances, and he’s one of just two players in their squad to have reached double figures alongside fellow striker Vladislavs Gutkovskis, who’s scored 11 in 51.

Team News

Anthony Gordon was the player who replaced Rashford on Friday night, only to limp away himself and subsequently be withdrawn from the squad. Whether that means Rashford gets another start is open to question, but it’s hardly as though Tuchel is short of attacking options as a replacement and an opportunity may have opened up for Morgan Rogers, who was introduced at the same time as Gordon on Friday night, to be thrown into the mix. Latvia emerged from their trip to Andorra with no fresh injury concerns.

Prediction

Thomas Tuchel survived his first test as the England manager and Latvia should be more comfortable opponents than Albania were. He may choose to rest several players from that match, and as ever getting the result in the first place has to be the priority. But Latvia are ranked 140th in the current FIFA rankings while England are ranked 4th, and a 4-0 win absolutely shouldn’t be beyond the home side, and it could be more.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2025

Preview: England’s World Cup bid starts against Albania

The time has finally come. Thomas Tuchel is set to take charge of his first game as England manager. He has one mission, win a World Cup, and the journey begins with a qualifier against Albania on Friday.

By Alex Roberts

Lee Carsley, who has returned to the Under-21s, was at the helm last time the Three Lions took the field, beating the Republic of Ireland 5-0 in the UEFA Nations league, the country he represented as a player.

Albania, on the other hand, have just one win in their last five games, a 1-0 victory over Georgia, but Thomas Tuchel’s side shouldn’t underestimate the plucky Balkans.

What a week for Dan Burn

Fresh off the back of helping Newcastle beat Arne Slot’s Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, ending the club’s massive 70-year trophy drought, the 32-year-old is in line to make his England debut this international break.

Tuchel has been full of praise for the centre-back, lauding his leadership, and Burn himself is determined to make an impression, asserting that he isn’t with the side to “be a cheerleader.”

The heart of defence is one of the few positions England don’t really have a wealth of options in, but even then, Burn’s call-up came as somewhat of a surprise, especially considering Jarrad Branthwaite, who is largely considered the future in that position, was fit and available.

Tuchel isn’t there for a long time though, and Burn can definitely leave a mark.

A fine-tuned Albanian engine

Albania have a number of fairly young players that can do some serious damage to this England side, but few are quite as qualified as Inter Milan midfielder Kristjan Asllani, the engine of Sylvinho’s side.

Consistent playing time has been hard to come by in Italy, Asllani has started just six of his Serie A games, yielding a total of 599 minutes in the league. Of course, he has to compete with Nicolo Barella, and any CM in the world would find that hard.

The shackles are off when he’s with the national team, starring in Albania’s last two games against Ukraine and Czechia, even if they didn’t win. England are a different beast, but that should light a fire under him.

Hendo back in the fold

Jordan Henderson’s recall appears to be another indicator of Tuchel’s impermanence and priorities, focussing on the here and now rather than building a squad for the future. It’s not entirely different from Gareth Southgate’s approach, but completely different from Carsley’s.

The decision certainly raised some eyebrows, especially considering Henderson hasn’t exactly been a fixture for his Ajax side. To be fair to him, that’s likely due to his age rather than his ability.

The 34-year-old’s leadership was cited as the reason he was picked ahead of the likes of Adam Wharton. It’s the type of decision England fans and players are going to have to get used to. Tuchel is here for a good time not a long time.

Armando Broja’s much-needed getaway

It’s been a season to forget for the on-loan Chelsea forward. Injuries and his general fitness have been ongoing issues during his season at Everton, and in the few opportunities he’s had, he hasn’t exactly impressed.

The striker hasn’t scored a goal since 2023-24, the winner in Chelsea’s 1-0 FA Cup win over Preston. His stock is plummeting thanks to disastrous loans at Fulham and now Everton.

International football has always been a chance for players to get away, find themselves, and re-adjust. Much like a recently divorced woman who decides to travel to Asia. Broja will be hoping to channel his inner Julia Robers in Eat, Pray, Love.

*England’s last meeting with Albania, 2022 World Cup qualifying*

Prediction

Tuchel is a smart bloke, he will be looking at this game pragmatically, much like when he took over at Chelsea, he’s still figuring out what tools he’s got to work with. We’re going to go with a 2-0 England win.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2025

Preview: Inter Miami travel to Eastern Conference rivals Atlanta United

Lionel Messi is back in action ahead of Inter Miami’s trip to Atlanta on Sunday, where he could be in line to make his first MLS appearance since February.

