The Pulse of Football

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)

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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)

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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)

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Sep

2026

Preview: Chelsea face high flying Hull City at the Bridge

Chelsea welcome Hull to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon in what could be a close-knit affair.

By Ross Kilvington

Xabi Alonso looks to bounce back from defeat against Arsenal

The Blues took the lead against Arsenal after just two minutes thanks to a Morgan Rogers volley which silenced the home crowd.

Chelsea failed to build on that early opener, however, as Mikel Arteta’s men eventually prevailed 2-1 to make it three wins from three in the Premier League.

It was Xabi Alonso’s biggest test and while his side demonstrated moments of brilliance against the champions, it wasn’t enough.

Against Leeds in the EFL Cup in midweek, a much changed Chelsea side trailed 2-0 after 48 minutes, but somehow pulled a 6-3 win out of the bag.

2-0 down at home in the Carabao Cup, Xabi Alonso brought on the big guns from the bench and turned the game. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CPc7sGALZW
— FotMob (@FotMob) September 10, 2026

One thing is for certain, Alonso’s reign is unlikely to be boring. Although the team have looked superb going forward, the defence must improve if trophies are to be won this season.

A tally of 16 goals proves Chelsea have been clinical in the final third, yet 10 goals conceded in just five games suggests there is work to be done.

Hull continue to be the early surprise package of the season

Even the most passionate Hull supporter wouldn’t have imagined the Tigers sitting third in the Premier League after three games, going unbeaten in the process.

The 2-0 victory over Manchester United to open the league campaign has been the catalyst for their superb run.

Indeed, Hull are the only top flight club to have kept a clean sheet across their opening three matches.

Will the bubble burst? More than likely, but confidence is at an all-time high right now. The trip to Stamford Bridge is going to be a tough test, yet Sergej Jakirović’s men will could thrive as the underdogs.

Team news

Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra are definite absentees for Alonso due to injury, while Moisés Caicedo is a doubt for the game.

The likes of João Pedro, Cole Palmer and Roméo Lavia will likely return to the starting XI after being dropped to the bench in midweek.

Jakirović will be missing Charlie Hughes, Jack Butland, Darko Gyabi and Oscar Zambrano for this clash against the Blues on Saturday.

Prediction

Alonso will have been disappointed at failing to secure at least a point against Arsenal last time out, but this clash against Hull represents a chance to bounce back.

The Blues have won their previous nine fixtures against the Tigers dating back to February 2010 and a win on Saturday will keep them within touching distance of the summit.

For Hull, the pressure is off following a solid start to the season and nobody will expect them to get anything at Stamford Bridge.

This is perhaps when the away side could be at their most dangerous, especially with how many goals Chelsea have shipped already this season.

Expect Chelsea to secure all three points, but it will be tighter than many expect: Chelsea 3-1 Hull.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Sep

2026

Riccardo Calafiori’s use of space is opening up a completely different dimension for Arsenal

After a stop-start first two years at Arsenal, Riccardo Calafiori has never been more important to Mikel Arteta’s team than he is right now.

By Graham Ruthven

Arsenal’s second goal to ultimately clinch victory over Chelsea last Sunday was an illustration of everything the Premier League champions have offered as an attacking outfit this season. Christos Tzolis was purposeful in his cutting inside off the left with Kai Havertz ingenious in his dummy to Martin Ødegaard to finish following a late run into the box.

Riccardo Calafiori’s contribution was less obvious, mainly because he didn’t even touch the ball. Without his forward run, though, the Gunners’ attack might not have ended with the ball in the back of the net. It was reflective of how Calafiori has started the season. He has become one of Arsenal’s most important players.

*Calafiori’s heatmap from the game vs. Chelsea*

Signed on the back of his eye-catching performances for Italy at Euro 2024, Calafiori has always been a wildcard for Arsenal. While the likes of Jurrien Timber and Ben White have been favoured for their defensive ability in the full back positions, the former Bologna player is more cavalier in his approach.

Arteta makes an exception for Calafiori when he is on the pitch, allowing him the freedom to get forward. The Italian is an excellent ball-carrier and covers a huge amount of ground – only Havertz has covered more distance for Arsenal in the Premier League this season. On top of this, only Ødegaard has a higher Expected Assists (xA) than Calafiori.

Even more impactful, though, is Calafiori’s willingness to invert when venturing forward. This is what he did for Arsenal’s winning goal against Chelsea, creating the space for Tzolis to cut inside and taking a defender away from Havertz and Ødegaard to combine on the edge of the box.

