The Pulse of Football

Sep

2026

Preview: Spurs head to Anfield in high profile Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool

Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening with both teams desperate for a performance as well as a result.

By Sam McGuire

The story of the season

The Reds are unbeaten in five under Andoni Iraola. Alexander Isak is scoring goals. Jérémy Jacquet looks like the signing of the summer and Ronald Araújo is on his way to quickly becoming a bit of a cult hero at Anfield.

And yet the feeling is things aren’t going well for the 2024/25 Premier League champions.

Encouraging wins over Ipswich Town and Atlético Madrid following successive draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest seemed to point at Liverpool finally finding their feet under Iraola but a 0-0 draw with Fulham last time out was a bit of a reality check.

Liverpool struggled to create and it’s been a bit of a pattern in their recent games. They struggled to control the game despite having more of the ball and the match did nothing to answer the questions looming over the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz.

Spurs are also having a torrid time despite a summer of obscene spending under Roberto De Zerbi.

Tottenham are winless in the Premier League and are yet to score a goal in the English top-flight. Their one positive result of the season arrived in the Carabao Cup against Charlton when a heavily rotated XI put five past the Championship side.

De Zerbi’s men are a team in transition. They’re also a team in survival mode, struggling to adapt to his methods while trying to, bizarrely given we’re only in September, prolong their 2026/27 season.

They’re currently 19th in the Premier League for Expected Goals with a total of 3.4 from their four games. Only Newcastle (3.0) have a lower haul, and Spurs are one of the ball dominant sides in the English top-flight. All of the ball but no idea what to do with it.

They’ll likely name a changed XI for this trip with the Premier League their focus after the money they spent this summer, but expect some stars to be included with De Zerbi in dire need of a result to show his methods are working.

Key Players

This is the first real chance for Iraola to rotate his team so expect to see some youngsters given a chance. The likes of Lewis Koumas, a firm Iraola favourite, and Trey Nyoni might get the nod. With the midfield struggling, the latter has the opportunity to leapfrog senior players in the pecking order and claim a place in the starting XI.

For Spurs, it’s also a game of opportunity. Fringe players, like Dominic Solanke, could put down a marker and force their way into De Zerbi’s plans if they get named in the starting XI.

A bad rut for both teams can be seen as a ladder for players looking to climb the ranks.

Team News

Liverpool are still without Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley while Fede Chiesa is expected to be out for a few more weeks with a back injury. Joe Gomez might finally return from the injury sustained in pre-season.

Spurs are missing a number of players too with Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Mykhaylo Mudryk all ruled out for this clash.

Prediction

This one has the potential to go all the way to penalties. We’re going 1-1 with the hosts claiming a shootout victory.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

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Sep

2026

Preview: Arsenal head to Ipswich Town for latest Cup challenge

The Tractor Boys are targeting an upset against the Premier League champions in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

By Graham Ruthven

Team to beat

Arsenal have started the new season like they finished last season – like champions. Mikel Arteta’s team have won six out of six games in all competitions with the Gunners intent on competing on multiple fronts for silverware.

It’s been 33 years since Arsenal last lifted the Carabao Cup. Arteta might desire the Premier League and Champions League trophies more, but the North London outfit are currently the team to beat in every domestic competition.

Ipswich Town are buoyant after a positive start to the league season. The Tractor Boys are fresh from beating Crystal Palace and have demonstrated their ability to upset higher-calibre opponents. Arsenal must be careful.

Arsenal have won the last three encounters with Ipswich by a combined scoreline of 8-0. Ipswich have also conceded 10 goals in their first four league games of the season, hinting at a soft underbelly.

Arteta could rotate his squad for the visit to Portman Road with a tricky trip to Brighton looming this weekend. Nonetheless, the Gunners have the depth to make the next round.

Key players

Zian Flemming scored his first goal as an Ipswich Town player against Crystal Palace and will be a threat in and around the penalty box on Tuesday evening.

Abdul Fatawu has created more chances than any other Ipswich player this season with Julio Enciso also a creative hub for the Tractor Boys. If Ipswich are to produce an upset, these two players will surely have to perform.

