Preview

May

2025

Preview: Aston Villa need a result against Spurs

Aston Villa continue their chase for a Champions League place against out-of-sorts Spurs on Friday night.

By Ian King

Villa on the up

Aston Villa arrive for this crucial match in good form. They’ve won seven of their last eight in the League, with the only blot on that copybook being a 2-1 defeat at Manchester City which required a stoppage-time winner to secure all three points. They’re sixth and two points off a Champions League place, with two games of the season left to play.

Spurs’ form is pretty close to the inverse of this. They’ve now won just one of their last ten in the Premier League, and that was against Southampton, more than a month ago. All Spurs eyes are on the Europa League at the moment, but they arrive for this match in 17th place in the Premier League, which is… sub-optimal.

History

Villa have conceded four goals on each of the last two occasions they’ve played Spurs in the League, including a 4-1 win in the reverse of this fixture back in September. But they had won the clubs’ three previous League meetings prior to this, while they also knocked them out of the FA Cup in the Fourth Round with a 2-1 win at Villa Park in February.

Key Players

Injuries have meant that Richarlison has made just 13 appearances for Spurs this season, and nine of them have come from the bench. With just four League goals to his name all season and rumours that he could be leaving once the end finally comes around, both he and Ange Postecoglou could do with a big performance from him in this match.

Aston Villa know that a failure win this match could mean the end of their chances of repeating this season’s Champions League adventure, and Ollie Watkins has been bang on form recently, scoring in the first minute in their 4-1 thrashing of Newcastle four weeks ago and scoring the winner in their last outing versus Bournemouth. Spurs’ brittle defence may provide fertile ground for him to improve on the 16 League goals he’s already scored this season.

*Watkins’ shot map, Premier League 2024/25*

Team News

The latest Spurs injury is Dejan Kulusevski, who will now be missing the remainder of this season alongside James Maddison, Radu Drăgușin and Lucas Bergvall. For Aston Villa, Jacob Ramsey is suspended after his sending off against Bournemouth, while Marcus Rashford is unlikely to start and Youri Tielemans missed the Bournemouth match and faces a fitness test before this one.

Prediction

It’s been a desperate season in the Premier League for Spurs, and there are few reasons to believe that they’ll improve for this trip to an in-form Aston Villa. They’re currently 17th, and finishing in this position would represent their worst top flight appearance since being relegated in 1977. Villa are playing well and have the huge incentive of keeping their Champions League hopes alive with a win. I can’t see past a comfortable home win, so I’ll go 3-0 Villa and for Spurs’ agony to continue unabated.

(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.

May

2025

Preview: European finalists Chelsea and Man United clash on Friday night

Two teams with aspirations of silverware go head-to-head in a different competition entirely, one in which Chelsea still have a major objective to achieve – but Manchester United simply want to finish and forget.

By Karl Matchett

Back among the elite, somehow

Despite both these clubs having been in abysmal form across different parts of the season – especially considering the vast sums spent in the transfer market and the managerial changes they’ve both embarked upon – it seems improbable that both could play in the Champions League next season.

Yet here we are: United have their Europa League final to prepare for, while Chelsea’s focus is on Conference League success but also a top-five finish in the Premier League. At this stage it’s in their hands to do exactly that, but they can’t afford a slip-up in the final home game for their league campaign, particularly against the side in the joint-worst form in the competition.

Historically bad, recently awful

Needless to say this will be Man United’s worst Premier League finish in the modern era – 13th in 1990 was their worst finish since being relegated from the old Division One in 73/74, but 2024/25 will be levels worse than that in position terms. United can’t point to recent improvements either; over the last five league games, nobody has taken fewer points than their grand total of…one. The only potential positive to a side in such dismal form making Europe’s top competition next year may turn out to be that the side they must beat in the final – Tottenham – are in fact the only side below them in the league table who won’t be relegated.

Recent form

A defeat at Newcastle last time out was Chelsea’s first following five straight wins in all competitions. At home in the league, they are unbeaten in nine – they’ve largely come through their poor midseason run of six losses in 12 spanning December to February and home form may be the defining factor for a top-five finish. For United, it’s three wins in 11 and all three have come in Europe. Wretched league form has seen them win twice since 26th January – against two relegated sides in Ipswich and Leicester.