*Calafiori’s physical data stats in the Premier League this season*

Frequently targeted for being creatively stodgy at times last season, Arsenal have been a more purposeful attacking force this term. Havertz is performing at the peak of his powers with Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka fully fit again. The trio have a clear understanding together and are driving the Gunners forward. Calafiori is playing his part too.

Arsenal’s start to the season suggests they are once again the team to beat in the Premier League. The Gunners also created over 4.05 xG (3.81 from open play) in the 1-0 win at Napoli that opened their Champions League campaign, on Wednesday, with Arteta and his players intent on breaking their continental duck after losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in last season’s final.

To achieve European supremacy, Arsenal must get better at imposing their own game on the strongest of opponents. While the Gunners made last season’s Champions League final, they landed in the more favourable half of the draw. They can’t count on that again. Arsenal must develop as a creative outfit to beat the best.

Calafiori’s emergence as one of Arsenal’s most influential players could help in this regard. The Italian is a chaos merchant who gives the Gunners another edge. Calafiori himself is a creative threat with his eye for goal and ability to produce an assist, but his movement also helps his teammates perform at their best.

In stringing together wins over Manchester City, Coventry City, Aston Villa and Chelsea, conceding just once in the process, Arsenal have underlined their status as one of the most accomplished teams in English and European football right now. If anything, winning last season’s Premier League title has liberated them. The Gunners look stronger than ever.

“I think it’s an indication for us of how we are capable of performing at an even higher level than last season,” said Arteta after the win over Chelsea. “It depends on how we maintain and sustain that desire, that humbleness, and continue every day to try to find a better version of myself and the team. We still have a lot to grow and a lot to offer. This is the ambition of the team.”

Arteta will evolve Arsenal over the course of the season. Right now, Myles Lewis-Skelly is being favoured alongside Declan Rice in central midfield. Soon enough, though, Bruno Guimarães could come in instead following his summer switch from Newcastle United. The Brazilian surely expects to start in time.

On the left wing, Tzolis has hit the ground running after joining from Club Brugge. Eberechi Eze, however, will almost certainly be a factor at some stage of the campaign. He’s too good to be on the bench for long. Noni Madueke can also play on the left side even if he is most comfortable on the opposite flank.

In Calafiori, though, Arsenal have a player who embodies how Arteta is embracing the next evolution of his team. The Italian is a vision of what the Gunners could become, and are already on their way to becoming. He isn’t the archetypal Arsenal player and that’s what makes him so valuable.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Sep

2026

Can Donyell Malen’s goals help Roma mount a serious title challenge?

It has been 25 long years since Roma last won the Scudetto. Under the shrewd leadership of Fabio Capello, a team featuring Giallorossi icons such as Francesco Totti, Cafu, Vincent Candela and Vincenzo Montella finished two points clear of Juventus to win their third league title.

By Ross Kilvington

Given the squad that Capello had at his disposal, it should have been the start of a new dynasty for Roma. Instead, the capital city side failed to build on that Serie A winning campaign, finishing as proverbial bridesmaids on nine different occasions since 2001.

Going deeper still, a tally of just five major honours in 25 years is a truly dismal return for one of Italy’s most historic clubs.

Gian Piero Gasperini is now at the helm, a man who led Atalanta into the Champions League and to Europa League glory.

Roma, of course, are a different beast entirely. A third-place finish during his maiden season at the Stadio Olimpico was a fine achievement and it was largely thanks to the goals from Donyell Malen during the second half of the campaign.

The Dutchman has begun 2026/27 in a similar vein of fashion. Can he be the man to end 25 years of agony?

*Malen’s flying start in Serie A this season*

Donyell Malen reinvigorated Roma last season

Malen made an initial loan move to the Italian capital in January of this year, despite spending only 12 months at Villa.

Largely used as a substitute during his brief spell in the Midlands, the forward scored ten goals across 46 appearances under Unai Emery.

Prior to his arrival, Roma had lost seven of their opening 18 Serie A matches. Malen wasted no time in making an impact, scoring against Torino on his debut and finished with an extraordinary total of 14 league goals in just 18 matches.

The Giallorossi lost just four of their remaining games – one of those against Scudetto winners Inter Milan – as Gasperini lead the club back into the Champions League for the first time since 2018/19.

*Malen’s Serie A shooting stats in 2025/26*

Roma announced the permanent signing of Malen during the summer for a £21m fee – an absolute bargain in the current market.

With a deal running through to 2030, Malen has ample time to cement himself as a modern-day club icon in the capital. Three league matches into the new season, he is already carrying on exactly where he left off.