Leif Davis has three goal contributions in four outings this season, but might not have much freedom to get forward against Arsenal such is the attacking threat of the Gunners heading in the other direction.

Viktor Gyökeres could be handed his first start of the season. The Swedish striker is currently Arsenal’s second-choice number nine behind Kai Havertz and must make the most of every opportunity he is afforded.

Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino might also be pushed into the starting lineup along with Martin Zubimendi who could give Declan Rice a well-earned rest in central midfield.

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Piero Hincapié are two further fringe figures expected to feature in some capacity at Portman Road. Arsenal’s squad depth will be on display in this third round tie.

Team news

Brazilian forward Emersonn will be assessed after sustaining a minor in Saturday’s away win over Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old might not be risked with Ipswich facing Everton in the Premier League this weekend.

Jack Taylor is sidelined for Ipswich. Otherwise, Gary O’Neil has a fully fit and available squad to choose from for the visit of Arsenal.

William Saliba is still ruled out through injury for the Gunners while Cristhian Mosquera is also unavailable. This could give Arteta no choice but to stick with Gabriel Magalhães and Ezri Konsa in central defence.

Prediction

Ipswich Town 0-2 Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Sep

2026

The FotMob Rundown: All the big games taking place on Sunday

Every Sunday, we pick out the top matches that we think are worth a follow in your match feed.

By Bill Biss

In a typically early kick-off, Rangers meet Celtic for the first time this season, at the quarter-final stage of the Scottish League Cup. They face each other again next weekend, after a total of six meetings across league and cup(s) last season.

The Manchester Derby – United against City is the stand out game in the fourth round of the Premier League campaign, with Coventry vs. Brighton the only other fixture on the slate for Sunday.

Levante face the freescoring Barcelona in LaLiga. Hansi Flick’s defending champions have netted 17 goals in their four games while the home side’s five goals for the season all came in the one game they’ve won!

*Barcelona have scored 17 goals in LaLiga already*

A trip to Brest is next up for PSG, who are on an unfathomable four-game domestic run without a win. Napoli have had a bad couple of results as well, but they have a home game against Bologna to concentrate on this weekend.

And in Germany, newly promoted minnows Elversberg host the mighty Bayern Munich, pitting the tiniest-ever top flight side against the most successful.

Lastly, Genk vs. Gent is always one of our favourite sound-alike oddities in the match feed, but this time it has the added bonus of having some impact on the top of the table in Belgium, with Gent starting the weekend two points clear after five games.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Sep

2026

Preview: Hansi Flick takes Barcelona to Levante

Barcelona travel to Levante on Sunday as they look to continue their perfect start to the season in La Liga.

By Matt Smith

Hansi Flick‘s side sit top of the table with four wins from four, already with a three-point lead over third-place Real Madrid. Deportivo Alavés sit in between Madrid and Barcelona, having won three of their opening four matches.

Levante got off to a disappointing start, losing 3-0 to Espanyol, but they’ve been unbeaten in LaLiga since then.

Facing Barcelona has been a real difficulty for Levante over the last few years, as they have failed to win any of their last seven meetings.

Set-pieces could decide the game

Set pieces have been the story of Levante’s season in LaLiga so far. Of the 10 goals scored during their games, four have come from set pieces. But scoring goals generally has been a major issue for Levante, failing to find the back of the net in three of their four league games.

Levante have scored twice and conceded twice from set pieces so far this season, while they’ve also conceded a penalty. Sitting deep and absorbing pressure while looking to hit Barcelona on the counter-attack could be the method to victory for Levante. Nicking an opportunity from a set piece could be the only route to breaking down one of the best sides in Europe at the moment.

Barcelona are unstoppable

It’s difficult to picture any side being capable of stopping Barcelona at the moment. Flick’s side have won four from four, but they’ve also scored 17 goals and conceded just two, averaging 4.3 goals scored per game.

After lifting the title last season, Barcelona will undoubtedly cruise to victory if they can even keep up these performances for just 80% of the season. Their new-look attack is causing major issues for the opposition, and there’s no doubt Levante are going to be in for a difficult afternoon.