By James Nalton

The Messi question

Lionel Messi hasn’t featured in an MLS match since February 22nd when he played the full 90 minutes in the season opener against New York City.

He has since missed the wins against Houston Dynamo and Charlotte FC, as well as the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup last 16 tie against Jamaican side Cavalier.

He did return for the second leg against Cavalier in Kingston on Thursday night, coming off the bench in the second half and scoring in the final minutes of the game to give Inter Miami a 4-0 aggregate victory.

With Miami already in charge of the tie, this could be seen as a move by head coach Javier Mascherano to get Messi back in the groove ahead of making an appearance against Atlanta United on Sunday.

An (unexpected?) resilience

Inter Miami’s recent image is one of flamboyant, big-name signings and individual star performances, but throughout their Messi-era they have also had to rely on hard-fought narrow victories.

These types of performances have been required in most games so far this season, having had a player sent off in all three of their MLS matches so far in 2025.

Two of those red cards came in the first half, but they still managed to claim points in those games — a 2-2 draw against New York City in the season opener, and a 1-0 win against Charlotte last weekend.

Mascherano is still a relative unknown quantity as a coach, but this ability to win ugly and without Messi has been promising for Miami’s chances come the playoffs at the end of the season.

Tadeo Allende’s impact

Mascherano has to take some credit for Inter Miami’s resilient start. But the team has been helped by very useful performances from some new players.

We picked out Telasco Segovia as a player to watch ahead of the game against Houston, and he has certainly lived up to that billing, scoring twice in a 4-1 win in that game, but the other standout attacker in Messi’s absence, aside from Luis Suárez, has been new signing on loan from Celta Vigo, Tadeo Allende.

The 26-year-old Argentine has scored in both his MLS starts, including netting the all-important goal in the win against Charlotte, and has also scored twice in the Champions Cup.

Playing from either flank, he has the highest average FotMob rating of any Miami player not named Messi or Suárez.

What about Atlanta?

With a new head coach, the return of a club legend, and a league record signing, Atlanta have stated their intention to challenge Inter Miami for MLS honours this season.

Ex-Celtic manager Ronny Deila arrived as the team’s new head coach having won the MLS Cup previously with New York City FC, Miguel Almirón returned to the side where he made his name before joining Newcastle, and Emmanuel Latte Lath joined from Middlesbrough for a reported £22.5m — the highest transfer fee ever paid by an MLS team.

Atlanta are still trying to get all these new parts to click and have only won one of their three games this season, but their intention of challenging at the top is clear.

Having knocked Inter Miami out of the playoffs in an upset last season, they will be looking to do something similar in 2025.

Prediction

A 2-2 draw. With no more Champions Cup games until April, Inter Miami can focus solely on MLS, but Atlanta will be up for this game, as will their fans in the Mercedes-Benz stadium, which should be rocking for such a big match.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from MLS live this season with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2025

Preview: Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester face former club Manchester United

Leicester City’s great escape must begin against Manchester United on Sunday if they are to stand any chance of avoiding relegation back to the Championship.

By Graham Ruthven

Foxes never quit

Sitting nine points from safety in the Premier League table, Leicester City can’t wait any longer to make their great escape from relegation trouble starting with this weekend’s home match against Manchester United.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team enter Sunday’s game in dreadful form. Leicester have lost their last six games in-a-row in all competitions with even bottom-of-the-table Southampton in better form than the Foxes.

However, they say ‘Foxes never quit’ at the King Power Stadium and so there remains a belief around the club that Leicester can secure their Premier League survival even if others have lost faith.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are making tentative steps forward under Rúben Amorim. Indeed, the Red Devils are unbeaten in their last three league games and are fresh from having made the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday.

Another win over Leicester this weekend would represent yet more progress for United after a big week of off-the-field news which saw the club announce plans for a new stadium.

Key players

Jamie Vardy has scored six times in 18 games against Manchester United over the course of his career and, even at the age of 38, will give Leicester threat in behind on Sunday.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid was the last player to score for Leicester, and that came against Manchester United in the FA Cup. However, the Jamaican started on the bench against Chelsea in the Foxes’ last fixture.

Van Nistelrooy needs much more out of his attacking line for Leicester to stand any chance of pulling themselves out of danger. The likes of Patson Daka, Bilal El Khannouss and Vardy must step up.

Bruno Fernandes remains United’s most consistent difference-maker, as demonstrated by his hat trick in the Europa League victory over Real Sociedad during the week. The Portuguese will be a goal threat at the King Power Stadium.

