Preview

Mar

2025

Preview: Inter Miami return to action vs. Philadelphia

Inter Miami get back to it against Philadelphia Union having been one of only two MLS teams not to play during the international break. Will Lionel Messi be rested and recovered enough to feature as they face the league leaders?

By James Nalton

An international break for Inter Miami but not for MLS

Inter Miami, along with their would-be opponent that week, New England Revolution, were spared from playing during the international break while all other MLS teams did.

This means they have played one game less than the rest of the league, but despite that are still just two points off the top of the table.

Inter Miami’s ability to keep up with the other teams while balancing games in the Concacaf Champions Cup, playing a good chunk of the season down to ten men, and the absence of Messi for several games is a good sign as they look to retain their Supporters’ Shield trophy and finish top of the overall MLS standings once again.

This weekend’s opponents will be a good test of this, as they have already threatened to be one of Miami’s challengers at the top of the table.

Philadelphia Union’s impressive start

Philadelphia Union have just entered their first season since 2014 without Jim Curtin as their head coach at the start of it.

Former St. Louis City coach Bradley Carnell took over ahead of the new campaign and has the team playing their brand of pressing football with renewed vigour.

They shot to the top of the Eastern Conference thanks to the goals of Tai Baribo and the creativity of left-back Kai Wagner, along with the team ethic instilled by Curtin and continued by Carnell.

Only Columbus Crew have won possession in the final third more than the Union, and they the highest FotMob rating in the league so far in 2025.

If Carnell’s side click, they could cause problems for Miami in and out of possession.

See Messi Play?

It’s becoming a regular section in these previews. Will Messi play?

Messi didn’t make the Argentina squad for this international break after picking up a groin injury in Inter Miami’s game against Atlanta the week before.

He’s been back in training, but not fully and has clearly been nursing the injury.

It would be a surprise to see him miss international duty and play so soon after, and there’s a chance the club are eyeing one of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal legs against LAFC for his return.

*Top FotMob average ratings in MLS, Messi and Wagner in the top three*

The Champions Cup balancing act

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has done well to balance his squad and manage early season progress in two competitions.

However, Concacaf’s Champions League and Copa Libertadores equivalent, the Champions Cup, has now reached the quarterfinals stage, where Inter Miami will face one of the strongest continental teams in MLS, Los Angeles FC.

LAFC have qualified for the Champions Cup twice in the last five seasons and finished as runners-up on both occasions.

It will be a big test for Mascherano’s team, and if they are prioritising continental progress early in the season, then this could affect their lineup for the game against Philadelphia.

Prediction

Union have won all three of their road games this season, and if Tai Baribo continues his goal-scoring form, they could cause an upset and head back to Pennsylvania with a memorable 2-1 victory.

(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: Barcelona play rearranged fixture vs. Osasuna

Barcelona host Osasuna on Thursday evening in a highly controversial fixture that has prompted anger from both clubs.

By Graham Ruthven

Playing catch-up

This fixture was originally postponed earlier this month due to the death of Barca team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.

The rearranged fixture was therefore always likely to congest the schedule for both teams, but neither are happy with the game being played so close to the international window when some players won’t be long back from national team duty.

Barca and Osasuna both failed in their appeals for the fixture to be moved, meaning the two teams faced the prospect of two games in just four days – Barcelona play Girona on Sunday with Osasuna up against Athletic Club.

Despite the scheduling controversy, Barca start the final stretch of the club season in excellent shape. They have won their last seven league games in succession and sit top of LaLiga. The Catalans are title favourites at this point.

For Osasuna, though, the hope is that the international break gave them the opportunity to reset after a six-game winless run across all competitions.

While Vicente Moreno’s team have a six-point cushion on the relegation places, they must find form quickly to avoid being sucked into trouble near the foot of the table.

Key players

For club and country, Lamine Yamal is the brightest spark on the pitch. He proved this by scoring a crucial goal for Spain in their UEFA Nations League win over the Netherlands. The teenager will likely be Barca’s main threat against Osasuna too.

Nobody has scored more goals for Barcelona this season than Robert Lewandowski and the Polish striker is expected to lead the line for the Catalans on Thursday, although Ferran Torres could be a rotational option.

*Barcelona’s top scorers in LaLiga, 2024/25*

Pedri and Gavi will control the game in central midfield with Frenkie de Jong currently in good form as the midfielder who gives Barcelona a different dimension due to his eye-catching dribbling ability.

Osasuna have already beaten Barca once this season and will look to recycle the game plan that worked back in September by exploiting the Catalans’ high defensive line.

