The Pulse of Football

Mar

2026

Donyell Malen is busy solving Roma’s attacking issues

Donyell Malen has given Roma a different dimension since making the January move to the Stadio Olimpico from Aston Villa.

By Graham Ruthven

It took Donyell Malen just 26 minutes of his Roma debut to score his first goal for the Giallorossi and he hasn’t stopped scoring since. The Dutch forward has notched six goals in eight games for his new team, filling something of a problem position for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

Many expected Evan Ferguson to be an instant hit in the Italian capital. While the Irish forward had lost his way at Brighton, paying for a series of injuries over successive seasons, Roma appeared to be a good fit for a striker not so long ago considered one of the Premier League’s best attacking prospects.

Gasperini, however, was scathing in his assessment of Ferguson. “He isn’t convincing,” said the veteran coach who recognised the need for a new forward heading into the January transfer window. Artem Dovbyk also failed to deliver despite costing €38m only two summers ago.

In Malen, though, Roma found the perfect addition to supercharge their attack for the second half of the season. Signed from Aston Villa on loan, Malen was a low-risk addition that covered Roma both ways. An obligation to buy for €25m will only be activated if Roma qualify for the Champions League or Europa League.

Malen has changed the dynamic of Roma in the final third of the pitch. With Ferguson as their starting number nine, the Giallorossi had to play into the Irishman. Roma had to get players around Ferguson to make the most of him as a focal point. He required service in and around the penalty box.

As someone who plays on the shoulder of the last defender, Malen is a very different sort of forward. He is someone who wants to get in behind, as has already done multiple times since joining Roma – see the Dutchman’s goal in the recent 3-3 draw against Juventus. This has completely changed the profile of their attack.

At their best, Gasperini’s Atalanta were one of the most dynamic teams anywhere in Europe. They attacked open space at speed and could hurt even the strongest of opponents, as Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen found out by losing the Europa League final 3-0 to Atalanta when they hadn’t lost a single Bundesliga game that season.

While progress under Gasperini has been slow for Roma, the 68-year-old is putting his stamp on the team. Wesley has been a hit since joining from Flamengo last summer, giving the Giallorossi the mobile wing back they required on the left side to make Gasperini’s system work. His strike against Juve was one of the highlights of the season so far.

Manu Koné is another player flourishing under Gasperini. Indeed, the 24-year-old is operating at such a level many expect him to be called up by France manager Didier Deschamps for the World Cup. Koné is the sort of two-way central midfield his club and country requires right now. He will be key for Roma in their Europa League run.

There could be further remodelling this summer when Paulo Dybala is out of contract. While the Argentine remains a fans favourite at the Stadio Olimpico, there is a growing recognition that Roma could be getting more for the money (€8m-a-season) they are paying for a player who spends just as much time in the treatment room as on the pitch.

*Malen’s attacking numbers per 90 in Serie A*

Some have questioned if Malen could ultimately become a winger for Roma if they can find another new forward to replace Dybala. His pace and willingness to drive forward with the ball at his feet could be useful in a wide position, but Gasperini has been quick to quash this notion.

“I hope not,” said the Roma manager when asked if Malen could settle into a wide role beyond this season. “In my ideal world he gets to play at centre-forward, with the rest of the team set up to exploit his qualities. He has the versatility to play out wide, but you make the most of him inside the area.”

Currently sitting fifth in the Serie A table, Roma still have some work ahead of them to qualify for next season’s Champions League. On recent form, Como might be a better bet to pull up a chair at European football’s top table with Cesc Fàbregas’ side on an impressive winning run of three games.

With Malen now in the team, though, Roma could be genuine challengers for the Europa League. Thursday’s all-Serie A last 16 tie against Bologna will be a litmus test of whether Gasperini’s side are ready to win the trophy that evaded the Giallorossi three years ago when they lost to Sevilla in the final. Malen could provide the goals to make amends.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every Roma game on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

Nathan De Cat: The next big thing out of Belgium

It may be hard for fans to admit, but Belgium’s golden generation is over. They had a good run, third place in the 2018 World Cup is a proud moment, but now it’s time to let the kids take it from here.

By Alex Roberts

Belgium is filled with some of the best academies in Europe. Club Brugge, Genk, and of course, Anderlecht, have all produced players that changed the game, and they aren’t showing signs of letting up any time soon.

These clubs have always been sure to have a clear pathway for exceptional talents, Anderlecht’s Nathan De Cat is the latest, and arguably the most impressive in years, to take advantage of that opportunity.

*De Cat’s player traits comparison with other midfielders playing at a similar level*

His club may no longer be the dominant force in Belgian football, but De Cat is certainly a dominant force on the pitch, despite being only 17 years old, establishing himself as one of the first names on Jérémy Taravel’s team sheet.