Raphinha thriving in new role

Raphinha has been tasked with playing as a central striker so far this season, and it’s safe to say he’s handled the change with ease. In fact, the Brazilian forward has taken his game to the next level this season, and that has also allowed Barcelona to give Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon regular minutes.

The former Leeds winger has provided nine goals and assists in just five games this campaign, including a brace in the Champions League earlier this week. Many were questioning whether Barcelona would struggle without a centre-forward following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, but Raphinha looks like a natural in the position.

Prediction

Barcelona have scored five goals in four of their last five matches, so it’s difficult to see any side beating them at the moment. We’re going for a 4-0 victory to Flick’s side, with Raphinha once again finding the back of the net.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Sep

2026

Preview: United host City in Enzo Maresca’s first derby as head coach

The standout fixture in the fourth round of the new English Premier League season sees table-toppers Manchester City visit Old Trafford.

By Neel Shelat

United with the upper hand in recent meetings

Although City have gone from being ‘noisy neighbours’ to establishing themselves as the more successful Manchester club over the last couple of decades, Manchester United have continued to find joy in head-to-head clashes. The Red Devils have lost just one and won three of these two sides’ last six meetings. Their most recent face-off saw the hosts emerge 2-0 victors at Old Trafford in January, marking an auspicious beginning to Michael Carrick’s current stint as head coach.

In fact, United have maintained a respectable record of 10 wins, three draws and 13 defeats against their city rivals in the last decade, over the course of Pep Guardiola’s tenure. With the ex-Barcelona tactician now out of the way, the Red Devils will be keen to show City who’s boss in Manchester.

Manchester City taking their time to grow into games

Enzo Maresca’s first match in charge of Manchester City did not quite go to plan as they were outclassed by Arsenal in the Community Shield, but they have won all four meaningful matches since. Interestingly, they have scored just two first-half goals thus far, half as many as they have netted after the 75th minute.

The theme of late surges was set in their Premier League season opener against Bournemouth, a come-from-behind victory courtesy of goals in the 84th minute and stoppage time. United, on the other hand, dropped points against Everton last week due to a pair of late concessions, so they will have to be extra alert in the second half if they are to get a result here.

Team news

Manchester United have a few injuries to contend with this weekend. Carlos Baleba’s ankle injury has kept him from making his debut for the club, while Amad and Matthijs de Ligt are also yet to make their first appearances of the season. Manuel Ugarte, meanwhile, will miss the majority of the campaign due to an ACL injury from the World Cup. Backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton is also out this weekend.

Manchester City have missed Nico O’Reilly and Jérémy Doku on their left wing recently. Both have returned to training, with the former likelier to feature since his was a minor issue.

Key players

Bruno Fernandes is in fine form, having scored a Premier League hat-trick two weeks ago before going on to star in United’s Champions League return. Kobbie Mainoo will have a big job to do behind him, as will Lisandro Martínez in what will be a physical mismatch for the Argentine international.

🇳🇴 Erling Haaland has officially hit form for the new season. pic.twitter.com/0DfZdXsRge
— FotMob (@FotMob) September 8, 2026

Erling Haaland has scored over half of Manchester City’s goals this season with a return of five in the last four games. The dynamic between the positionally strict Maresca and free-roaming Rayan Cherki will be interesting to follow throughout the season, though the Italian tactician will hope that his former Chelsea captain Enzo Fernández can provide the necessary balance to unleash the Frenchman.

Prediction

Manchester United have not kept a Premier League clean sheet at Old Trafford for over six months, and are likely to fall short as a result.

(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.

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Sep

2026

The FotMob Rundown: What’s coming up on Saturday

Every Saturday, we pick out the top matches that we think are worth a follow in your match feed.

By Bill Biss

It’s another seven game mega-day in the Premier League, starting with Bournemouth vs. Brentford at lunchtime. Third placed Hull City go to fourth placed Chelsea at 3pm, while Liverpool play host to Fulham at the same time.

Will Tottenham ever score again? A home game vs. Everton is their next chance to break their duck for the season. And then it’s off to the Stadium of Light for the late game between Sunderland and Arsenal.