Team news

Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are the most notable injury absences, the latter two more problematic since Jadon Sancho is ineligible against his parent club and Nicolas Jackson is now suspended. United are missing Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt and Diogo Dalot from defence, plus Joshua Zirkzee.

Key player

Obviously Cole Palmer will be Chelsea’s main threat but given the lack of striker options they have, Pedro Neto will likely play as the No. 9 and must provide a finishing touch – he has created 45 chances and 10 big chances this term, third in the squad for both, but but manages only 0.7 shots on target and 0.13 xG per 90 in the league.

Prediction

Chelsea to get the result they need, United to get a step closer to closing this ridiculous chapter: Chelsea 2-1 Man United.

(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.

May

2025

Preview: Barcelona head across town looking to seal the title at rivals Espanyol

Hansi Flick could clinch his first LaLiga title as Barcelona manager with a derby win over Espanyol on Thursday night.

By Graham Ruthven

Title formalities

Barcelona’s thrilling 4-3 win over Real Madrid in Sunday’s Clásico will be remembered as the moment Hansi Flick’s team effectively decided this season’s title race. The Catalans could, however, make it official by beating Espanyol.

Real Madrid’s dramatic win over Mallorca on Wednesday night means that three points is all that Barcelona need to seal the deal with three games left to play, starting with tonight’s trip across town.

The last few weeks have been gruelling for Barcelona. They have beaten Real Madrid twice – once in the Copa del Rey final and once to effectively win the title – and contested a classic Champions League semi-final, losing 7-6 on aggregate to Inter Milan.

While a treble is no longer on the cards for Barca, LaLiga and the Copa del Rey would still represent a remarkable season. Flick and his players have shown themselves as the best in Spain and now it’s just about getting over the line.

Espanyol, meanwhile, need points to secure survival with Manolo’s team just five points above the relegation zone. Three consecutive defeats have raised fears that Los Periquitos could be sucked into trouble.

Key players

Javi Puado has scored more goals (11) than any other Espanyol player this season and has good reason to believe he can add to this tally against a Barcelona defence that has conceded 14 goals in five games in all competitions.

Joan García has been a standout performer for Espanyol this season and the goalkeeper, currently being tracked by big clubs in England and elsewhere, will need to find his best form against Barcelona on Thursday night. Manolo will set up his team to play in a back five to keep the opposition forward line at arm’s length as much as possible.

*García leads a number of goalkeeping metrics in LaLiga this season*

This will be a tricky task considering the firepower in the Barcelona team. Raphinha will be a threat after bagging a brace in El Clásico, taking his tally for the season to 18 league goals. Lamine Yamal is also capable producing a moment of magic at any time.

Pedri has enjoyed the best season of his Barcelona career so far, creating 65 chances in total – only Raphinha (87) has created more. At the back, the de facto champions need the likes of Pau Cubarsí and Andreas Christensen to step up to keep things tight.

Team news

Pol Lozano missed the weekend defeat to Leganés, but could return from a quad injury to feature for Espanyol in Thursday’s derby. Right back Omar El Hilali will also be recalled to the lineup following a one-match suspension.

Robert Lewandowski is expected to start on the bench as he continues his recovery from injury. Iñigo Martínez will miss the match through suspension while Jules Koundé is expected to be unavailable.

Flick faces a decision between Wojciech Szczęsny and Marc-André ter Stegen after the former was favoured for the Clásico win over Real Madrid. The Polish goalkeeper could keep his place.

Prediction

It’s a formality, surely? But perhaps Espanyol can land a few punches before Barcelona’s title procession takes over: Espanyol 2-4 Barcelona.

(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.

May

2025

Preview: Inter Miami looking to get back on track with trip to San Jose

Inter Miami travel to California for a second game in a row away to Western Conference opponents, where Lionel Messi and co. will be looking to get back to winning ways after a heavy loss at the weekend.

By James Nalton

Inter crisis?

