The Pulse of Football

Sep

2026

Preview: Liverpool go to Ipswich Town on Friday night

Andoni Iraola takes his Liverpool side to newly promoted Ipswich, seeking a first competitive win at the third time of asking in the Premier League – and with a new £106m signing in tow.

By Karl Matchett

Much has been made of the Reds’ transfer window, with a massive outlay on Bradley Barcola not being matched by investment in a couple of clear problem areas from the past 12 months or so.

Gaping holes and a problem position

Driving buses through the centre of Liverpool’s midfield has been a fun and relaxing pastime for many a Premier League opponent of late, as Iraola is finding out, as Arne Slot failed to halt, as even Jürgen Klopp experienced too. Chopping and changing personnel will remain the approach for now, and seeing who sticks to the task of noticing when their double pivot partner has made a run forward – ideally then not doing the same.

But it’s at right-back where most fans remain concerned, with an underperforming Jeremie Frimpong being targeted by rivals and the presumed captain-in-waiting Dominik Szoboszlai already pressed into action there just two matches into the season. Unless either the diminutive Dutchman improves or an alternative out-of-position option presents itself within the squad, Jérémy Jacquet will quickly find himself overburdened with work on a regular basis, just as his predecessor did as the Reds’ right-sided centre-half.

Not mission critical but opportunity arises

For Ipswich, it would be easy to dismiss facing Liverpool as the type of match which won’t determine their fate come the end of the season, and perhaps that’s even true. But it doesn’t mean the fixture is a write-off and Gary O’Neil will want to put on a show against a former employer, where he was Academy coach before joining Bournemouth.

A heavy defeat to Manchester United will have been instructional as to the vagaries of Premier League football as much as the demands of consistency and quality, and the aforementioned areas to target against the former champions can quite feasibly leave the Suffolk side believing a point is there for the taking – at least.

Recent form

A win and a defeat for the newly promoted hosts is a reasonable start, but they’ll know building home form is key even if they now face the Reds and then Arsenal (in the EFL Cup) in quick succession. Liverpool have drawn both matches so far, requiring four comeback goals already to at least remain unbeaten.

Team news

New signings Florentino Luis and Emersonn are doubts for the hosts, so a decision is needed at No. 9 at least – Zian Flemming could debut. For Liverpool, Barcola may have to wait on the bench, while both Joe Gomez and Fede Chiesa remain out.

Key player

Florian Wirtz showed more reasons why he could be a driving force for Liverpool this season in his most recent outing, and despite a disallowed goal he fashioned the two they did score. 18 line-breaking passes in two games and covered the most ground last time out too, at 12.1km.

Prediction

Liverpool to continue with some defensive struggles – but their firepower should be telling. Ipswich 1-2 Liverpool.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Sep

2026

Troy Parrott is looking to bring his goalscoring reputation to LaLiga

There will be a Gaelic feel to El Gran Derbi, the Seville Derby in November, with Sevilla hosting Real Betis at the Ramon-Sanchez Pizjuan later this year as the two teams battle for local bragging rights.

By Ben McAleer

Sevilla secured the services of Scottish striker Robbie Ure last month, the 22-year-old joining from Swedish side Sirius. Ure registered his first goal involvement in the recent 3-1 home defeat to Atlético Madrid.

Not to be outdone, Real Betis secured Troy Parrott’s services in mid-August. Parrott had been linked with a return to England, with Championship side West Ham United previously leading the race to land the Republic of Ireland international.

The 24-year-old, though, opted for a switch to Betis, and it’s easy to see why. The Heliopolitans enjoyed a memorable 2025/26 campaign in LaLiga as they ultimately finished fifth. They were among the division’s great entertainers as they bagged 59 goals, yet shipped 48.

Cucho Fernández was their top scorer with 11 goals to his name. Abde Ezzalzouli bagged 10 times. In all, a total of 17 players struck for Manuel Pellegrini’s side in Spain’s top tier last term. There was a fair spread of goals, which is hardly a surprise for a team that ranked behind just Barcelona and Real Madrid for both shots (14.2) and chances created per 90 (10.8).

Ahead of a first Champions League run in over 20 years, however, they needed a bagsman. A player to put the ball in the ball of the net with greater regularity. A striker who’d capitalise upon the chances put in front of him. Cucho, after all, was the first player to score more than 10 league goals in a single season for Betis since Borja Iglesias netted 15 times in 2022/23.

*Parrott’s player traits compared to positional peers in comparable leagues*

To match his goal-getting ability, Parrott brings tactical flexibility to Pellegrini’s frontline. The experienced Chilean favours a 4-2-3-1 setup, with the striker required to not only tuck away chances but essentially act as a false nine to link up the play on a fluid frontline. Pellegrini addressed Parrott’s versatility after putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.