Roma are thriving in Serie A this season

Roma sit top of the table making the perfect start.

Malen has been instrumental to that early surge to the summit of Serie A, scoring five goals to take his tally to 20 in just 23 matches.

It isn’t simply the volume of goals that has endeared him to supporters, but the variety.

His opener against Fiorentina saw Malen turn brilliant to create a yard of space beyond his marker to fire a low shot into the back of the net. His second saw the forward ease past Radu Drăgușin before firing a lovely effort into the roof of the net at the near post before he rounded off his treble with a poacher’s finish.

Three goals, three different profiles, proving that he is one of the most complete forwards in Serie A.

*Malen has scored with five of his seven shots on target this season*

After a brace against Lecce on matchday two, Gasperini even compared Malen to one of his former stars.

“I have been fortunate enough to work with some great goalscorer, like Diego Milito at Genoa, but also with Atalanta I often had players who knew how to score goals. Malen is a little different, although he does remind me of Milito in some ways,” said Gasperini.

“He has this ability to control, turn and accelerate, which are extraordinary characteristics for a centre-forward. I think both of us, me and him, wanted him to play in that role. It was a gamble that paid off.”

Across those first two league matches, Gasperini deployed Malen as the lone centre-forward in a 3-4-2-1 system, with Argentinian playmakers Paolo Dybala and Matías Soulé operating directly behind him.

That system evidently worked a treat, with Dybala assisting all three of Malen’s goals against Fiorentina, while Soulé found the net against Lecce.

In their latest match, against Gasperini’s former club Atalanta, Dybala and Malen were partnered together in the 2-1 victory.

The former provided an assist for Soulé’s dramatic late winner, but the Dutchman still caused plenty of chaos during his time on the pitch. Not only did he complete the most dribbles (4) and create one chance, but Malen also won five of his six ground duels and took ten touches in the opposition penalty area.

Goals are what Malen is going to be defined by, but performances like this prove he can still dominate games without scoring.

The 2026/27 campaign is still in its embryonic stages, but Roma do look like a force to contend with.

Serie A duties are on hold for a few days as the capital side take on Fenerbahçe in the Champions League on Thursday, but momentum is certainly on their side.

If Malen keeps delivering across the next few months, Roma challenging for a first Scudetto in 25 years becomes a real possibility, something that would inevitably guarantee hero status for the 27-year-old.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

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Sep

2026

Preview: Man United face newcomers Sabah in the Champions League

Manchester United return to Champions League action tonight against the Azerbaijani champions, Sabah FK.

By Ian King

The differences between Manchester United and Sabah FK are stark

Manchester United return to what they would presume to be their ‘rightful’ place in the Champions League off the back of an inconsistent start to their Premier League season. A bafflingly bad performance against Hull City was followed by a commanding win against Ipswich Town, but last week they were pegged back by a last-gasp equaliser by Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Sabah FK ended last season as the Champions of Azerbaijan for the first time. In fact, they ended 2025/26 having won a league and cup double. They won the league by nine points from Qarabağ, and they went unbeaten domestically from August to May. This season they’ve kicked off with three straight wins in the league, and last weekend they beat Zirə Futbol Klubu 5-0 in front of a crowd of 1,752. For reference, the capacity of Old Trafford is 74,158. To put it another way, the difference between these two clubs is enormous.

Sabah have already played eight games in the Champions League this season, though, having battled all the way through from the First Qualifying Round. They’ve already beaten British opposition, too, having beaten Welsh side TNS 2-0 and 2-1 in July. Since then, they’ve got past the Finnish side KuPS, the Danish side Aarhus, and Hapoel Be’er Sheva from Israel, to get here, so at least they’ll arrive in Manchester warmed up in this particular competition.

This is Sabah’s fourth consecutive season of European football

These two sides have never played each other before, and Manchester United have never played Azerbaijani opposition before, either. Sabah were only formed ten years ago, but this is their fourth consecutive season of European football, though it’s their first time in the Champions League. Meanwhile, this season marks Manchester United’s return to European football after having failed to qualify a year earlier, the first time they’d failed to do so in 11 years.

Manchester United’s standout player so far in 2026/27 is the same one as for the whole of 2025/26

With the most goals scored, the highest average Fotmob rating and the most distance covered on the pitch, club captain Bruno Fernandes has been Manchester United’s standout player so far this season, just as he was last time around. Head coach Michael Carrick could be tempted to give a player or two a rest against modest opposition tonight, but his captain will surely start.