Inter Miami were unable to build on their 4-1 win against New York Red Bulls, losing at the weekend to the same scoreline against a bustling Minnesota United side.

This latest defeat means Javier Mascherano’s side have won just three games of their last ten, and have lost four of their last five matches.

It’s clearly annoying David Beckham, who chimed in when Minnesota United, revelling in their victory, made fun of Inter Miami in an Instagram post. “Show a little respect mnufc be elegant in triumph,” Beckham replied.

Though they will be bitterly disappointed to have been knocked out of the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the recent league form is far from ideal, Inter Miami are still just four points off the top of the Eastern Conference and six off the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings with a game in hand.

Though this isn’t the kind of run that will be expected of Inter Miami, it’s not yet a crisis.

A game against the Earthquakes poses its own problems, though, and Inter Miami will still be still be without Luis Suárez for the trip to San Jose.

Messi still magic

Amid all of this, Messi still found the net against Minnesota, giving all those in Saint Paul who’d come to the game in the prominent pink “Messi 10” shirts something to enjoy.

It was a nice bit of link-up play with Jordi Alba. The left back sent a low ball in directly to Messi’s feet, and the Argentine took one touch to set himself up and another to find the far corner of the goal.

Messi created the most chances in the game with four, and his FotMob rating was level with the highest-rated Minnesota player, Robin Lod, on 8.3.

This is why, regardless of what the stats say, and regardless of form, Inter Miami are always a threat, and will remain so against San Jose.

Earthquakes attack

San Jose Earthquakes are the highest-scoring team in MLS so far this season with 26 goals in 12 games.

The Earthquakes also lead the league for xG and big chances created.

At the other end of the pitch, however, they have allowed plenty of chances and have the second-highest xG conceded in the league.

Their own Argentine attacker, Christian Espinoza, is always one of the outstanding players in MLS, regardless of San Jose’s form.

He’s created the most chances in the league this season with 44, some way ahead of second-placed Albert Rusnak of Seattle, who’s on 33.

Meanwhile, striker Cristian Arango is level with Brian White, Tai Baribo, and Hugo Cuypers at the top of the MLS goalscoring charts on eight.

Like Minnesota, they’ll also pose a set-piece threat, having scored five goals from such situations.

It should make for a high-scoring game in which Bruce Arena’s San Jose side will fancy their chances against this struggling Inter Miami defence.

Prediction

Could another disappointing defeat be on the cards for Inter Miami? A draw could be the more likely result in California, and given the way these teams are playing, a high-scoring one at that.

(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.

May

2025

Preview: Madrid host Mallorca in Carlo Ancelotti’s penultimate match at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid host Mallorca in LaLiga on Wednesday as they desperately cling on to their fading title hopes.

By Matt Smith

Throwing away a 2-0 lead against Barcelona last week summed up their campaign, and they now face a Mallorca side who are pushing to finish in the European places.

The two sides went head-to-head earlier in the campaign in the league, with Mallorca picking up an impressive point. They met again in the Super Cup back in January, but Madrid had too much for them as they ran out 3-0 winners.

The news that Carlo Ancelotti will be leaving to join the Brazilian National Team has recently emerged, so it will be interesting to see how the players react.

Team news

Madrid have a host of injury troubles to contend with heading into this one, recently naming their squad to face Mallorca. Vinícius Junior and Lucas Vázquez have recently joined a lengthy injury list, meaning Ancelotti has named a squad primarily filled with young talents with minimal experience.

Meanwhile, Abdón Prats, Robert Navarro, and Manu Morlanes are missing for the away side, while Chiquinho is a doubt.

Madrid are a little too top-heavy

Scoring goals has been no problem for Madrid this season. The addition of Kylian Mbappé has aided their production in the final third, finding the back of the net 2.1 times per game on average, with only Barcelona managing more. Defensively, however, they haven’t looked like a potential title-winning side.

Madrid have conceded 42.4 expected goals this season, more than seven other teams in the division. Letting in 1.1 goals per game, Ancelotti’s men don’t deserve to lift the title considering how Barcelona have performed, and they face an uphill task to do so from here.