“He is not only a number nine,” the Real Betis boss said. “He’s a good goalscorer, he knows how to find space, and is a good player. He has that instinct for the ball and I think he’s going to do well.”

Parrott’s off-the-ball intelligence should eventually see him slot in seamlessly. That’s because the supporting act – largely Antony, the mercurial Isco and Rodrigo Riquelme, while Nelson Deossa and Abde are also options – work best with a physical presence leading the line. The striker’s hold-up play and ability to hold off defenders will benefit the ball carriers at Pellegrini’s disposal. They’ll be able to maximise the space he opens up to put opponents to the sword.

Factor in the increase of game time owing to Champions League qualification, and the demands it will place on the squad, and Betis needed to strengthen their depth across a number of key positions. What’s key here, though, is that Parrott and Cucho are able to operate alongside one another should Pellegrini need to throw another forward into the mix.

Given Parrott’s willingness to drop deeper and Cuho’s explosive timing when playing off the shoulder of the last defender, the pair have the potential to forge an effective partnership if ever deployed together.

*Parrott’s goal-laden two seasons at AZ Alkmaar*

In time, Parrott should prove an ideal fit for the Seville powerhouse. The move to Betis continued his storied career across the continent. At one stage, Parrott was considered the heir to Harry Kane’s throne at Tottenham Hotspur. Loan spells across a number of EFL sides, including Millwall and Preston North End, eventually saw Parrott secure a season-long switch to Dutch outfit Excelsior.

And it was with the Rotterdam side that Parrott began to really realise his potential. Indeed, he scored 10 goals and provided four assists across 25 league outings for Excelsior before AZ Alkmaar came knocking.

In 2024, he departed Spurs permanently. Supporters were surprised to see the youth academy product depart for AZ for a reported €8m. In the current market, it represented a steal. The Irishman scored 30 league goals across his two seasons before last month’s high-profile switch to sunny Spain.

A return to England would have been an easy route back to the spotlight for Parrott. Having chanced his luck in one of Europe’s perceived lesser leagues, he’d have torn up the Championship in the Hammers’ quest to make an immediate return to England’s top tier.

However, the Seville switch marks something of a coming of age move for Parrott. Evidently, he’s not afraid to move outside of his comfort zone to further his career, and this mentality is to be praised. Of course, it hasn’t been an easy start for Parrott.

His first appearance was as a second-half substitute in a hard-fought 1-0 win at Valencia. Betis’ marquee summer signing endured an afternoon of mixed fortunes in his full debut against Levante. Parrott saw a goal disallowed before his withdrawal on the hour mark. He’ll hope to make amends in Friday’s welcome of Real Madrid as he gears up to make his debut at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.

It took Parrott a little while to bag his first goal for AZ following his 2024 switch. He drew a blank in his opening four league appearances before smashing four past Heerenveen in his fifth outing. Real Betis would love a repeat of his awesome foursome when Los Blancos make the trip south for Friday’s tantalising clash.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

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Sep

2026

Joao Pedro is already repaying Xabi Alonso’s faith as Chelsea’s first-choice centre forward

A year after his arrival at Stamford Bridge, João Pedro is showing why he can lead the line as Chelsea’s next great centre forward.

By Graham Ruthven

Chelsea attackers don’t get long to prove their worth. Liam Delap, for example, was shipped off to Nottingham Forest this summer after just one season at the club. Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, David Datro Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and João Félix were similarly dumped on the Stamford Bridge scrapheap.

João Pedro has so far proved himself to be an exception. The Brazilian scored 15 league goals in his debut season as a Chelsea player and looks to have taken another step forward over the summer. Xabi Alonso has placed his faith in Pedro and he is already repaying the Blues boss for that belief.

By scoring seven goals in back-to-back wins over Fulham and Brighton, Chelsea have started the season in electric attacking form and Pedro has more than played his part. The 24-year-old has registered four goal contributions (two goals and two assists) in a forward line that could be as threatening as any other in the Premier League right now.

Chelsea’s new star trio of Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro have been on FIRE so far this season…

Palmer: 2 ⚽️ 1 🎯
Rogers: 1 ⚽️ 1 🎯
Pedro: 2 ⚽️ 2 🎯 pic.twitter.com/0Eijwpiyta
— FotMob (@FotMob) August 30, 2026

Some of Chelsea’s attacking sequences against Fulham and Brighton were lightning quick. Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Pedro all appear to be on the same wavelength such is the trio’s natural understanding and ability to interchange and move around each other in the final third.