*Fernandes’ heat map in the Premier League this season*

There aren’t many familiar names in the Sabah squad, but two of their players have some degree of experience of English football. Polish left-back Tymoteusz Puchacz played 18 games on loan for Plymouth Argyle from the German side Holstein Kiel in 2025, while Nigerian winger Christian Nwachukwu signed for Sheffield United from the Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv in 2025, failed to make a single appearance for them, and was sold to Sabah for an undisclosed fee in the summer.

Their form player is Joy-Lance Mickels, a once-capped Rwandan international striker who’s already scored eight goals this season, four of which came in their Champions League qualifiers.

With City at the weekend, United may shuffle their pack for this match

Manchester United have a derby match against City at the weekend, so Carrick will likely rest a handful of players, with possible cameos for any – or all – of Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Andrey Santos or Benjamin Šeško. Sabah have no injury issues – which is handy, given this is the biggest night in the short history of the club!

This should be a comfortable win for Manchester United, and there’ll be hell to pay if it isn’t

In terms of resources, these two clubs exist in different universes, and anything other than a win for Manchester United tonight would be an abject humiliation for the club. The good news for United supporters is that there’s little evidence to suggest that there’s any chance of this not happening.

Defensive performances – which have seen them concede six goals in their opening three Premier League matches – have been sub-par, but they’ve scored seven in their last two games and their opponents have already won a huge victory merely by getting this far in the first place.

But this is the first game of Michael Carrick’s first real test as United’s head coach. Without European football and with early eliminations from both domestic cups last season, Carrick had a clear run in the Premier League, but this season he has to juggle the eight matches of the Champions League megagroup, and far greater tests await, including Atlético Madrid, Roma and Bayern Munich.

It’s clear that their back line can be got at, and this makes it difficult to predict a clean sheet for them at the moment, no matter who the opposition. But this should still be a comfortable evening for them to ease back into the rhythm of European football, so I’ll go for a 4-1 United win, though I do feel a little as though I’m pulling a number out of a hat in terms of the number of goals they might score.

And if United don’t win comfortably, tensions may well start to significantly rise again ahead of their weekend showdown against that lot.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Sep

2026

Barcelona’s fluid striker-less attack makes them even more formidable

Hansi Flick’s new-look forward line has supercharged Barcelona in the first few weeks of the 2026/27 season.

By Graham Ruthven

Barcelona planned for Julián Alvarez to be their new number nine this season. They spent the majority of the summer chasing the Argentine who, by all accounts, was keen on a switch to Camp Nou. So when the transfer window closed with Alvarez still an Atlético Madrid player, it raised questions over Barca’s forward line for the season ahead.

Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres’ departure over the summer left the Catalans without a designated centre forward. Gabriel Jesus arrived as an emergency signing on deadline day, although Barcelona’s rampant performances to start the season suggest there is no emergency.

From a possible 12 points, Barca are setting the early pace at the top of LaLiga with a maximum 12. Even more impressive, Hansi Flick’s team have scored no fewer than 17 goals, netting five times in matches against Elche, Rayo Vallecano and Valencia. Barcelona have been unstoppable.

*Hansi Flick’s typical formation this season, with season average FotMob ratings and goal contributions*

Raphinha has scored six of those 17 goals from a position few envisaged for the Brazilian. Deployed as a centre forward in Barcelona’s opening four fixtures, Raphinha has immediately slotted in as the solution that might be more than just a quick fix for the 2026/27 season.

By moving Raphinha into the centre of the pitch, a spot has opened up for Anthony Gordon to operate on the left wing following his €80m transfer from Newcastle United with the England international key to Barcelona’s pressing structure. Gordon has been signed for his energy in and out of possession.

Gordon and Raphinha have struck up an immediate understanding down the left wing with La Masia graduate Xavi Espart establishing himself as Barcelona’s first-choice left back. Espart is more defensively resolute than Alejandro Balde and better technically than João Cancelo after joining permanently from Al-Hilal in the summer.

With Espart, Gordon and Raphinga forging a triangle on the left side, Flick has deliberately opened up the space for Lamine Yamal on the opposite wing. The 19-year-old’s game is based around the ability to isolate opposition defenders as often as possible and Flick’s entire approach is designed to make that happen as frequently as possible.

*Lamine Yamal’s minutes and FotMob ratings in LaLiga this season*

Behind this forward line, Barcelona have added Rodri as the security net they have lacked over the course of Flick’s tenure to date. The 30-year-old is the best player in the world in his position. He might even be the best player in the world full stop after winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024 and the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball.