De Cat has played most of his incredibly short career as a defensive midfielder. He’s not a Sergio Busquets, constantly scanning, playing short one-touch passes, nor is he an N’Golo Kante, relying on remarkable game reading to intercept and cover every blade of grass.

He’s strong standing at a healthy 6’4”, hard to dispossess and beat in duels, on the ground or the air, making him a calming presence for teammates, using subtle body movements and sharp turns to get out of trouble.

We hate to say ‘he’s mature for his age’, but he is. De Cat has a varied passing range, he doesn’t want to play side and backwards passes, he wants to take risks, playing balls over the top and diagonally creating space for teammates.

*De Cat’s passing stats in the Pro League*

Of course, he’s not the complete package. De Cat’s progressive dribbling leaves a lot to be desired; he’s only completed 11 so far this season at a success rate of 39.3%. In his defence, not many sides want their defensive midfielders to be running about too much.

He the metronome, an anchor, building a foundation that allows Anderlecht’s more expressive players to do their thing. Well, up until recently anyway, in recent weeks, he’s been handed a slightly different role.

See, it’s been a weird season for Anderlecht. They started 2025/26 with Besnik Hasi in charge, but he was given his marching orders in February, ending his 11-month tenure. They collected just five points from their final seven league games together, and after a couple of ‘crisis meetings’ the call was made.

Edward Still, brother of former Southampton boss Will, was then handed the job on an interim basis. He lost his single game in charge, a 1-0 defeat to Royal Antwerp in the Cup semi-final before leaving and becoming the latest in a long, long line of Watford mangers.

Taravel was handed his first managerial job shortly after, despite not possessing a UEFA Pro Licence, which is a requirement for head coaches in Belgium. It’s been a point of contention.

Anderlecht were originally told they must hire a manager with the qualification before April 10^th, but it has since been reported he will be able to remain in the position for the rest of the season.

Anyway, no more admin. Taravel has had five games in charge, and it’s coincided with De Cat’s best form in front of goal for Anderlecht, with two goals and four assists in that time as his new manager plays him higher up the pitch.

In their 4-0 win over Royal Antwerp in the second leg of their Cup semi-final, De Cat played out on the left wing. The out of the box decision paid off after just 52 seconds when his absolutely exquisite cross landed directly on the head of Nathan Saliba.

De Cat was a constant threat; Royal Antwerp’s defenders simply didn’t know how to handle his physicality out wide. He ended up getting his goal just before the break, a half volley from just outside the box. In all honesty, the ‘keeper could have probably done better.

He was placed back into central midfield for the next games against RAAL La Louviere and Zulte Waregem but still spent a lot of his time out on the left, particularly in the latter, when he managed to provide two more assists.

His first came from his incredible ability to read the game, reaching it just before the opposition defender and threading Thorgan Hazard through. Hazard still had plenty to do, but his low drive was just about enough to beat Brent Gabriel in goal.

De Cat’s physicality created his second assist. We really shouldn’t forget just how big he is, and again, using his strength this time, he just about beat his challenger to the ball inside the box passing it to Hazard, who bagged his second of the night.

Clearly keen to have De Cat affecting the game a little further up the pitch, Taravel has played De Cat in the number ten over his last two games, and it’s paying off. The youngster opened the scoring in their 2-2 draw against rivals Club Brugge.

It simply wasn’t the type of finish you’d expect from a defensive midfielder. De Cat was instinctive, passing the ball into the back of the net without even taking a touch to set himself. It was confident, clinical, and intentional.

A lot of it could simply be down to the fact that he’s a bit of an unknown quantity in the final third. Opposition defenders just aren’t used to having to deal with a playmaker of his size and stature. Either way, De Cat’s game is evolving and he’s making himself an even more enticing prospect to Europe’s elite.

It’s looking increasingly likely that they’ll come sniffing in the summer. Bayern Munich have been linked as they look for a successor to Leon Goretzka, while rivals Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen.

Of course, Premier League sides will come sniffing, but he’s still so young, remaining in Belgium for the next couple of years may be the best course of action. The country that has produced some of the best players we’ve seen over the past ten years may well have done it again.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Belgian football on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings, where available. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

Joao Pedro has become the main man for Rosenior’s Chelsea

Chelsea’s scattergun approach in the transfer market is often ridiculed but they’re playing the odds. Sign enough players in one window and one of them is bound to deliver. During the 2023/24 season, Cole Palmer proved to be the bargain buy for the Blues. This season, that title belongs to João Pedro.

By Sam McGuire

The Blues spent over £300million during the summer transfer window, signing the likes of Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap and Jorrel Hato. Another squad overhaul coupled with a number of clubs investing heavily in attackers meant Pedro’s arrival from Brighton went a little under the radar.