Alonso wants his teams to play at speed. Chelsea had just 26% of possession in the win over Brighton, something that Alonso will want to address over the course of the season. By conceding control of the ball, though, the Blues were able to attack open space on the break. Pedro is more than comfortable with this brief.

“He’s very hungry. João is really, really determined to have a great season,” said Alonso. “’He wants to – after a great last year, where he scored many goals – I think that he wants to keep scoring more and more. But we need to help him, as on his own it’s not possible. He will have the players around him and they need to have this hunger to score as well. It’s not just about the striker, but every time that we win and our striker scores, I am happy.”

Even as Chelsea evolve their playing style, Pedro’s all-round game will be a good fit for Alonso’s vision. The Brazilian can hold up the ball and bring others into the play. He can dribble past an opponent and has a creative streak, as illustrated by the five assists he notched in the Premier League last season.

*Pedro’s player traits compared with positional peers in top five leagues*

Pedro charted a higher Expected Goals (xG) than any other Chelsea last season. Only Palmer averaged more shots on target per 90 minutes than the Brazilian, highlighting his natural knack for taking up good positions in and around the penalty box. Alonso has clearly seen this and is using Pedro as a focal point.

When Pedro joined Chelsea in a £60m deal from Brighton a year ago, there was a debate about his best position. The Brazilian can operate as a second striker or a number 10. He is also comfortable in a wide position, but it is through the middle where Pedro is most effective.

Chelsea’s defensive vulnerability might prevent them from challenging for the Premier League title this season. While Alonso’s side have caught the eye as an attacking force, scoring seven times, they have also allowed five goals. They would have conceded more against Brighton had it not been for Emi Martínez who marked his debut with four saves.

The defensive situation might improve once Moisés Caicedo is available again. The Ecuadorian offers more protection for the back four while Reece James will give Chelsea greater control of possession once he is back from injury. Alonso is having to make do with a makeshift midfield for the time being.

In Pedro, though, Chelsea have a centre forward capable of leading the line for a title-challenging team. Erling Haaland might be the Premier League’s most ruthless penalty box finisher, but Pedro might be the centre forward in the division with the most complete skill set.

Carlo Ancelotti’s bizarre decision to leave Pedro out of his Brazil squad for the World Cup gave the 24-year-old time to rest up over the summer. Brazil’s loss has been Chelsea’s gain with Pedro fit and fresh for the start of the season. He is performing at the peak of his powers and there is still much more to come.

Alonso hasn’t been in the job at Stamford Bridge for long, but the former midfielder is already reshaping Chelsea in his own image. The Blues were busy in the summer transfer window finding players to fit the new manager’s system and approach. Pedro, however, was just waiting for someone like Alonso to find another level.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Sep

2026

Rayan Cherki has taken a big step forward in his second season as a Manchester City player

The French playmaker is more important than ever to Manchester City.

By Graham Ruthven

There’s a scene in the recently released documentary ‘A Beautiful Obsession’ that pulls back the curtain on Manchester City’s scouting of Rayan Cherki. The decision makers at the Etihad Stadium club are discussing the Frenchman’s qualities when it is predicted that he could be the long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne within two seasons.

On the basis of City’s first two games of the 2026/27 season, Cherki’s second season in the Premier League, that prediction has aged well. In just 109 minutes of league action, the playmaker has registered two goals and two assists in wins over Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, highlighting just how important he is to Enzo Maresca’s team.

*Cherki’s player traits compared with positional peers in top five leagues*

Maresca has embraced Cherki in a way Pep Guardiola never did. This isn’t to say Guardiola didn’t appreciate Cherki. The former Manchester City manager’s relationship with the playmaker, however, wasn’t exactly frictionless. More than once, Guardiola criticised Cherki not being efficient enough in the final third, accusing him of over-playing.

Under Maresca, though, Cherki has been harnessed as Manchester City’s creator-in-chief. The new season might only be two games old, but the 23-year-old is leading the way among his City teammates for shots on target per 90 minutes and chances created. Cherki is performing at the peak of his powers.

“First of all, he loves football. So that makes it easier to work with him,” said Maresca when asked about Cherki’s eye-catching start to the season and his role for Manchester City. “Rayan is like this, we know how good he is. We know the quality that he has. In this moment, he is helping the team with the numbers in terms of goals and assists and no doubt he’s going to help more in the future.”

It’s been a summer of change at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola departed to be replaced by Maresca, but this was only the start of the upheaval with Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Savinho, Omar Marmoush, Nico González, Tijani Reijnders, Manuel Akanji and James Trafford all moved on.