Augsburg are the surprise leaders after two rounds in Germany, albeit four teams have six points from six. They play Bayer Leverkusen while Dortmund, another side on maximum points are at home to promoted Paderborn.

Real Madrid aim to get back to winning ways in their league campaign when they play fellow capital city side Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabéu. Liam Rosenior’s Paris FC – second in Ligue 1, face Lyon – who sit third.

And in Serie A, Lazio vs. Milan determines who will end the day on top of the table.

MLS is also serving up a mouthwatering contest this weekend as Inter Miami entertain Eastern Conference leaders Nashville in Florida.

Although they possess Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Casemiro and Rodrigo De Paul, Inter Miami are currently nine points behind Nashville, who are marching towards the Supporters’ Shield.

The intrigue is heightened by the fact that it pits the Conference’s best attack (Miami, 59 goals scored) against the league’s most formidable defence (Nashville, 19 goals conceded).

With one win in their previous seven MLS games, Miami have to throw everything at the leaders.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

To follow one of the games mentioned, click on the relevant highlighted link, and press on the star to add the game to your Following section, or hit the bell to set your notifications.

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Sep

2026

Preview: Spurs welcome Everton to London on Saturday evening

Tottenham host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday evening as Roberto De Zerbi’s side look to pick up their first win, and their first goal, of the season..

By Matt Smith

The Toffees have had a little more success on the pitch than Spurs so far this campaign, with David Moyes’ side currently unbeaten in the Premier League.

De Zerbi hasn’t faced many sides since taking charge of Tottenham, but he has come up against Everton, facing the Merseyside club on the final day of the 2025/2026 season to keep Spurs in the league.

Tottenham defeated Everton by a single goal through João Palhinha to ensure they remained a Premier League side heading into this season.

Team news

De Zerbi confirmed when speaking to the media ahead of their game against Everton that both Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie will be assessed. Porro felt a ‘small muscular problem’, while Udogie is in a similar situation, with De Zerbi claiming that he doesn’t want to take any risks.

Mykhailo Mudryk will also miss out after picking up a recent injury, while Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski, and Wilson Odobert remain sidelined.

There is just one injury concern for Everton heading into their trip down to London. Christian Nørgaard, who is yet to feature for the Toffees since joining from Arsenal, remains out injured.

Creativity the key issue for Spurs

Tottenham spent significantly during the summer transfer window to transform their whole squad, reaching double figures for incoming players. One aspect of their game they haven’t seemingly sorted is their creativity, with Tottenham still searching for their first goal of the campaign.

Spurs have created just 2.8 xG in the Premier League so far, with only Aston Villa and Hull City managing fewer. When the likes of Simons, Kulusevski, and James Maddison return to the starting eleven, De Zerbi will be hoping that can increase drastically.

Moyes’ high pressing Everton

A key reason behind Everton’s early success in the Premier League this season is their ability to win the ball high up the pitch. This has been a primary route of chance creation for Moyes’ side, while also making it difficult for the opposition to play out from the back.

The Toffees have one possession in the final third 6.3 times per game so far, with no side managing more. De Zerbi prefers his side to play from the back and take risks, so it could be an opportunity for Everton to cause some problems.

A start for Jack Grealish?

Moyes hinted during his press conference that Everton winger Jack Grealish could make his first start for the club since returning on loan from Manchester City. The English winger played a crucial role for the Toffees last season before suffering an injury, and having him back in the starting XI will be a huge boost for Everton.

Grealish was Everton’s main source of creativity last season before his injury, and they’ll need that added firepower in attack after Iliman Ndiaye left the club.

Prediction

We’re going for a 1-1 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

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Sep

2026

Preview: Arsenal out to protect their 100% record away at Sunderland

Reigning Premier League champions Arsenal have already shown they are focused on nothing less than further success this term and now face another stern test with a trip to Sunderland.

By Karl Matchett

Mikel Arteta’s squad looks strong, deep and equipped with the mindset which now simply expects victory each game – yet it’s Martin Ødegaard’s return to form which has caught the eye most.