Mallorca polar opposite to Madrid

Mallorca have conceded just three more goals than Madrid this season, but they find themselves sitting in ninth place. Finding the back of the net has been a major problem – the opposite to Madrid – scoring just 33 times in 35 league matches.

A win could take them into the European places, but if they fail to qualify by the end of the campaign, Jagoba Arrasate will be living to regret not getting more out of his players in the final third.

Mbappé has the pressure on his shoulders

With Vinícius and Rodrygo likely to be unavailable for the home side, the pressure will on the shoulders of Mbappé to provide the magic in attack. It’s certainly something he’s not been afraid of this season, best exemplified by his hat-trick against Barcelona last time out.

*Mbappé’s season shot map in LaLiga, 2024/25*

Despite Madrid’s struggles, Mbappé might be feeling like he could have done no more in the final third. Although winning the title is an almost impossible task, they’ll need the French international to continue performing at his best.

Prediction

Despite the injuries, there is too much on the line to predict against a victory for Ancelotti’s side. We’re going for a comfortable 3-1 victory to the home side.

(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.

May

2025

Preview: Barcelona take on Real Madrid in last Clasico of the season

Sunday’s Clásico could have a big bearing on the Spanish title race with just four points between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

By Graham Ruthven

Title decider

El Clásico is always one of football’s most consequential fixtures. Even by the usual standards of the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid, though, Sunday’s meeting has a lot riding on it.

A Barca win would essentially crown Hansi Flick’s team champions. A Real Madrid victory, however, would electrify the Spanish title race, pulling the defending champions within one point of top spot.

With just four games left of the season, there’s no margin for error. Barcelona have looked the stronger of the two teams recently, but might not be so fresh after playing 120 minutes against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Barcelona edged a thrilling Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid last month with the Catalans also overcoming their rivals in the Supercopa and the league meeting at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier this season.

Real Madrid will do everything they can to get in behind Flick’s high defensive line. Despite defeat, there were signs in the Copa final that Los Blancos have a better idea of how to exploit this space compared to earlier in the campaign when Barcelona’s offside trap troubled them so much.

In a season of blockbuster clashes between Spain’s Big Two, this match has the potential to be as meaningful as anything witnessed so far.

Key players

At the age of only 17, Lamine Yamal is arguably the best player in the world at the moment. While the teenager was kept quiet by Inter on Tuesday, he has 18 goal contributions in LaLiga this season and is capable of producing a match-winning moment at any time.

The same could be said of Raphinha who has 25 goal contributions to his name. Between the pair, Barca have wide attackers who like to cut inside and pose a goal threat in and around the penalty area.

Pedri will be the creative heart for Barcelona in the centre of the pitch with Dani Olmo and Fermín López vying to feature in midfield alongside Frenkie de Jong and Gavi. Barca will look to control things in the middle.

Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior will be a threat in behind the Barca high line with Jude Bellingham another player capable of finding the back of the net from inside the box. Fede Valverde’s energy will also be important.

Thibaut Courtois could be in for a busy afternoon, especially with so much of Real Madrid’s first-choice defence missing. Real Madrid might have to play on the edge to get the better of Barca and keep their title hopes alive.

Team news

Barcelona have several injury concerns that will shape their lineup in Saturday’s Clásico.

Indeed, Alejandro Balde is expected to miss the meeting with Real Madrid just as he did the Champions League defeat to Inter, meaning Gerard Martín will likely keep his place at left back.

Jules Koundé is another absentee through injury while Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal remain sidelined. Robert Lewandowski, however, could be fit enough to start following a period out.

Real Madrid are still extremely thin on the ground for defensive options with Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba also likely to miss Sunday’s match at Montjuïc.

Prediction

Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid, continuing Hansi Flick’s hold over Ancelotti’s Madrid this season. And to take another potentially decisive step towards the title.

(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.

May

2025

Preview: First vs. Second as Liverpool host Arsenal

For a while, the clash between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield was circled in the calendar as a potential title decider. Here we are now though, the Reds are champions and the Gunners, without really realising, find themselves in a battle to claim a Champions League place.