Elliot Anderson was signed for a club-record fee to be Manchester City’s new pace-setter at the base of the midfield, only for that record to be broken with the deadline day signing of Enzo Fernández from Chelsea. Ayyoub Bouaddi also joined as part of Maresca’s new-look midfield after catching the eye for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. The €200m outlay on Anderson and Boyaddi in particular reflects City’s faith in their potential. Anderson and Bouaddi are stars in the making.

In Cherki, though, Maresca inherited a player capable of providing the creativity the Italian needs for his approach to work. At Chelsea, Maresca’s style of play verged into tedium because he lacked technicians to convert possession into opportunities. Cole Palmer might have been that player. For one reason or another, he wasn’t.

*Cherki’s passing stats in the Premier League so far*

Against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, Maresca set up City with Antoine Semenyo on the left and Phil Foden on the right with Cherki in behind Erling Haaland at the head of the attack. It’s a forward line that allows Cherki to get in between the lines and command the ball in areas of the pitch he can do serious damage.

Marc Guéhi played in central midfield against Bournemouth while Nico O’Reilly was pushed into the middle of the pitch for the follow-up meeting with Crystal Palace. Over time, Bouaddi or Fernández will be integrated as the first-choice partner for Anderson and a big part of the role will be giving a platform for Cherki to play his natural game.

In the documentary depiction of Manchester City’s assessment of Cherki as a transfer target when he was still at Lyon, the attacking midfielder’s perceived personality problems are mentioned. As a youngster, Cherki has a reputation for being petulant and occasionally allowing frustration to get the better of him.

It’s clear Cherki has matured, but he still requires some guidance to fulfil his potential. Maresca has taken the Frenchman under his wing, as demonstrated by the animated interaction between the pair after the opening weekend win over Bournemouth. Just because Guardiola is gone doesn’t mean Cherki isn’t going to be held to a high standard.

Maresca’s Manchester City are a work in progress. There have been positives from the back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Palace, but the flaws have also been there in their performances. City are still working hard to integrate their new signings at the same time as getting the best out of their established superstars.

Cherki might be City’s most valuable superstar right now. Haaland is still getting up to speed after the World Cup while Foden still isn’t the player he was three seasons ago when he was Player of the Year in the Premier League. Cherki is growing into his role as the De Bruyne replacement City signed him to be.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

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Sep

2026

The MLS Wrap: More Messi magic while Man City’s American wonderkid shines again

It was a weekend of big attacking performances in Major League Soccer as forwards across the league enjoyed some high-scoring matches.

By James Nalton

Seven games featured four or more goals, and there was a standout 7-1 win for Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, though they are still not the overall standout team in the league…

With 12 games left to play for the majority of teams before the end of the season, eyes are on playoff pushes and, for a few teams in particular, the top of the table.

Three or Four goals for Messi?

Lionel Messi likes playing against Montréal. He scored twice in each of his two previous games against the Canadian side last season, and scored just as many in one game against them in 2026 — a 7-1 win this weekend.

There is some controversy around the second goal and to whom it should be attributed. Some are giving it as an own goal for Montréal defender Luca Petrasso, despite the free-kick being goal-bound anyway.

Given that it was on target, it makes sense to give it to Messi, as MLS themselves and FotMob’s data provider (Opta) have both done.

After much debate, we added Lionel Messi’s fourth goal from Inter Miami’s game at the weekend… but it’s STILL not enough for a perfect FotMob 10! pic.twitter.com/5NjZ9LHRuw
— FotMob (@FotMob) August 31, 2026

Casemiro, playing as a left centre-back, opened the scoring. Montréal equalised, but then Messi ran riot, scoring three more, including another from a free kick, and assisting one for Luis Suárez.

A late cameo and a goal from 18-year-old Floridian, Alexander Shaw, provided further interest as he became the latest homegrown American player to attract attention in MLS.

Cavan Sullivan not the only Union wonderkid

The highest-profile of those American homegrown talents is Philadelphia Union’s Cavan Sullivan, who has really stepped up his game in recent weeks.

The 16-year-old’s goal in a 3-1 win in New Jersey against Red Bull New York was his second in as many games. It demonstrated an ability to cut inside from his right-sided attacking midfield position and score with his left foot in the manner of an inside forward.

It was another skill added to a highlight reel that his future club, Premier League side Manchester City, will be keeping an eye on.

He is not the only teenager making his mark in Pennsylvania, as towering centre-back Niel Pierre scored his fourth goal of the season.

The 18-year-old defender has been just as much of a revelation as Sullivan in recent months, arguably more so as his performances have come out of nowhere.