The revitalised viking

Often, a hard summer’s effort at a Fifa World Cup can lead to a stuttering start for the game’s star players – but Ødegaard, who spent most of his June and July orchestrating celebratory rowing for the Norway squad, has come back looking a different player. Over the previous two campaigns he scored seven goals for Arsenal, including just one last term – yet it’s already four in five games this year and his overall performance level is considerably improved, more high-tempo and certainly more central to the Gunners’ attacking play.

Midfield face-off

Amid Arsenal’s summer regeneration, the £75m signing of Bruno Guimarães looks decent value against some other midfield movers – but it’s a slight surprise he hasn’t yet managed to make a case for inclusion, even accounting for a minor injury early on. He has just 19 league minutes so far with Myles Lewis-Skelly earning a starting spot domestically instead, and playing well enough to account for that.

Against former Gunner Granit Xhaka and the adventurous Noah Sadiki in the Sunderland midfield, however, it will be instructive if Arteta opts to go for the more combative Brazilian over his younger English teammate. Sadiki is the more diligent passer and line-breaking runner in possession; Xhaka has the vision to relentlessly spray passes wide and from deep to bypass opposition midfield pairings. In both cases, a desire and willingness to close down quickly, harass and recount possession will be crucial for Arsenal to keep up their smothering, tiresome approach of forcing teams into submission – perhaps a tailor-made role for Guimarães to show what he can do off the ball, before displaying his quality on it.

Recent form

After defeat on the opening weekend Sunderland have won two and drawn once, including a Carabao Cup victory in midweek. Arsenal’s form is more straightforward: they won the Community Shield, have won three from three in the league and now once in Europe – all with just one goal conceded.

Team news

Habib Diarra is Sunderland’s absentee through injury, while Arsenal are still without defensive trio Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber. Otherwise, everyone looks available for selection.

Key player

Ødegaard rightly has the headlines but don’t overlook how much Kai Havertz has also contributed. Among Premier League forwards this season – early days, of course – he’s top for distance covered per 90 and has two goals from a 0.56xG too. An excellent all-rounder in a finely tuned side, he should be aiming for only his second-ever 20-goal season this term.

Prediction

Sunderland might offer some resistance, but they don’t look quite as tuned-in as at this point last season and the Gunners should once more find a way: Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

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Sep

2026

Preview: Unbeaten Liverpool play Arbeloa’s work-in-progress Fulham side

Liverpool are now looking to make it three wins on the bounce as Andoni Iraola’s side welcome a pointless Fulham side to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

By Sam McGuire

The story of the season

The Reds followed up their 2-0 win against Ipswich Town with a 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid on Wednesday evening.

It hasn’t yet clicked for Liverpool under Iraola but there have been promising glimpses.

Alexander Isak has been amongst the goals and was a pressing machine against Atleti in Europe. Cody Gakpo has looked like a completely different player under the Spanish tactician too while new signings Ronald Araújo, Jérémy Jacquet, Víctor Muñoz and Bradley Barcola have all settled relatively quickly.

Barcola, the latest £100m addition for the Merseysiders, was subbed off early against the Spanish side with cramp. Whether he’ll be risked again from the off against Fulham is the big question.

Alexis Mac Allister, whose future is no in doubt after the player confirmed the club wouldn’t be offering him a new deal, scored the winner against Atlético in midweek and has looked sharp since coming into the team to replace Ryan Gravenberch.

The Reds, believe it or not, are still unbeaten under the Spanish tactician.

Under new manager Álvaro Arbeloa, Fulham have played three in the Premier League and lost three.

They lost to Chelsea in their season opener, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland and then twice had the lead against Crystal Palace before losing 3-2.

Despite amassing an Expected Goals total of 3.14 against the Eagles, they weren’t able to claim that decisive goal before Ben Chilwell’s late winner.

Perhaps surprisingly, Arbeloa’s side have the joint sixth highest xG in the Premier League this term, along with their hosts on Saturday, and higher than Arsenal, for example.

Their performances haven’t yet matched their results.

Key Players

There’s been a lot of focus on Liverpool’s attack after adding £150m worth of talent this summer in Barcola and Muñoz, 12 months after spending £300m on Hugo Ekitike, Isak and Florian Wirtz.