Joshua Zirkzee continues to grow in stature and is expected to start in the Manchester United forward in the number 10 position Amorim has used to get more out of the Netherlands international.

Ayden Heaven could keep his place in the lineup after impressing off the bench against Arsenal last weekend and from the start against Real Sociedad. The teenager already looks the part as a member of Amorim’s back three.

Team news

Abdul Fatawu is the only player still sidelined for Leicester City with Ricardo Pereira and Harry Souttar both available for selection again after a period out through injury. Odsonne Édouard, however, is also a doubt for the home team this weekend. Otherwise, van Nistelrooy has a full squad to choose from.

United still have a long injury list to contend with. Indeed, Amad Diallo, Lisandro Martínez, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Jonny Evans are all sidelined while Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte are all carrying knocks.

Prediction

With United enjoying a better period of late and Leicester’s problems compounded by Wolves’ win, on Saturday, which extended the gap between themselves and safety, we have to go with an away win: Leicester 0-1 Manchester United.

(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.

Mar

2025

Preview: Celtic vs. Rangers meet for final Derby of the season

Celtic can take another step towards the Scottish Premiership title with an Old Firm Derby victory over Rangers on Sunday.

By Graham Ruthven

Bragging rights

The Scottish title race is over. There was never really one in the first place. Celtic will stroll to their fourth successive Scottish Premiership title no matter what unfolds against Rangers on Sunday. Old Firm derbies, however, always matter. Rangers won’t win the title on Sunday, but they could win bragging rights, and in Scotland they’re sometimes worth more.

16 points divide Glasgow’s big two at the top of the table and not even that fully illustrates the advantage Celtic currently hold over Rangers. Brendan Rodgers’ side lost the last derby, but that was something of an anomaly. Before that, Celtic swept aside their rivals in a 3-0 victory at Celtic Park and overcame Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final.

Interim manager Barry Ferguson has been hired to point the Ibrox club in the right direction again, something he did by guiding his team past Fenerbahçe into the Europa League quarter-finals. However, 120 minutes of gruelling continental action will have taken it out of Rangers. That could be a factor on Sunday.

On the balance of what we have seen in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic should coast to three points this weekend, but as the last meeting between these two rivals showed (when Rangers won 3-0) logic doesn’t always shine through on derby day.

Key players

Celtic will look to dominate possession in the centre of the pitch meaning Callum McGregor will be a key figure for the home team. Reo Hatate will also give the Hoops creativity in midfield with Arne Engels expected to complete the central unit.

Daizen Maeda will lead the line for Celtic with the Japanese forward frequently a thorn in the side of James Tavernier. Rodgers could opt for Adam Idah as a more orthodox centre forward, but Maeda’s pace gives Celtic a different dimension in the final third.

At the back, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty will give Celtic a sound defensive foundation with Alistair Johnston a funnel into the attack down the right side.

Rangers’ strategy could see them play on the break like they did to great effect in the away victory over Fenerbahçe last week. This would put the onus on Václav Cerny and Cyriel Dessers to carry the attack in open space.

There will be pressure on the likes of Jack Butland and John Souttar in front of him to keep the Celtic forward line at arm’s length. Meanwhile, Tavernier is always a threat from set pieces.

Team news

Both Celtic and Rangers will have a relatively clean bill of health for Sunday’s Old Firm Derby.

Paulo Bernardo and James Forrest are both injury doubts for Celtic while Robin Propper is also carrying a knock for Rangers although it’s not known yet if the latter will have any fresh injuries after Thursday’s penalty shootout win over Fenerbahçe.

Rodgers’ biggest decision concerns who will start for Celtic at left back although Jeffrey Schlupp appears to have the edge over Greg Taylor at the moment.

Prediction

Celtic need less than a handful of wins to confirm the title, so a victory here, against the only side who can mathematically catch them would virtually secure that fourth straight league triumph. For that reason, we think Celtic will be going all out for the win: Celtic 2-0 Rangers.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2025

Preview: London rivals meet in top four clash as Arsenal host Chelsea

Arsenal should have enough about them to see off an injury-ravaged Chelsea.

By Ian King

Out of sorts in the league?

It was all so different for Arsenal at the start of February, basking in the glow of a 5-1 win against Manchester City which seemed to make a mockery of all that talk about how they should have signed a striker in the January transfer window.