Courted by Newcastle United and a one-time Liverpool transfer target, the Brazilian attacker moved to Stamford Bridge for an initial £55million. Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, Victor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško all had transfer fees that eclipsed that. In a grossly inflated market, Chelsea, incredibly, managed to find a value for money forward.

What makes this deal even more impressive is that few had the six-cap international down as a stone cold, ruthless No. 9. He seemed to fall into the Roberto Firmino category. Yes, he was a centre-forward but he wasn’t necessarily in the team to score goals. He’d, of course, find the back of the net but he was by no means a 20-goal per season attacker.

His highest return in the league arrived for Watford during a stint in the Championship when he netted 11 goals. He did score 20 for Brighton across all competitions during his debut campaign at the Amex but 10 arrived via the penalty spot.

During his last season with the Seagulls, he scored 10 goals but chipped in with six assists in the Premier League. That was Pedro in a nutshell. His game wasn’t centred on goals. He could be a facilitator. He could drop deeper and link play. He was more of a 9.5 than he was a pure, out and out No. 9.

Or so we thought.

This term, the 24-year-old has taken his game to another level. His treble against Aston Villa in his last Premier League outing means he’s on a career high 14 league goals. Only Erling Haaland (22), Igor Thiago (18) and Antoine Semenyo (15) have more to their name in the English top-flight.

*João Pedro’s shot map in the Premier League this season*

Pedro leads the way for goals scored amongst the Chelsea squad and he ranks first for assists too with five. He’s on 19 goal involvements in the league and has 18 goals to his name across all competitions. Unless there’s an extreme drop-off between now and the end of the season, he’s going to eclipse the 20 he scored for Brighton.

Only Moisés Caicedo, a £100million signing, and Palmer (both on 7.3) have a higher average FotMob rating this season than Pedro (7.28). The No. 20 has made himself right at home in Chelsea’s ever changing squad.

He’s showing he can be the main man as well as being a facilitator.

Against Aston Villa recently, he was a fox in the box. A real penalty box predator.

In the comeback victory over West Ham United in late January, when Pedro was a second half substitute, he was everything but a penalty box presence. He did, however, finish the game with a goal and an assist despite doing most of his work on the edge of the area.

Pedro finds himself in fine form right now. He has nine goals and two assists in his last nine outings across all competitions. This return includes a double against Napoli in Naples and a hat-trick against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior heaped praise on him recently, saying: “I wouldn’t swap João [Pedro] for anyone at this moment – he is showing all the qualities and attributes I want to see.

The great thing for João is his age – he can still improve, and I’ve already noticed several areas where he can get better. But the level he’s operating at now is world class, and it’s my job, the club’s job, and his job to keep him there.”

And Pedro has himself acknowledged the manager’s role in his form: “I also think my form is largely down to the conversations I’ve had with Liam, from him showing that he genuinely wants to help me improve. When you feel that support from the manager, you push yourself harder every day, and because of that, I’m improving steadily.”

Under Rosenior’s more fluid, possession-heavy system, Pedro has seen his touches in the opposition box skyrocket. He’s no longer just a link-up player; he’s a pay-off player. The former Watford man is full of confidence and he’s showing he’s not just a support act. Chelsea have been without Palmer for the majority of the season and yet find themselves in fifth, just three points off of third-placed Manchester United. A key reason for that is the form of their No. 20.

Chelsea’s spending is excessive but it shouldn’t take anything away from them when they get it right. And they did get it right with the Brazil international.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

FotMob Interview: Jens Petter Hauge driving Bodø/Glimt’s European charge

The hottest ticket in the UEFA Champions League isn’t Barcelona, or Arsenal, or Bayern Munich, or Paris Saint-Germain. It’s Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, who have opened the new year with four straight wins against Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, and Inter.

By Zach Lowy

Having made it past the qualifiers in Europe’s premier competition for the first time ever, Bodø/Glimt have already knocked out the runaway Scudetto favorites Inter, and now, they’ll be looking to do the same against the back-to-back champions of Liga Portugal: Sporting CP. If they are to get past Sporting, they’ll need Jens Petter Hauge to be at his brilliant best.

Born in Bodø, Hauge was hooked on football from the very start, and after joining Bodø/Glimt at 12 years of age, he ascended through the ranks before eventually signing a professional contract on April 12, 2016. One day later, he came off the bench in the 64th minute and scored a hat-trick on his senior debut, leading them to a 6-0 cup win against IK Start.

“Of course, it was a really special day for me, and a fantastic start to my professional career,” stated Hauge in an exclusive FotMob interview. “I hadn’t trained a lot with the first team before; a couple of days earlier, I signed my first professional contract, and they brought me to this away trip in the first round of the cup. I was not having any hopes of getting any minutes, but when the manager subbed me on, I was really happy with scoring three goals at the end of the game. It was a special day for me, and I’ll never forget that day.”