Pierre makes the Union a big threat at set pieces, and all four of his goals have come in the weeks after the league’s return to action after the World Cup, following the end of a loan spell in Denmark with Lyngby.

He’s gone straight into the lineup and all of a sudden, along with Sullivan, is now being talked about as deserving a place in Mauricio Pochettino’s future United States national team squads.

Nashville the team to beat

Though the likes of Messi and Sullivan are the individual players making the headlines in MLS, Nashville continue to be the team making the running in the league table.

A 4-0 win at the weekend against FC Cincinnati keeps them ten points clear of Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference, and nine points ahead of Vancouver Whitecaps in the overall Supporters’ Shield standings, though the Whitecaps do have a game in hand.

Just when the focus begins to fall on one player, such as Hany Mukhtar, who is building to MVP performance levels as the season reaches the business end, you remember they also have players like Cristian Espinoza, who has long been one of the league’s standout players.

The opening goal against Cincinnati saw Espinoza assist another potential big contributor, Sam Surridge, the Englishman who finished last season with 24 goals, challenging Messi for the golden boot. This weekend’s goal was his 13th of the 2026 season.

Four goals and four different scorers demonstrate one of the reasons this Nashville side is top of the league. They may not have a Messi or a Son Heung-min, but they have several players who are able to consistently put in the best performances in the league on any given week. If one of them doesn’t, another will.

When they all fire at the same time, you get performances like this 4-0 win. Mukhtar got himself on the scoresheet before assisting one for substitute Bryan Acosta, with another late sub, Ahmed Qasem, rounding off the victory in added time.

On top of this, the defenders and goalkeeper are racking up FotMob ratings of around eight or above, making their own contributions to this team with ten clean sheets this season.

Brian Schwake made six saves in this game and was the second-highest rated player behind Mukhtar.

Nashville remain unbeaten at home with an impressive 11 wins in 12 games, while on the road they have conceded just five goals in ten games. They look likely to lift the Shield and could yet do so with a record points tally.

Creative masterclass from Anders Dreyer

In the game between San Diego and LA Galaxy, all the focus was on the return of the now LA Galaxy player Hirving Lozano to his former team. But it was the 2026 Newcomer of the Year, Anders Dreyer, who quietly yet impressively stole the show.

He set up the opening goal for Lozano’s replacement, Elias Achouri, with a cross from the byline, before a pinpoint defence splitting long pass from out wide sent Kieran Sargeant in for San Diego’s second.

San Diego midfielder Jeppe Tverskov was sent off early in the second half, receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Lozano, who then went on to score against his old team to make things interesting.

But a third goal from San Diego came via Amahl Pellegrino, again from a Dreyer pass, to complete the job for the team with ten men.

Dreyer finished the game having created four big chances, six in total, and having set up all three of his team’s goals.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from MLS with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2026

The FotMob TOTW for the Premier League: Bruno, Haaland, and Cherki make the cut in Round 2

Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and, errr… Hull lead the way at the top of the Premier League standings after the second round of games, and the FotMob Team of the Week features plenty of big hitters.

By Ross Kilvington

Goalkeeper: Lukáš Hornícek

Lukáš Horníček started his second Premier League match for Newcastle in the away victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old made four saves and four recoveries in what was a dominant performance by the Magpies’ shot-stopper on Saturday evening.

Right-Back: Amar Dedić

Amar Dedić also continues to impress for Newcastle, having secured a move from Benfica a few weeks ago. In the 3-2 Carabao Cup win against West Brom in midweek, the right-back provided two assists.

And against Spurs, he was at it again, assisting Anthony Elanga for the opening goal. The defender showcased his attacking talents by creating two chances and succeeding with 100% of his crosses throughout the game.

Defensively, he won five of his six duels and made three tackles. A solid all-round display guaranteed his place in our side.

Centre-Back: James Tarkowski

The Everton defender scored the equaliser against Bournemouth in added time, but it was defensive contributions which prevented the Toffees from suffering defeat.

All in all, he made ten ‘def cons’ during the game, including five clearances and three interceptions while also completing 85% of his passes.

Centre-Back: Jérémy Jacquet

Despite Liverpool drawing 2-2 for the second consecutive league match, this time against Nottingham Forest, Jérémy Jacquet is another newcomer to the Premier League to make the Team of the Week.

The youngster succeeded with 90% of his passes and won 100% of his ground duels to show flashes of why he could turn out to be a vital player for the Reds over the next few years.

Left-Back: Lewis Hall

Lewis Hall makes it three Newcastle players among the back five (including goalkeeper) after his excellent display against Spurs.