Yet the key player for the Reds over recent weeks has been Ronald Araújo. The centre-back-cum-right-back has helped shore things up defensively for Iraola’s side and the full-back role now feels like it’s his to lose having usurped Jeremie Frimpong.

Fulham’s key player is the in demand Joshua King. He scored against Chelsea and Crystal Palace and he’s now an important player in Arbeloa’s new look attack. His ability to find pockets of space is going to cause Liverpool’s double pivot some issues. His shooting technique makes him dangerous from distance too.

Team News

The visitors are without the injured Tom Cairney but aside from that, Arbeloa has a full squad to choose from.

Liverpool are still without Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley while Fede Chiesa is expected to be out for a few more weeks with a back injury. Joe Gomez might finally return from the injury sustained in pre-season.

Prediction

The numbers suggest Fulham are due a win at some point but with the Reds grinding out results under Iraola, we’re going to stick with a narrow Liverpool win, likely 2-1.

(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.

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Sep

2026

Preview: Real Madrid set for tricky Rayo test at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid have failed to record a league double over Rayo Vallecano since the 2021/22 season.

By Filip Mishov

Mourinho’s task to fix Real’s lack of midfield control

Inter’s defensive errors made José Mourinho‘s life easier in midweek, as Real Madrid celebrated a narrow victory in the Champions League. Los Blancos are on a three-match winning streak across all competitions at home this season, averaging 3.3 goals per match in front of their own fans.

However, an area of concern for the Portuguese coach might be the lack of control in the middle of the pitch with Federico Valverde and co. retaining only 52.8% possession of the ball throughout the opening five matches of the campaign, and even the captain admitted that the star-studded squad failed to follow the coach’s instructions and “to keep the ball more” following their midweek win against the reigning Serie A champions.

Rayo Vallecano enjoyed a full week off to prepare for the trip across Spain’s capital city from their own base in the Vallecas suburb after securing a dramatic comeback win against Racing Santander and getting themselves out of the relegation zone. Beñat San José‘s squaddesperately needed a lift but Los Franjirrojos are still a work in progress under the newly appointed coach.

Last season’s Conference League runners-up boast the joint fourth-best attack (7 scored) and second-worst defence (based on 10 goals conceded) in LaLiga at the same time, which puts Rayo’s relatively poor start to the season into context.

Key players

Kylian Mbappé is already earning glowing praise with the Special One putting the France captain’s name alongside Ronaldo as one of the best players that he has ever coached – quotes that came after the prolific goalscorer entered the Champions League all-time Top 5 scoring list (71 goals) thanks to his strike against Inter. The 27-year-old scored has scored five goals in the opening five matches of the season, earning an average FotMob rating of 8.19, and it’s already shaping up to be another fruitful campaign for Madrid’s No. 10.

For Rayo, Sergio Camello is in the form of his life, as the Atlético Madrid academy product is currently the second-highest scorer in LaLiga with five goals scored after four rounds played, while no player possesses a better goals per 90 ratio (1.81) than him. The in-form striker scored a brace and noted an assist in Rayo’s win over Racing Santander last weekend, earning the Player of the Match award with a FotMob rating of 9.2, and his performances become even more impressive when one takes into account the fact that the 25-year-old started only three of the four opening matches.

Team news

Aurélien Tchouaméni came off the bench in midweek to make his first appearance of the season and Thiago Pitarch was involved in the matchday squad after recovering from injury, while Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Bernardo Silva were all suspended and will return to the fold for Saturday’s match.

Jorge de Frutos and Fran Pérez both got sent off in the previous match and will miss the trip to their Madrid neighbours, while Augusto Batalla, Jozhua Vertrouwd and Isi Palazón are injured. New signing Marash Kumbulla is back in first-team training and could be in line to make his debut.

Prediction

Real Madrid are unbeaten at the Bernabéu so far this season, but Rayo Vallecano pegged back the Whites at least once, home or away, in each of the past four seasons, and even though I expect José Mourinho’s squad to find a way and get the three points, I do not think it will be as straightforward as many might think.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

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