Ante Budimir netted in that match, and has 15 goals to his name in LaLiga this season. The Croatian will pose a threat once more at Montjuïc with Rubén García and Aimar Oroz two others to keep an eye on.

Team news

Ronald Araújo and Raphinha are expected to be back in the Barcelona squad, but after playing for Uruguay and Brazil respectively on Tuesday night it’s possible both players could start Thursday night’s game on the bench.

Pau Cubarsí is a doubt after picking up an ankle injury while playing for Spain in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. However, Iñigo Martínez is back in training after recovering from a knee issue.

Osasuna will be without Bryan Zaragoza after the on-loan Bayern Munich winger was forced off against Getafe before the international break.

Lucas Torro will serve a suspension while Enzo Boyomo will be in the same situation as Araújo and Raphinha having played for Cameroon earlier this week.

Prediction

We’re expecting Barca to head in to the weekend with a three point advantage at the top of LaLiga, winning this game with a minimum of fuss, despite all the noise pre-match: Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna

(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: Argentina face Brazil in the Superclasico

South America’s two biggest footballing nations face off in the World Cup qualifiers for the first time since 2023. Argentina are without the great man himself, Lionel Messi, but Brazil are struggling to convince.

By Alex Roberts

Last week, Lionel Scaloni’s side came out 1-0 winners in their previous qualifier against Uruguay

thanks to a 68^th minute goal from Lyon’s Thiago Almada, keeping them at the summit of the CONMEBOL table.

It was a mixture of magic and luck that spared Brazilian blushes in their 2-1 win over Colombia. Deep in to stoppage time, Vinícius Júnior struck a hopeful shot from around 20 yards out, it took a deflection off Jefferson Lerma and ended up in the back of the net.

*The top six qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with the 7th placed team entering the intercontinental playoff*

The elephant in the room

Argentina have plenty of attacking talent, but a lack of Messi would be detrimental for any club or international side, no matter his age. He was ruled out of this one after picking up a groin injury during Inter Miami’s 2-1 MLS win over Atlanta United.

With Lautaro Martínez a major doubt, having missed the win over Uruguay with a hamstring issue, Julián Alvarez has been given the opportunity to be Argentina’s main attacking threat for this international break.

He impressed last time out, providing the assist for Almada’s winner. Messi won’t be there forever, and it will take more than one player to replace him, but Alvarez has it in him to become a major player for the World Cup holders.

Blocking out the haters

Brazil boss Dorival Júnior has had plenty of critics, most notably from the likes of Ronaldinho, but he was bullish after their win over Colombia, saying “time puts everyone in their place.”

Dorival’s side were undoubtedly better than Colombia in their game, but they didn’t exactly dominate. An early penalty and some Vini Jr. magic have done little to calm the voices of discontent, and Argentina are a different beast all together.

It would take a monumentally huge collapse for the five-time World Champions to not qualify for the 2026 tournament, they currently sit third with 21 points from their 13 games.

It’s what they’ll do when they get there that has people concerned.

Argentina’s new generation

Scaloni appears to be looking to the future, calling Bologna duo Santiago Castro and Benjamín Domínquez up to the senior team for the first time in their young careers. Neither have made an appearance… yet, but the chance to train at the highest level is just as important.

Como wonderkid Nico Paz received the call last year, providing an assist in Argentina’s 6-0 win over Bolivia. Like the other two, opportunities have been hard to come by, but time is on his side.

Whether any of them feature against Brazil is the big question. Their inclusion proves Scaloni know he can’t rely on the old guard for much longer. Their win in Qatar proved how close-knit the side were, taking time over any potential rebuild may not be such a bad thing.

Raphinha is a new man

Few could have predicted the season Raphinha would have. He’s been tearing it up for Hansi Flick’s free-scoring Barcelona side, and that incredible form is translating on the international stage too.

He was the man of the match in the win over Colombia, and he’s Brazil’s top goal scorer and assist provider in their qualification campaign so far. Dorival Júnior isn’t exactly known for the Joga Bonito that made Brazil virtually invincible in the early 2000s, but he’s given the former Leeds man a chance to shine.

Argentina’s defence is aging, they still have Nicolás Otamendi knocking about. Of course, experience is important, but having Raphinha running at you in the form he’s in would be a test for the very best.

Prediction

Matches between these two countries are usually a lot cagier than many may think, it’s a massive rivalry and neither side ever wants to lose. That being said, we reckon this one will be a 1-1 draw.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

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)

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