By Sam McGuire

The match on Sunday might not be as important as it could’ve been, but it’s still massive.

An Arsenal capitulation?

Believe it or not, Arsenal have taken just six points from their last five Premier League matches. This collapse is why Liverpool were able to claim the title with four games to spare. The Gunners just stopped putting pressure on the Reds.

As a result, Mikel Arteta’s side found themselves ninth in the form table heading in to the weekend. Their season really has fizzled out. Their title challenge ended in April. Their pursuit of Champions League glory ended in Paris on Wednesday night with a 3-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal now find themselves in a strange predicament. They start the match on Sunday two points Manchester City, after the former champions drew with Southampton on Saturday. They might also be just three points clear of Newcastle and Chelsea. They still have to face the Magpies before the season comes to an end too.

So, they went from being in a fairly comfortable position to potentially needing to win two of the next three to claim a Champions League place. Getting up for these games will be a big ask following the disappointment of losing to PSG.

Attacking myths

All you hear from Arsenal fans and pundits is that the Gunners need a striker to transform them from runners-up into champions.

But how true is that narrative?

The data seems to dispute this idea. Arteta’s side are fourth in the English top-flight for goals this term with 64. Only Liverpool (81), Newcastle (66) and Manchester City (67) have more. Yes, they’re significantly behind the champions, but they’re not far off of their other rivals.

What is interesting is when you look at their underlying numbers. Arsenal are seventh in terms of Expected Goals with 56. It highlights their creative issues rather than their inability to finish. If anything, their overperformance in finishing has saved their campaign. Adding a striker to the mix won’t help if you’re simply unable to create. They’re sixth in big chances created with 101, a stat that further backs up the idea they aren’t much of a creative threat, despite the narratives suggesting otherwise.

Arteta’s system isn’t one that gets the best out of attackers. He’s not been let down by the board not signing a striker. He’s let his attackers down by shackling them.

What reception will Alexander-Arnold get?

This is the first game for Trent Alexander-Arnold since he announced he would be leaving Liverpool on a free transfer.

The right-back is expected to join Real Madrid in July, though Los Blancos want him earlier for the Club World Cup. The England international released a video, and a statement, earlier in the week explaining it was a difficult decision and he wanted to get out of his comfort zone.

While rivals and journalists have had their say on this and believe he should be thanked for his time at the club, Liverpool fans, at least those online, feel a little differently. It’ll be interesting to see what sort of reception he will get from an Anfield crowd that will be in celebratory mode following the title win over Spurs.

In fact, it’ll be interesting to see if Arne Slot even starts the No. 66. The Dutchman might favour Conor Bradley there given he’ll likely be starting for the Reds in that role next season.

A record for Salah?

Mohamed Salah is just one goal involvement away from matching the record held by Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer. The duo lead the way with 47, though they achieved this in a 42 game campaign.

The Liverpool No. 11 is two goals off 30 for the Premier League campaign and two assists away from 20. If he does the latter, he’ll be the first player since Thierry Henry to hit 20+ goals and manage 20+ assists in a single season. Records could tumble for the soon-to-be four-time Golden Boot winner.

And he has a fairly good record against the Gunners, with a goal in each of his last three games against them and five in his last seven.

Injuries

Liverpool are still without Joe Gomez while Arsenal will be without Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz for the trip to Anfield.

Slot made changes to his starting XI for the game against Chelsea last weekend but you have to assume the Dutch tactician will go strong against Arsenal to make a statement. He’ll also want his key players in the starting XI for the guard of honour they so richly deserve.

Prediction

We’re going with a 3-1 win for Liverpool. The Reds will want to make a point and Arsenal may be feeling the effects of crashing out of the Champions League.

(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.

May

2025

Preview: Man United are back at Old Trafford for West Ham clash

Manchester United host West Ham United in the Premier League at Old Trafford just days after Ruben Amorim’s side secured their place in the Europa League final.

By Matt Smith

Both sides have little to play for in this one, but the two managers will be desperate to end the season positively after disappointing campaigns so far.