But that was then. Arsenal have won one of the Premier League matches they’ve played since (and that was away to The Free-Fallin’ Leicester City), and they’ve failed to win their last three, scoring one goal in the process.

Chelsea also recently had a run of one win in four games but they’ve picked up in their last two, although the fact that these came against Leicester and Southampton casts doubt over whether this can realistically be called a ‘revival’ or not just yet.

Recent H2H not good viewing for the Blues

Chelsea’s record in this fixture in recent years has been pretty terrible. The two clubs have met eleven times over the last five years and Chelsea have only won once. Earlier this season they drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea supporters looking for something positive to bring into this game can hold onto the fact that they have the biggest win in this fixture, a 6-0 rout at Stamford Bridge back in March 2014.

Key players

Arsenal’s only goalscorer over their last three Premier League matches has been Declan Rice, who scored an outstanding equaliser at Old Trafford last weekend. There are still goals to be found from midfield if the attacking players are struggling. For Chelsea, Cole Palmer has been going through a bit of a dip of late, best evidenced by his recent penalty miss against Leicester. Chelsea need him firing on all cylinders if they’re to get much from this match.

Team News

A 7-1 win in the first leg of their Champions League tie against PSV afforded Mikel Arteta the luxury of making seven players from the team that drew at Manchester United last weekend. Expect the majority of them to return.

Arsenal have no fresh injuries, but their list of long-term absentees was already long enough. Gabriel Martinelli was on the bench at Old Trafford last weekend but could start this one. Raheem Sterling is ineligible to play against his former club.

Marc Guiu, Nicolas Jackson and Chukwunonso Madueke will all be missing for Chelsea. Reece James and Cole Palmer have both been ill, while Malo Gusto picked up a slight injury but could also be in their squad. Romeo Lavia’s return from injury is also due soon.

Prediction

With Manchester City stumbling at Nottingham Forest last weekend Chelsea clambered up to fourth spot in the Premier League, but whether they can stay there is another matter. Arsenal should probably give up on hoping that Liverpool completely implode at the very top of the table, though they do need to just keep grinding out those wins. This one may not be a classic, but I’d still favour a narrow 2-1 win to Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2025

Preview: Atlético Madrid and Barcelona return focus to LaLiga

Just one point separates third-placed Atlético Madrid from league leaders Barcelona before they do battle in the last LaLiga fixture before the final international break of the season.

By Neel Shelat

No time for Atlético to lick their wounds after midweek heartbreak

Atlético Madrid suffered yet another Champions League defeat to crosstown rivals Real Madrid in particularly heartbreaking fashion on Wednesday night. After a spirited performance at the Metropolitano to win 1-0 on the night and take the tie to extra time and penalties, a cruel twist of fate saw Julián Alvarez slip just as he took his shot. Although the ball went in, VAR noticed a minute double-touch and had to classify the effort as a miss. Marcos Llorente failed to hit the target when he later had the chance to level it up, and Jan Oblak could not keep out Antonio Rüdiger’s winner despite getting the best part of a hand to it. Once again, it was just not meant to be for Atléti in the Euroderbi.

But, such is the nature of the elite level of football that they have no time to dwell on what might have been. Diego Simeone was seen encouraging his players and rallying the crowd to get behind them post-match, so he surely understands the importance of staying motivated and fighting tooth and nail until the very end.

Atlético making the Metropolitano a fortress

Indeed, Atlético Madrid have built much of their success so far this season on home turf. They are on a 13-match unbeaten run at the Metropolitano that stretches back to last November, with results including wins against tough opponents such as Bayer Leverkusen and Athletic Club. In fact, Atléti are the only team to remain unbeaten at home in the current LaLiga season.

Barcelona stand in Atléti’s way for both domestic titles

Atlético Madrid can now only compete for the league and cup, where Real could well dash their hopes again. First up, though, Los Colchoneros must overcome Barcelona in both competitions. They have already defeated the Catalans in the reverse league fixture with a dramatic stoppage-time winner that propelled them to the top of the standings at the turn of the year. They put up another late show last month to draw 4-4 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, which will be decisively settled early next month.

A clash of different tactical styles

Atlético Madrid and Barcelona are sure to adopt very different approaches in this match, just as they have done all season. The hosts’ gameplan is sure to centre around defensive solidity and keeping things tight at the back, whereas Hansi Flick’s side will be much more attack-minded and take bigger risks along the way.

Their two previous encounters this season showed just how differently their matches can turn out. We could very easily get a high-scoring thriller if Atléti are forced out of their shell, but a much quieter game with a couple of decisive moments is just as likely.