He made the most defensive contributions (13) of anyone during the game while also looking superb going forward, creating one chance, and succeeding with both of his dribble attempts.

Midfield: Bruno Fernandes

When Manchester United need him most, Bruno Fernandes always turns up. The attacking midfielder received a FotMob rating of 9.8 this week in the 5-2 win against Ipswich, the highest out of anyone during matchday two.

That was simply down to the fact that he scored a hat-trick, grabbed an assist and took the most shots (8) throughout his 90 minutes on the pitch.

When he performs like this, there is arguably no better player in the Premier League.

Bruno Fernandes scored a hattrick AND got an assist in Manchester United’s 5-2 win over Ipswich… and *almost* got a perfect FotMob 10.0 rating…

We make it hard for a reason! 😅 pic.twitter.com/zXwEIjtqxj
— FotMob (@FotMob) August 30, 2026

Midfield: Youri Tielemans

Youri Tielemans was operating just behind Fernandes for United, and he was the fulcrum of Michael Carrick’s side.

The Belgian not only created the most chances (4), but he covered the most distance throughout the game (11.5km) as he was everywhere at Old Trafford.

Not only that, Tielemans chipped in with 13 defensive contributions, including seven recoveries as the Tractor Boys were eventually defeated.

Midfield: Rayan Cherki

After providing both assists after coming off the bench in Man City’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth on matchday one, Rayan Cherki was given his first start of the season against Crystal Palace.

That turned out to be an inspired decision by Enzo Maresca. The Frenchman scored two wonderful goals along with creating the joint-most chances (3) and recording the joint-most dribbles (3) while on the pitch.

With that display, Maresca might find it hard to leave him out again, receiving a 9.1 rating from FotMob in the process.

Attack: Phil Foden

Phil Foden might not have scored, but he did everything else superbly against Palace. The Englishman provided two assists while proving he would fight for every ball by covering 11.8km, the most out of anyone on the pitch.

Foden managed to create three chances and even helped out defensively, recording four interceptions, two clearances. and a tackle. Not a bad night’s work indeed.

Attack: Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland took just 19 touches in 90 minutes against Palace, yet ended up scoring his first two goals of the Premier League season.

The Norwegian striker managed a total of five shots during the contest, more than his previous two games against Bournemouth and Arsenal combined, while even managing ten sprints.

Maresca will hope these goals can act as a catalyst for the forward to go on another prolific run in front of goal.

Attack: Bryan Mbeumo

Perhaps slightly overshadowed by his teammate Fernandes, Mbeumo still managed to get on the scoresheet against Ipswich.

He looked lively throughout and even managed the joint-most touches in the opposition box (7), indicating how keen he was to make a positive impact in the final third.

The Cameroonian did miss two chances, however, yet this performance should please Carrick as his front four clicked rather nicely during the 5-2 victory.

🤯 Bryan Mbeumo will be wondering how that didn’t end up in the back of the net. pic.twitter.com/6m9ugxDMTu
— FotMob (@FotMob) August 30, 2026

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Add FotMob as a preferred news source on Google by clicking – here.

Aug

2026

Preview: Barcelona host Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga on Monday

Barcelona welcome Rayo Vallecano to Camp Nou as they bid to make it three LaLiga wins in a row to begin the season.

By Ross Kilvington

Can anyone stop Barcelona?

Both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres departed Barcelona this summer, with Hansi Flick signing Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi to bolster his attack.

Those two signings got off to an excellent start against Elche. Gordon grabbed two assists from the bench, while the German international opened his Barcelona account in the same game.

Neither scored during the 2-0 win over Athletic Club on Thursday evening, but it appears as though Flick’s attacking department has undergone an improvement in personnel.

Seven goals scored, none conceded and six points from six. Barcelona have begun the domestic campaign like a freight train and it is hard to see any club stopping them.

Against Athletic Club, the Blaugrana might have only scored twice, but they did manage 22 shots and created four big chances.

Maintain this sort of form and Barcelona could shatter their record of 95 goals and 94 points from last season, without a shadow of a doubt.

Rayo Vallecano eyeing another top-half finish

Last season was arguably one of the finest in Rayo Vallecano’s history. Not only did the club secure a second consecutive eighth-place finish in LaLiga, but Rayo reached their first-ever European final.

That Conference League final was lost to Crystal Palace, yet ambitions were high that another top-half finish could be secured this season, despite Iñigo Pérez stepping down at the end of last season.

His replacement, Beñat San José, has yet to lead Rayo to victory this season. An opening day defeat against Sevilla was followed by a 1-1 stalemate with Alavés.