West Ham came out on top when the two sides met earlier in the campaign, with Jarrod Bowen scoring a last-minute penalty to secure the three points. Erik ten Hag was relieved of his duties the day after this particular loss, with Amorim taking over a few weeks later.

Team news

The Red Devils appear to have no fresh injury concerns after their Europa League victory over Athletic Club. Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot, and Lisandro Martínez are among those who remain on the treatment table, while Matthijs de Ligt was unavailable during the week.

Crysencio Summerville and Michail Antonio should be the only absentees for the Hammers. Graham Potter confirmed this week that Edson Álvarez would be available after missing West Ham’s previous three games.

Europa League taking focus for United

Amorim’s first Premier League campaign is virtually over, and Man United are simply playing for pride and to finish as high as possible. The Red Devils will be unable to finish in the top half, and it’s been clear that their focus has been on the Europa League, considering their domestic performances of late.

Only Southampton have picked up fewer points than United over the last five games, but the supporters might not mind if they lift the Europa League trophy. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Amorim rest some key players for this game considering the importance of saving their season in Europe.

West Ham’s issues are clear

West Ham’s primary issue this season has been finding the back of the net, and their striker situation hasn’t helped their cause. Niclas Füllkrug was signed in the summer, but he failed to hit the ground running before picking up an injury, and Antonio has missed the majority of the campaign.

Only the three relegated sides and Everton have scored fewer goals than the Hammers, which has massively contributed to a hugely disappointing season. West Ham currently sit in 17th place, but if they can solve their goalscoring issues and secure three points against the Red Devils, they could climb above them and into 14th.

Mason Mount a surprise difference-maker

It’s been a difficult start to life at Old Trafford for Mason Mount, who has struggled to make an impact, partly due to injuries but also down to a lack of contribution when fit. Arriving for big money from Chelsea, a lot of expectation was placed on Mount’s shoulders, but he’s failed to deliver so far.

That being said, over the last two games, Mount has struck three times, coming off the bench last time out to score twice. With Amorim likely to rotate his side against West Ham, Mount could continue his momentum and be the difference-maker in this one.

Prediction

Despite little to play for, Manchester United might have the edge due to their players battling for a place in the starting XI for the Europa League final. We’re going for a 2-1 win to Amorim’s side.

(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.

May

2025

Preview: Newcastle and Chelsea square off on Tyneside

With qualification for next season’s Champions League on the line, this may well be the biggest game of 2024-25 for both Newcastle and Chelsea. It’s not exactly make or break but it’s about as close as it gets.

By Alex Roberts

Newcastle are starting to stumble, losing, winning, and drawing their last three games, in that order, while Chelsea are starting to pick up a little bit of form. That famous St James’ Park crowd are needed now more than ever.

Cole Palmer is back, baby

Yes, we wrote those exact words after he scored in Chelsea’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Bournemouth earlier in the season, he then went 18 games without a goal. We were wrong, but hear us out, this time we think he really IS back.

In the 3-1 win over Liverpool, it wasn’t just his late penalty that made us realise, it was a moment before that. Palmer, running along the byline, hit the post from a tight angle, nearly catching Alisson out.

It was the type of move he was doing when he was at his best, supremely confident in his abilities. The net didn’t ripple but the glint in his eye was back. He’s still Chelsea’s best attacking threat with 15 goals and eight assists in his 34 league games. Don’t be surprised if he adds more to that.

No Joelinton, no party

The big Brazilian was a big miss in the 1-1 draw with Brighton. Newcastle have arguably the best and most balanced midfield three with him, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães roaming the pitch, when one of them are missing, it’s a little off.

Joe Willock has his qualities but as demonstrated in their previous fixture, without Joelinton’s physicality, the other two aren’t able to operate as high up the field as they would like to create.

With 59 aerial duels won, 149 recoveries, and a 61.4% tackle success rate in the Premier League this season, Joelinton’s transition into midfield is one of the great success stories. Losing him now could not have come at a worse time.

“O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?”

Speaking of deeply missed midfielders, Roméo Lavia is starting to show just how good he is at football. In the win over Liverpool, there is an argument to be made he was the best player on the pitch.