*JPT’s player traits compared with similar players in comparable leagues*

Hauge quickly made an impression on the team, becoming the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Eliteserien, and watching as the club suffered relegation to the second tier. This proved to be a blessing in disguise for Hauge, who scored two goals and recorded 13 assists in 2017 to lead Superlaget to promotion.

After being loaned to second-tier Aalesunds FK, Hauge returned with a vengeance in 2019 by scoring 9 goals and 3 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions. He did even better in 2020, scoring 14 goals and 10 assists in 18 league appearances and being awarded the Eliteserien Young Player of the Year. And after finding the back of the net vs. AC Milan, Hauge left his hometown and joined Milan for €5 million. Unfortunately for him, however, Hauge was unable to make his presence felt with the Rossoneri and eventually departed after a year and joined Eintracht Frankfurt, where he won the UEFA Europa League title and enjoyed success under now Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.

“German football is amazing: they have the best fan atmosphere and the fullest stadiums in the world…even in the 2. Bundesliga, you’ll see teams fill up their stadiums with 80,000 fans. The fans and the culture were amazing, Eintracht itself is a really well-driven club and a good place to be, and the memories of the 2021/22 Europa League trophy are really special for me. [Glasner] was maybe the biggest reason why I actually went to Frankfurt because I really liked his identity, the way he speaks and understands football…he’s a top coach. I also had the pleasure of meeting him again when Bodø faced Crystal Palace in a friendly, so it was nice to catch up with him. We also exchange some messages once in a while, just to catch up. He was a really good coach, and the way he was preparing our matches and match plans…it was really exciting and interesting to see how hard he was working and how much he put into it.”

After a futile loan spell with Gent, Hauge found himself deprived of playing time on his return to Eintracht. It’s why he decided to return to Bodø/Glimt in January 2024, quickly making an impact by assisting in his first two matches vs. Ajax. Whilst he had been away in Italy, Germany, and Belgium, Bodø/Glimt had won the first, second and third league titles in their entire history, and with Hauge delivering the goods in attack, they were able to pick up their fourth championship in 2024.

And although Bodø missed out on the 2025 Eliteserien title to Viking FK on the final day of the campaign, they were able to make headway on the continental front. After finishing ninth in the Europa League league phase, Bodø brushed past Twente, Olympiacos, and Lazio, before losing to eventual champions Tottenham Hotspur in the semifinals. Hauge has proven his worth against a number of teams in Europe’s top divisions, and while he’s more than comfortable at his boyhood club, he isn’t ruling out a return abroad.

“I think I’m going into my best form right now. I think the next two-three years are going to be where I’m physically at my best, where I’m mature, and where my fitness is at peak performance. Hopefully, that will result in some good years, and I’ll find the time to go out again and try myself in a top-five league again, because that’s something that I always wanted to do. I just need to keep working hard and playing my game, because my game is good enough. Maybe I have to be a little bit more consistent – I think that’s what all coaches and directors want when they are bringing in new players – they want to make sure that the player is at a good overall level. Of course, every player goes through ups and downs, but if I am able to make sure that my down period is less often and my best periods are more often, that would help a lot of teams.”

He may be living in the Arctic Circle, but Jens Petter Hauge’s form is red-hot. He’s scored four goals and registered one assist in his last five Champions League matches, and at 26 years old, there’s reason to believe that he’s only going to continue heating up. And if he can continue leading the charge in Bodø/Glimt’s historic European run, then he might very well land himself his first Norway call-up since March 2025 and earn a spot in Norway’s upcoming World Cup squad.

*JPT’s shooting and physical metrics in the Champions League this season*

“One of the most beautiful things about football is that no matter how small the town you’re from or how cold it is here during the winter, when the ref blows their whistle, it’s 11 against 11. Anything can happen if we just believe in ourselves and trust the people around us. It’s amazing and really inspiring for other Norwegian clubs to see that it’s possible.”

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Bodø/Glimt game with FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

Preview: Real Madrid and Man City meet again in the Champions League

Real Madrid take on Manchester City in the Champions League knockout stages for the fifth consecutive season and for the sixth time since the start of the 2019/20 campaign.

By Ross Kilvington

Indeed, since City made their first appearance in the Champions League in the 2011/12 season, the two clubs have met on 15 occasions. Both teams have won five games apiece and this modern rivalry is set to continue in the next two weeks.

Back in the League Phase, City sealed a 2-1 win at the Bernabéu just before Christmas thanks to goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland.

Real Madrid eyeing record-extending 16^thEuropean crown

Álvaro Arbeloa’s side have slipped up in LaLiga’s title race, losing two of their previous three domestic matches.

Qualification for the last 16 was secured thanks to a 3-1 aggregate victory over Benfica and all eyes are now on winning yet another European crown.