Nobel Mendy and Pep Chavarria were both sold during the summer, but Rayo have a strong enough squad to overachieve in LaLiga once again this season.

Los Franjirrojos have drawn two and won one of their last seven games against Barcelona, conceding just three goals across their previous three meetings with the champions.

Team news

Flick will be missing Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Roony Bardghji due to injury for this clash on Monday evening.

It remains to be seen whether he makes any changes to the starting XI that defeated Athletic Club last time out.

Augusto Batalla, Isi Palazón and Luiz Felipe won’t be available for Rayo because of injury.

Prediction

Barcelona have been unstoppable in LaLiga so far and Flick will be looking for his side to continue this rich vein of form in front of goal against Rayo.

His team scored just twice against Rayo last season, however, and Beñat San José will want his men to be just as difficult to break down on Monday evening.

The Catalan side didn’t really have to get out of second gear against Athletic Club and there was clearly plenty more in the tank.

As such, expect a comfortable win for the home side: Barcelona 3-0 Rayo Vallecano.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Aug

2026

Preview: Champions Arsenal head to Villa Park on Monday night

Premier League champions Arsenal travel to Aston Villa as they look to build on their perfect start to the season.

By Matt Smith

It’s been quite the contrast for Unai Emery‘s side after they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat away to Brighton on the opening weekend of the campaign. The Villans have seen their squad decimated this summer, with a host of key players heading through the exit door.

Arsenal are undoubtedly in a much stronger position, having strengthened their squad in the market while keeping hold of their best players.

In this fixture last season, Aston Villa secured a fantastic 2-1 victory at home, with Emi Buendia scoring a 95th-minute winner.

Team news

Aston Villa could be boosted by two new additions for Monday night’s game after both Nicolas Jackson and Leon Goretzka were registered in time to face the Gunners. Emery’s men will be without Amadou Onana, Johan Manzambi, and Brian Madjo due to injuries, while João Gomes is suspended following his red card last time out.

It’s a quick return to Villa Park for Ezri Konsa after he made the switch to Arsenal in the summer transfer window. Konsa is yet to make his debut after signing last weekend, but he could be in line to face his former club. Arsenal could be without both Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus as speculation continues to surround their futures.

Jurrien Timber and William Saliba will be missing, while Bruno Guimarães is in a race against time to be fit.

New signings need to make an impact

After such a disastrous start to the season, Villa’s new signings need to make a significant impact early on. It was a humiliating defeat for Villa down in Brighton, but there’s no doubt the additions of Goretzka and Jackson will make them stronger.

Jackson didn’t play an awful lot for Bayern Munich whilst on loan last season, but he was a constant goal threat when given an opportunity. He will likely be replacing Ollie Watkins as Villa’s main man in attack, with the English striker on his way to Saudi Arabia.

Start as you mean to go in

It was a truly dominant display from the Gunners in their opening game of the Premier League season. They were handed a nice draw by facing newly promoted Coventry City, but they certainly look like a side that is ready to protect their Premier League title.

Villa should undoubtedly be a bit of a tougher test for Arsenal, especially as the Midlands club beat them last season. This will be the true test for the Gunners to see whether they are going to enjoy another phenomenal season.

Tzolis the man to watch

Of course, Aston Villa will undoubtedly be concerned about the ability of the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka. Despite that, the most threatening player against Coventry last time out was Christos Tzolis on the left-hand side of attack.

The Greek forward was involved in absolutely everything going forward for Arsenal, creating three chances while having the most shots and touches inside the opposition box.

Prediction

With Villa’s new signings likely needing time to settle in, we’re going for a 2-0 victory to Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Aug

2026

Preview: Real Madrid welcome newly-promoted Málaga to the Bernabéu

Real Madrid have never lost against Málaga at Estadio Bernabéu across 41 games in all competitions.

By Filip Mishov

Mourinho’s blueprint already visible

Real Madrid’s sluggish first-half display against Real Sociedad in midweek even attracted some boos from the Bernabéu faithful at half-time but Kylian Mbappé turned on the heat in the second half to seal the win by completing a hat-trick.

Even though José Mourinho might not be completely pleased with his team’s performances during the opening couple of rounds, especially with the opponents enjoying a lot of time on the ball (43% possession on average), Los Blancos are off to a flawless start in LaLiga and are averaging an xG of 2.9.

On the other side of the pitch, a clean sheet for Thibaut Courtois is surely the next target, but the new look defence is still finding its feet with three new players (Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella) all starting in front of the Belgian goalkeeper.