100% of his passes met their mark, 100% of his passes were completed and with six defensive actions, he hardly put a foot wrong. Of course, Enzo Maresca is right to be cautious considering his recent injury struggles, bringing him off in the 78^th minute.

It was only his 16^th game for the club, but it looked like his 100^th. It poses the question; would Chelsea have struggled if Lavia had been fit all season?

The bigger picture

Either one of Newcastle or Chelsea could lose this one and still look good for a top five finish once the season ends. Points will be dropped in the six-club race (yes, we’re including Arsenal) for a CL spot, it’s all about concentrating on your own game.

*The Premier League table going into the weekend*

No matter what happens between Villa and Bournemouth, Unai Emery’s side are unlikely to enter the top five due to their goal difference (+6). Nottingham Forest play just after this one and with one win in their last five, a visit from already-relegated Leicester could be worse.

With no relegation battle or title challenge, all the drama has come down to the race for CL qualification. No pressure lads.

Prediction

There is a lot at stake here, this will likely be one of the cagier games of the run-in. That home advantage should see Newcastle through, however. We’re going with a 2-1 win for Eddie Howe’s side.

(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.

May

2025

Preview: Inter Miami visit Minnesota United for the first time in their history

Inter Miami will be looking to build on last week’s thrashing of New York Red Bulls as they face one of the standout teams from the Western Conference, Eric Ramsay’s Minnesota United, on Saturday.

By James Nalton

Miami, Messi, and Suarez are back

Inter Miami recovered from their Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal loss to Vancouver Whitecaps and a first defeat of the MLS season against FC Dallas by defeating New York Red Bulls 4-1 last weekend.

Messi got on the scoresheet following a well-worked series of one-twos with Telasco Segovia, while Luis Suárez scored one and assisted another.

It was a more familiar look for Inter Miami after their recent struggles, and head coach Javier Mascherano will have been pleased to see Messi get back in the goals following a run of four games without a goal or assist.

Suárez’s assist in that game against the Red Bulls put him back at the top of the MLS assists charts alongside Charlotte FC’s Pep Biel on six.

The Impact of Fafà Picault

The other goal in that 4-1 win came from a more unlikely source.

After being in and out of the side at the start of the season, Fafà Picault started Inter Miami’s last two MLS games and scored in both.

The Haiti international joined from Vancouver Whitecaps ahead of the new season, and looks like he could be a more than useful piece for Mascherano’s side.

His other goal this season came off the bench in Atlanta in May to give Inter Miami a late win, but he could now be set for a more regular starting role on the wing.

Only Suárez and Messi have produced more for Inter Miami this season in terms of expected goals and assists, but on a per-90 basis, he is sandwiched between the two as the team’s second-most-productive player after Messi.

*Inter Miami Goals + Assists per 90, MLS 2025*

With Robert Taylor being traded to Austin FC at the end of last month, Inter Miami will hope Picault’s role reflects the one Taylor performed so effectively earlier on in Messi’s time with the team. So far, so good.

Minnesota United’s Impressive Start

Given the size of MLS nowadays (30 teams), teams in the Eastern and Western conferences don’t face each other every year. As this has worked out, it means this is just the second meeting between Minnesota United and Inter Miami, and the first at United’s home in Saint Paul.

Minnesota, coached by former Manchester United assistant coach Eric Ramsay, have started the season well, sitting second in the Western Conference.

Their only defeats this season came against Los Angeles FC on the opening day and against Concacaf Champions Cup finalists and Western Conference leaders, Vancouver Whitecaps, last month.

Fired on by the dual strike threat of Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi, United are a threat despite having the lowest average possession in the league.

They use counter-attacks and set-pieces to their advantage, while at the other end, goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair has the most clean sheets in the league.

United fans will be looking forward to this one, as it’s the first time they have played Miami in the era of Messi and Suárez.

Prediction

Despite Minnesota’s good defensive record, Inter Miami’s attack will be full of confidence and will be looking to continue where they left off against the Red Bulls with a win on the road.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

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