Last year, Madrid won both legs in the knockout playoff tie against City and that could give Arbeloa confidence ahead of this blockbuster showdown.

Much could depend on whether Kylian Mbappé is fit to play or not. The Frenchman has missed the last three games due to a knee injury, but Arbeloa will be hoping he is ready to feature against City.

Quadruple dream is on for Man City

No English side has ever won the quadruple. Could City achieve that this season? Pep Guardiola’s men appear to be peaking at exactly the right time.

The club have won nine of their previous 11 games in all competitions and sit seven points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table, albeit with a game in hand.

Add in the fact City are into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup while reaching the EFL Cup final, the next few months could be special indeed.

While City won the previous meeting between the two earlier this season, the last time they defeated Madrid over two legs was in the 2022/23 season. A 5-1 aggregate triumph in the semi-final was the catalyst that saw them secure their first Champions League crown a few weeks later.

Should they channel that type of performance against a below-par Madrid over the next two weeks, a place in the last eight should be achieved.

Team news

The aforementioned Mbappé is the main talking point on the injury front. If he misses the first leg, the forward should return for the return fixture.

Jude Bellingham is also a major doubt, while Rodrygo, Álvaro Carreras, Éder Militão and Dani Ceballos are all definitely out.

Arbeloa might have David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga back from injury, but much depends on late fitness tests.

City have only two players missing for this clash. Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić are long-term absentees for the club.

Prediction

Madrid have been in stuttering form recently and are certainly fragile, something which Guardiola will instruct his team to exploit.

Given City’s squad depth, especially in the forward areas, Guardiola has plenty of options available that can hurt the Spanish giants.

Expect a narrow win for the Citizens on Wednesday evening.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all the games from the Champions League on FotMob in the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

Preview: Arsenal travel for Champions League first leg at Leverkusen

Can Arsenal keep up their momentum on all fronts away to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday?

By Graham Ruthven

European pursuit

This season is shaping up to be Arsenal’s best shot at winning the Champions League since the Arsene Wenger era with the Gunners the only team with a perfect record in the competition this season.

Mikel Arteta’s team won eight out of eight fixtures in the league phase, conceding just four goals and keeping five clean sheets. Arsenal’s defensive strength is the foundation of their challenge for silverware on four fronts this season.

*Arsenal in the Champions League this season*

This Bayer Leverkusen side are a shadow of the side that sensationally won the Bundesliga title two seasons ago, but Kasper Hjulmand’s team shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions. On the flip side, they have won just one of their last five and are fresh from a disappointing 3-3 draw against Freiburg on Saturday.

At home, Hjulmand’s have conceded just once in their last 540 minutes of play, highlighting how Wednesday’s encounter could be a cagey one.

Key players

Alejandro Grimaldo has been one of Leverkusen’s most productive players over a number of seasons, registering six goal contributions in 10 Champions League matches this term. The Spaniard will be a threat down the right side against the Gunners.

Teenage forward Christian Kofane has registered four goal contributions in his last three games, highlighting his potential as one of the best young strikers in Europe.

*Leverkusen’s best players in the Champions League*

Ibrahim Maza has created seven Big Chances for Leverkusen this season and will offer the home side some invention in the centre of the pitch. The 20-year-old is also his team’s most prolific dribbler.

Meanwhile, Edmond Tapsoba and Jarrell Quansah have forged a strong understanding in central defence since the latter’s move to the Bay Arena from Liverpool last summer.

Viktor Gyökeres has scored four times in just six Champions League appearances this season and could lead the line ahead of Kai Havertz who might operate behind the Swedish striker as he returns to his former club in Germany.

Declan Rice is an authoritative figure for Arsenal in the centre of the pitch, creating more Big Chances than any of his teammates this season. He will be crucial for the Gunners on Wednesday.

Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba and David Raya also have their part to play at the back, giving Arsenal the strongest defensive foundation of any side in Europe.

Team news

Leverkusen are currently without a number of first team figures with Mark Flekken, Loïc Badé, Arthur, Lucas Vázquez, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Nathan Tella and Patrik Schick all expected to miss Wednesday’s match.

Schick could still be passed fit. If, however, the Czechia international is unavailable, teenage striker Kofane will start in his place as Leverkusen’s attacking frontman.

Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Rice and Gabriel were all rested for Saturday’s FA Cup win over Mansfield, but are expected to return to the Arsenal lineup for the trip to Germany.

Saliba, Martin Ødegaard and Ben White, however, are more doubtful to be passed fit with Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori also nursing knocks sustained in the FA Cup.