Prediction

Only one side has scored in these teams’ last five meetings at the Metropolitano, but that streak could well end on Sunday. The score could be almost anything, but we’ll go for a 2-2 draw.

(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.

Mar

2025

Preview: Liverpool meet Newcastle United in League Cup Final

The first piece of silverware of the season is up for grabs as Wembley plays host to Newcastle United and Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

By Sam McGuire

For the Reds, it is an opportunity to lift this trophy for the third time in four seasons. For the Magpies, famously, it’s a chance for them to win their first piece of domestic silverware since 1955.

Does momentum matter?

Newcastle warmed up for this cup final with a 1-0 win over West Ham United on Monday night. Bruno Guimarães scored just after the hour mark to move the Magpies up from 9th into sixth spot in the Premier League. They’re now level on points with fifth placed Manchester City and just two points off of Chelsea, the team currently in possession of the final Champions League position.

The win was just their second in five matches. During this run, they’ve lost to Manchester City (4-0), Liverpool (2-0) and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton (2-1).

They haven’t been in the greatest form.

Liverpool, meanwhile, had won four on the spin heading into their second-leg Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. They’ve extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 15 points during this run. But a penalty shootout loss to the French champions ended any hopes of a treble this term for the Reds.

It’ll be interesting to see how they react to this hammer blow.

History paints this fixture as very one-sided

The last time Newcastle United defeated Liverpool was in December 2015. Gini Wijnaldum scored for the Magpies in a 2-0 win. Since then, the Reds are on a 17-match unbeaten run against Sunday’s opponents.

Form goes out of the window in these games. Does history, though?

A final is a one-off event. Nothing should matter, yet we’ve seen it countless times in the past. Unbeaten runs remain intact because of the psychology of the situation rather than anything else. Eddie Howe hasn’t beaten Liverpool as Newcastle United manager. They’ve lost a variety of different ways too, including a smash and grab at St James’ Park last season when Darwin Núñez netted twice late on to stun the hosts. They were outplayed at Anfield last month.

Liverpool find ways to avoid defeat against the Magpies. Newcastle find ways to avoid beating the Reds. Will it continue?

*The last league meeting between the two sides*

Arne Slot versus Eddie Howe

Slot guided Feyenoord to their first KNVB Cup success since 2018 last season as they beat NEC 1-0 in the final. The Rotterdam-based club won the Eredivisie the season prior.

The Dutch tactician knows what it takes to win and that knowledge, insight, and winning mentality can be massive in these fixtures.

Howe, meanwhile, has been in this sort of high-pressure situation on just one other occasion during his managerial career. He guided Newcastle to the Carabao Cup final during the 2022/23 campaign, losing 2-0 to Manchester United in the final.

The Magpies also finished bottom of their Champions League group last season. It isn’t a dig at Howe either. He’s just not done exceptionally well in these big moments as manager of the North East club. Again, this could be a sticking point on Sunday.

*Eddie Howe’s Newcastle record and coaching summary*

How are the squads looking?

Liverpool are still without defensive duo Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez. Ibrahima Konaté and Trent Alexander-Arnold hobbled off against PSG in midweek and could miss the game. This means Jarell Quansah will likely start at right-back with Wataru Endo at centre-back.

Howe is without the suspended Anthony Gordon while Lewis Hall and Sven Botman miss out with injuries. It means three of his best XI are missing for the final. They’re also without captain Jamal Lascelles.

Prediction

It’ll be a tight game but Liverpool should have the experience, as well as the squad depth, to get over the line here and deliver Slot’s first piece of silverware as manager. We’re going with a 2-1 win for the Reds.

(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.

Mar

2025

Preview: Villarreal entertain Real Madrid at the Ceramica

Real Madrid travel to Villarreal in LaLiga just days after their thrilling encounter with Madrid rivals Atlético in the Champions League. Extra-time and penalties were needed to separate the two teams, and Villarreal will be hoping to take advantage of some tired legs in this one.

By Matt Smith

Those who are neutral and planning on tuning in to this one will be desperate to see a repeat of this same fixture last season. A 4-4 draw was played out on Villarreal’s home turf back in May last year, with all the goals coming within the first 56 minutes. Madrid did, however, win the most recent meeting, securing a 2-0 victory at home earlier this season.