Estadio La Rosaleda witnessed Málaga’s first top flight match since 2017/18 on Monday with Los Blanquiazules drawing with Deportivo A Coruña, which followed defeat at Atlético Madrid in the opening round. Now, Juan Funes‘s squad is heading back to Madrid to face one of the club’s toughest opponents, as Málaga’s record against Real Madrid attests.

Mourinho was, however, at the helm back in 2012 when Manuel Pellegrini outwitted a world-class side featuring Sergio Ramos, Mesut Özil and Cristiano Ronaldo to celebrate Málaga’s last win over Madrid in all competitions.

Key players

In order for Los Blancos to make the most out of their rich attacking talent, tlast season’s runners-up need a solid and well-organised backline, and Dean Huijsen is set to be one of Mourinho’s defensive leaders this campaign. The talented centre-back already worked under the Portuguese coach at Roma back in 2024 and The Special One then labelled him as “one of the biggest prospects in football”. So, it is no surprise to see the 21-year-old start and excel in the opening matches of the season, earning a FotMob rating of 7.1 and 7.8, respectively.

Chupe is living the dream after guiding his boyhood club back to LaLiga with the academy product scoring 25 goals and six assists in the second tier last season. Subsequently, the 22-year-old finished as the second-highest scorer and was among the leading forwards in terms of goals per 90 (0.81) and xGOT (21.9). The No. 9 will be Málaga’s protagonist once again and the prolific striker has opened his account for this season by scoring against Deportivo A Coruña.

Team news

With Real Madrid playing three league games in a span of eight days, Mourinho is expected to make changes in the starting XI, but Éder Militao, Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch, Rodrygo and Endrick remain out of contention.

Málaga’s injury list is less extensive, but still Diego Murillo, Fernando Calero, Aarón Ochoa and Adrián Nino will be absent through injuries.

Prediction

José Mourinho is off to a perfect start in LaLiga, and with the newly-promoted Málaga coming to the Bernabéu, I expect them to make it three out of three at the start of the season and ahead of their difficult trip to Real Betis next week.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Aug

2026

Preview: Man United welcome the Tractor Boys to Old Trafford

After finishing last season on an optimistic note, Manchester United fans will be feeling deflated one game into the new campaign. Michael Carrick needs to get a fast tune out of his team to change that.

By Karl Matchett

Facing a newly promoted side right at the start of a new season is dangerous – everyone has known that for years. But even the most pessimistic supporter must have been grinning at United being handed two in a row to kick off 2026/27.

Tactics vs. toughness

Carrick’s side had plenty of the ball against Hull, but did comparatively little with it; by contrast, they were easily picked apart when the top-flight Tigers surged forward, got people in the box and took their chances. The atmosphere, energy, adrenaline, excitement at being back in the Premier League – all that is of course a massive part of a promoted side’s first game of the year, and Manchester United won’t be the last team to succumb to it.

But all the same, they can’t use the same excuse when the next chance to put matters right rolls around and Ipswich had their own late scenes of jubilation when beating Sunderland on gameweek one, too. All things being equal, United should rightly be expected to put in a far stronger showing for their first home game, and their second match-up with a promoted outfit. But “expectations” only skate over the truth: Hull created more big chances than United, produced more sprints, covered more ground, won way more duels and were simply more aggressive, on and off the ball. United have their way of playing, which is fine, but there also looks very little evidence that they’ve ditched the softness of last season – and in matches where the opposition brings the energy, that’s increasingly problematic in the Premier League.

Lessons learned?

Last time around after promotion Ipswich spent big, but on a lot of promise, potential and possibility – think Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson. This time it’s slightly different, with plenty of top-flight experience joining through Issa Diop, Saša Lukić, Florentino Luís and the excellent Julio Enciso. Add in some who have featured in European competition – Exequiel Palacios from Leverkusen and Daizen Maeda from Celtic – and this looks a much better-balanced, better-equipped, squad to try and stay up.

*H2H results last time Ipswich were in the Premier League*

Recent form

Prior to losing to Hull, United failed to win their final three preseason games. Ipswich followed up the opening day win over Sunderland by beating Leicester in the EFL Cup midweek.

Team news

New signing Carlos Baleba is out for a while yet, with fellow midfielders Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte also sidelined. Ipswich are missing Florentino Luís but are otherwise fine.

Key player

United signed Youri Tielemans to dictate play and help progress the ball from deep – this type of game it’s critical he do so. He made 12 passes into the final third and 15 line-breakers on his debut, so a full 90 minutes here should up that supply line considerably.

Prediction

Another 90 minutes of concern and frustration to start the season for the hosts: Man United 1-1 Ipswich.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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