Prediction

The German side are tough to beat on their own patch but Arsenal’s defensive resolve makes it equally hard to see them conceding. So maybe we’re looking at a low scoring affair, with the Gunners bringing home a narrow advantage: Leverkusen 0-1 Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

Preview: Club World Cup Final repeat in the Champions League

Neither PSG nor Chelsea have been particularly consistent since their meeting in last summer’s Club World Cup final. With the chance to earn a potentially crucial advantage, both sides will have to be at their best in this Round of 16, first leg.

By Alex Roberts

Liam Rosenior’s, albeit heavily rotated, side needed extra time to beat Championship Wrexham 4-2 in their FA Cup fifth round fixture. Don’t expect many of the players that started that game to be starting this one, though.

The reigning champions had a lovely weekend off ahead of the game. Still reeling from their 3-1 Ligue 1 defeat from Monaco, the side they beat in the previous round, a win here could be the boost needed heading into the business end of the season.

João Pedro 2.0

Alongside Cole Palmer, the Brazilian tore PSG apart the last time these two sides met. A lot has happened since then, most notably the departure of Enzo Maresca. Now, under Rosenior, Pedro has unlocked another level.

He’s not being tasked with contributing to build up as much as he was when he first arrived. Profiled as not quite a nine, but not really a ten either, following his impressive start, he wasn’t able to consistently play in either position.

Pedro’s recent hattrick against Aston Villa shows his new role. Each goal was a poacher’s finish, requiring him to be in the right place at the right time and trust his teammates rather than create his own chances. It’s been a while since Chelsea have had a top striker, perhaps now they do.

The best midfielder in the world

It’s hard to imagine that Vitinha struggled at Wolves now that he’s such a key part of everything good happening at PSG. Incredible close control, an absurd ability to read the game, and his passing, both short and long, make him the best in the world.

Domestically, he’s a tempo setter, but in the Champions League, he also has the knack for popping up with a goal. Vitinha is PSG’s top goal scorer in the competition with five, only one of which has been from the spot.

PSG’s midfield is depleted, usually partners João Neves and Fabián Ruiz are both injured, which is quite the stroke of luck for Chelsea. Still, having to contend with Vitinha in the kind of form he’s in won’t be easy.

Team news

Chelsea don’t have too many injuries to worry about at the moment. Only Levi Colwill (ACL), Jamie Gittens (muscle), and Estêvão (hamstring) are out, but the latter two should be back in the near future.

As we mentioned, Ruiz (knee) and Neves (ankle) will be huge misses for PSG, so expect Warren Zaire-Emery and one of either Dro or Senny Mayulu to feature alongside Vitinha in their midfield.

18-year-old Quentin Ndjantou is also out for the hosts.

Prediction

This is a tough one to call at the moment, it feels like either side could come away with the win, although Chelsea would probably be happy with a draw too. We do think home advantage will play a huge factor here, so we’re going with a 2-0 PSG win.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

Rio Ngumoha: The additional attacking thread Liverpool may need

17-year-old Rio Ngumoha could be the spark Liverpool’s forward line needs to electrify the final few months of the season.

By Graham Ruthven

He may not have scored or assisted, but Rio Ngumoha made a case for himself in Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Wolves. And a case for all the fans who have been clamouring for more game time from the 17-year-old who has been, for the most part, held back by Arne Slot this season. That might have been a mistake.

Ngumoha was electrifying at Molineux. No player on the pitch made more successful dribbles. He had the most touches in the opposition box too, posing a consistent threat down the left side until Slot substituted him off after 69 minutes. Liverpool could have used some of this quality earlier in the season.

Of course, Ngumoha is still only 17 and Slot is right to protect him. History is full of youngsters who have been expected to produce too much too soon. And yet Ngumoha has given every indication that he is ready for more game time. Slot is surely considering starting him in more matches.

Liverpool’s attack has been a contradiction this season. On paper, they boast some of the most formidable forwards in the Premier League. Hugo Ekitike has enjoyed an excellent maiden season after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah have also combined for 17 goals in all competitions this term.

And yet there have been many times this season when the defending Premier League champions have been lifeless in the final third. While Liverpool boast the highest average possession share of any team in the division, their Expected Goals (xG) ranks as only the fifth highest.

Too often there is a disconnect between Liverpool’s forward line and the rest of their team. Florian Wirtz has found form after a slow start to life on Merseyside, but still hasn’t settled into a specific role. When Slot uses the German as a number 10, he limits Dominik Szoboszlai. As a left winger, though, Wirtz likes to cut inside anyway.

Ngumoha, on the other hand, gives Liverpool some much-needed verticality when he plays on the left side. The teenager is excellent in one-on-one situations and can create something out of nothing on the ball, as he demonstrated more than once in the FA Cup victory over Wolves.

What’s more, Ngumoha and Andy Robertson appeared to have a natural understanding beyond anything Milos Kerkez has been able to develop with Gakpo or Wirtz ahead of him this season. Not only was Ngumoha a threat, Robertson contributed a goal and an assist, rolling back the years in an eye-catching performance.