*The corresponding fixture last season!*

Team News

A little rotation wouldn’t be a surprise for Madrid in this one considering they played 120 minutes on Wednesday evening. In terms of injuries, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Dani Ceballos, and Ferland Mendy are all unavailable for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Kiko Femenía, Ilias Akhomach, and Gerard Moreno were all out injured in Villarreal’s previous match, and they are unlikely to return to face Madrid this weekend.

Villarreal need to bounce back

Villarreal have been in impressive form as they continue to push for the Champions League places. Marcelino’s side were previously unbeaten in six games, but then suffered a disappointing defeat away to relegation-threatened Deportivo Alavés last time out.

*Momentum chart from Villarreal’s frustrating defeat at Alavés*

Alavés ended the game with nine men, but Villarreal couldn’t find a way through as they succumbed to a 1-0 loss. Ignoring Barcelona and Real Madrid, Villarreal have created more big chances, expected goals (xG), and scored more goals than any other side in LaLiga this season.

Inconsistency growing for Madrid

Competing in multiple competitions could be taking its toll on Madrid when it comes to their league form. Ancelotti’s men have won just twice in their last five fixtures in the league, with Barcelona sitting a place above them going in to the weekend.

Madrid are frightening going forward when Ancelotti is able to play his best side, creating 53.3 expected goals in 27 league games so far this season. A win could see Madrid climb above Barcelona if the Catalan outfit lose or draw, but Hansi Flick’s side will still have a game in hand.

Mbappé the difference-maker

It’s been an impressive start to life in Madrid for Kylian Mbappé, providing 21 goals and assists in LaLiga this term. The French forward has been in unstoppable form since the turn of the year, domestically speaking, only failing to provide a goal contribution in three matches in 2025.

Madrid’s front four of Vinicíus Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Mbappé is up there with the best in the world at the moment, and Villarreal are going to have to be at their best to keep them quiet if Ancelotti starts the quartet once again.

Prediction

Tired legs could creep in with Madrid playing midweek and Villarreal having seven days rest, but Ancelotti’s men are in a seriously competitive race for the title.

We’re going for a 2-1 victory for Madrid in what will be a tight encounter.

(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.

Mar

2025

Preview: Manchester City and Brighton meet in pivotal clash at the Etihad

In-form Brighton have it in them to cause an upset away to an inconsistent Manchester City.

By Ian King

Seagulls soaring

Brighton arrive in Manchester for this match in excellent form, with four straight wins in the Premier League and a place in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals having been booked with an impressive win away to Newcastle United. Manchester City, meanwhile, have become the Premier League’s least consistent team, having alternated between winning and losing over their last five matches in the league.

Brighton looking for first win at City

That Brighton beat City 2-1 at The Amex earlier this season was a rare occurrence. The two clubs have met 16 times since Abu Dhabi bought City, and this was only Brighton’s second win. Their only other against them came at the end of the 2020/21 season when they beat them 3-2 at The Amex. Prior to that, their last League win came back in April 1989. Brighton have never won an away match against Manchester City.

Key players

The issue with playing against Brighton is that their goals can come from so many different sources. João Pedro has scored in his last three games, but there’s also Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck, Yankuba Minteh and Georginio Rutter to have to deal with. If Manchester City are to go on the front foot, the involvement of Omar Marmoush could be crucial. He was highly impressive in scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle last month but hasn’t scored since.

Team News

Well, at least there haven’t been any additions to the Manchester City walking wounded. Rodri, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Manuel Akaji and Oscar Bobb all remain on the long-term injured list. Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovačić and Omar Marmoush did not start their 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest, though they could feature this time around.

Brighton have an even lengthier injury list. Joel Veltman should return soon but may not be ready in time for this one, while the same goes for Lewis Dunk and Matthew O’Riley. Any or all of those three could be called up for this one. Igor Junior, James Milner, Ferdi Kadıoğlu and Jason Steele are longer-term injuries.

Prediction

There are many conflicting factors which make trying to make a prediction for this match feel like peering through a particularly thick fog. There’s Manchester City’s inconsistency over recent matches, and the fug they’ve been in all season regardless. There’s Brighton’s abysmal record at The Etihad; it’s worth pointing out at this juncture that not only have Brighton never won away there, but they’ve never drawn there either.

And then there’s the fact that although they’ve been impressive in their last five games, Brighton do have that hint of the unpredictable about them. Their last defeat prior to the start of their recent little run was that 7-0 routing at Nottingham Forest. But Brighton are only a point behind City, and even the lengthiest runs without a win will end some time. So I’m going for a 3-2 Brighton win, though the score could be more unlikely even than this.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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