Not since Raheem Sterling’s breakthrough have Liverpool had such an exciting homegrown attacker impact the first team like this. Ngumoha might have spent much of his academy years at Chelsea, but Liverpool supporters have already embraced him as one of their own. Some are unhappy Slot has started Ngumoha in only a handful of cup games.

“The manager is very important to me and he helps me a lot,”said Ngumoha when asked about his relationship with Slot and the first team opportunities he has been afforded by the Liverpool manager so far this season. “We might have a meeting after training and he tells me how well I am doing, to keep going, showing me clips.

“All of that is important and helpful. I think it has gone really well. I am learning a lot every day playing and training with some of the best players in the world. I can’t ask for much more as a young kid. So I just think I need to carry on proving, working hard in training and showing what I can do to the manager.”

Liverpool face a defining stretch in their season, starting with the Champions League last 16 tie against Galatasaray. While the Reds are firm favourites to make the quarter-finals, the Turkish giants demonstrated by eliminating Juventus in the last round their capacity for an upset. Victor Osimhen in particular will be a danger.

The defence of last season’s Premier League title was effectively over before it even began, but Liverpool could still enjoy success in the Champions League and FA Cup. To do that, though, Slot might have to find an extra dimension in the attacking third, and this is where Ngumoha has plenty to offer.

Slot’s Liverpool are a work-in-progress. This season has been a transitional one as the Reds move from one era to another. The likes of Ekitike and Wirtz (and Alexander Isak if he’s ever fit again) will be a big part of that new generation and Ngumoha has shown enough to suggest he should be part of this vision too.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every Liverpool game on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

Preview: Newcastle take on LaLiga leaders Barcelona in Round of 16

Home form hasn’t been Newcastle’s friend this season quite as much as usual but they’ll need to pull out a big performance to prolong their European campaign as one of the favourites, Barcelona, visit St. James’ Park.

By Karl Matchett

Often winning two-legged ties rely on doing the business at home, but the two clubs couldn’t have much more contrasting results in their own garden this term.

Home comforts

St. James’ Park has previously been a horrid place to go and especially when the stakes are high. But this season, the Magpies have won only just over 60% of their home matches in all competitions – for Barcelona it’s 95%, with 19 wins and one defeat in 20. Worse still for Newcastle, from games they’d reasonably classify as “big” – Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Chelsea and Barcelona – they’ve won just two of eight. Barca have actually won more away points in LaLiga than Newcastle have at home in the Premier League. On the night all those numbers might not matter, but it’s not the comforting surroundings for the first leg it might have been.

Learning lessons

It’s simplistic to point to an earlier meeting and say it shows who’ll win this time, but it’s worth taking some aspects of the early-season clash, when Barcelona beat Newcastle 2-1, as areas for improvement – for both sides.

Newcastle really struggled on that day with attacks down the flanks, Barca’s speed of progression and as the game wore on, the general grinding down of constant possession. Barcelona, for their part, perhaps took a while to get to grips with physicality that will doubtless be on show again and they also weren’t asked to deal with a mountainous striker, with Anthony Gordon leading the line. Will Eddie Howe this time roll the dice with Nick Woltemade to unsettle the Barca backline?

Recent form

Newcastle have lost three of their last five in all competitions, but in Europe have only lost once in their last nine since the opening game to this same opponent. Barcelona have won ten of the last 12 and four in a row.

Team news

Fabian Schär and Lewis Miley are sidelined for the hosts but it’s Bruno Guimarães who is the biggest miss, still a month away from a recall. Barcelona are without Frenkie de Jong and Gavi already, but the loss of Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde are new and problematic injuries at full-back.

Key player

Sven Botman hasn’t been at his best level this season but Newcastle need him to step up – not only to keep out Robert Lewandowski but to cover his left-back when Lamine Yamal comes flying inside. The Dutchman has won more aerial duels than only 40% of centre-backs in the Champions League this term, made more interceptions than 34% and more clearances than 49%. Simply put, that’s not enough against Europe’s elite – he needs a fast return to form as the attacks could be relentless.

Prediction

Goals for both teams seems a pretty safe bet and over two legs we’d back the Spanish side…but maybe Eddie Howe’s team can make a good fight of it first time out: Newcastle 2-2 Barcelona.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

Preview: Atlético Madrid and Spurs clash in the Champions League

The 16th-placed team in the Premier League continue their unlikely assault on the Champions League with a trip to Madrid to take on Atleti.

By Ian King

The Champions League may be a distraction for a Spurs team that is drifting towards the Championship

A conflation of bad results for Spurs in last week’s midweek fixtures has pushed them closer to the brink. Another embarrassing home defeat, this time at the hands of Crystal Palace, has, when coupled with a win for West Ham and an unlikely draw for Nottingham Forest at Manchester City, put them within a point of the relegation places, and with any further Tottenham wins this season looking like as a distant a prospect as they have at any other point over the last couple of months.

While the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League could have been worse for them, it could have been better, too. Atlético Madrid go into this game having won their last three matches in LaLiga, and having booked a place in the final of the Copa del Rey after beating Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-finals, though this came about as a result of a 4-0 win in the first leg being followed up by losing the return match 3-0.

These two teams have only played each other once competitively before, but this meeting came in a final

These two sides have only met each other once before in competitive football, but it was a highly consequential meeting. Spurs played Atlético Madrid in the European Cup Winners Cup final in Rotterdam on the 15th May 1963, and in beating them 5-1 – thanks to two goals each from Jimmy Greaves and Terry Dyson, as well as one from John White – they became the first English club to lift a major European trophy.

There’s been nothing to suggest that the Atleti head coach’s son is a nepo baby

Few Spurs players emerged from their recent Crystal Palace humbling with much credit in the bank, but one of those who did was Archie Gray. Gray has seen more football this season than we might have expected on account of his team’s injury crisis, but his performance against Palace was at least one from somebody who was trying. It’s not much, but praise for this dysfunctional bunch of players has been thin on the ground for a while.

Otherwise, one Spurs player who does know this team is Conor Gallagher, who was an Atleti player until his (arguably ill-advised) transfer to Spurs in the January transfer window and who has been cleared to play in this match. We shall see, whether that familiarity ends up being a help or a hindrance against his former club.

There’s likely to be a familiar name among the Atleti team for this match. Right midfielder Giuliano Simeone is indeed the son of manager Diego but, with three goals and five assists in 24 appearances for them this season, of which twenty have been starts, there’s no indication that he’s a nepo baby. The 23-year-old has earned his place in their first eleven.

No match at the weekend meant no further opportunities for Spurs players to injure themselves

At least a free weekend minimised the likelihood of Spurs picking up any more injuries. Cristian Romero will return to the back four following his latest silly suspension, while Djed Spence and Radu Dragusin could also be fit to return, with both having returned to training. Micky Van de Ven will start, because his red card against Palace doesn’t mean a suspension in the Champions League.

Otherwise, they remain where they were, with Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski all still out.

Atlético Madrid’s big absentee is likely to be Rodrigo Mendoza, who was replaced at half-time during their 3-2 weekend win against Real Sociedad. It’s not all bad news for them, though, with reports that Pablo Barrios could be ready to return following a month-long absence, although he may only be fit for the bench for this first leg.

Spurs’ dismal run of form has to end some time

For Spurs and Igor Tudor, the Crystal Palace match felt like a litmus test which all concerned failed badly. A midweek Premier League match against a mid-table team felt like a test of how mentally ready they are for the end of the season and, not for the first time in recent weeks, they were found desperately wanting.

And while the Champions League has been their happy place so far this season, we’re into the last 16 now and the games are only going to get tougher and tougher. Atlético got through their play-off match against Club Brugge without too many major issues, and while they won’t be launching a title challenge this season – they’re 13 points behind leaders Barcelona – their Champions League position for next season is, with an 11-point gap between themselves and fifth-placed Real Betis, already almost assured.

Atleti are perennial qualifiers, and although they’ve not got past the quarter-finals since 2016/17, they are highly experienced in this competition. And while Spurs could yet finish this season by somehow contriving to find a way of becoming the champions of Europe while getting relegated from the Premier League at the same time, practically nobody really believes that this has any chance whatsoever of realistically coming to pass, especially given that the draw may require them to get past Atleti, Barcelona and Arsenal just to get to the final.

If binning off the Champions League was an option that could preserve Spurs’ Premier League place for another season, they’d probably take it, but there are two primary reasons why this won’t happen. Firstly, they have too many injuries to be able to do anything other than throw whoever is available onto the pitch and hope for the best. And secondly, getting knocked out at this stage probably wouldn’t make much difference anyway, since they’ve been so far off the pace in the Premier League since the new year.

Stranger things have happened, but it’s difficult to imagine them getting any further in this competition, although Atleti were beaten by two Premier League sides – Liverpool and Arsenal – in the megagroup stage. As such, I’m predicting a 2-0 win for the Madrileños in this first leg. Just enough to keep the vaguest feeling of hope alive for Spurs ahead of the second leg.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

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The Champions League may be a distraction for a Spurs team that is drifting towards the Championship

These two teams have only played each other once competitively before, but this meeting came in a final

There’s been nothing to suggest that the Atleti head coach’s son is a nepo baby

No match at the weekend meant no further opportunities for Spurs players to injure themselves

Spurs’ dismal run of form has to end some time

Real Madrid eyeing record-extending 16^thEuropean crown