Barcelona already boasted one of the strongest midfields in the game, but the addition of Rodri will give them the sort of structure that was previously missing. The Catalans’ biggest weakness until now was their frailty in defensive transition and this is where Rodri could make the biggest difference, giving more freedom to Barca’s attacking players.

The Spanish champions will open their Champions League campaign against Feyenoord on Wednesday. Barcelona fell at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League last season and the semi-final stage the season before that. It’s been a full decade since Barca were last European champions and they badly want to end the long wait for continental glory.

It’s not just that Gordon, Raphinha and Yamal have turned the dial for Barca’s forward line so far this season, it’s that Flick has the depth to keep his team competitive over the full campaign. Fermín López and Dani Olmo can both operate in the attacking midfield role with Karim Adeyemi and Gavi also capable of making an impact. Jesus too if he can stay fit.

“It doesn’t change our thoughts,” said Flick after the dominant 5-0 win over Valencia when the subject of Barcelona’s lack of an elite-level centre forward. “We normally need a real number nine, this is clear. But we have huge quality in the offence, also in the midfield – everyone can score goals.”

Flick is right to point out just how many goals are contributed in all areas of his squad. In just four games, five different Barcelona players have found the back of the net. They are sharing the goalscoring burden across the team, but the tone is being set by the players at the top of the pitch.

*Barcelona’s goalscorers in LaLiga this season*

What looked like being a compromise with wingers playing as centre forwards could now be the final form of Flick’s Barca. His approach has always been about speed and fluidity and by playing Gordon and Raphinha together as a dynamic pairing with Yamal a difference-maker kept separate from the rest of the frontline. By going down this route, Barcelona might have inadvertently reached an even higher level.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Sep

2026

Preview: Arsenal head to Naples on Matchday 1 in the Champions League

After a strong start to the defence of their Premier League title, Arsenal will now be looking to go one better than last year in Europe when they were beaten finalists, starting at Napoli.

By Karl Matchett

Only a penalty shootout defeat to back-to-back winners PSG prevented Mikel Arteta’s team from completing a magnificent double at the end of last term, but there were areas the manager will feel he can improve on now a first major trophy is in the cabinet.

Perfection to prevention

While the Gunners roared through the long league phase with a 100% success rate last term, eight wins from eight, they soon found out that it counts for little once the knock-outs get underway. Often it appeared Arsenal were more concerned with not losing games than actually going to win them; there were more than a few criticisms aimed their way for unconvincing showings against Leverkusen, Sporting, and Atlético Madrid en route to the final. But perhaps the early days of the league season show they’ll be more on the front foot, more often: Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz are more involved, sharper and more aggressive already, and Arsenal have scored six goals in three games despite two tricky opponents in Aston Villa and Chelsea already being ticked off the list and beaten.

🇳🇴 After struggling with injuries last season, Martin Ødegaard seems to be back at his best – with three goals and an average rating of 8.2! pic.twitter.com/woO1VRkCYS
— FotMob (@FotMob) September 7, 2026

This new European format is very much marathon rather than sprint, and there’s mounting evidence to suggest you need not go all-out for a top-few finish. But you suspect the Gunners have a strong enough squad to do so regardless – perhaps with a more changeable side at times.

On the fringes

For Napoli, there are already question marks over new boss Maxi Allegri, who replaced Antonio Conte over summer. Direct Champions League rivals Como and Inter Milan have already beaten the Partenopei this term, while their transfer business left much to be desired – the only real permanent additions of note were an enforced obligation to make Rasmus Højlund’s loan into a total transfer and doing the same with winger Alisson Santos.

The squad looks short of real quality in a few key areas and their Champions League fixtures look tricky – including games against both the top two from the Premier League last season.

Napoli won on the opening Serie A weekend with two late goals against Genoa but have lost both games since. Arsenal have won all three in the league plus the Community Shield, with just one goal conceded so far.

Team news

Key midfielder Scott McTominay is out for Napoli until next month, with Alessandro Buongiorno also sidelined. The Gunners remain without William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera from their defensive ranks but are otherwise fully stocked.

Key player

There’s been minimal matches so far, admittedly, but Ødegaard looks revitalised – he’s in the top 6% of Premier League midfielders for expected assists, successful passes and line-breaking passes made, plus has scored twice and created two big chances. The Norwegian skipper could run the show.

Prediction

We’re backing Arsenal to produce a strong defensive showing that will the platform for winning start: One-nil to the Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Sep

2026

Preview: In-form Barcelona face Feyenoord in Champions League opener

This is the meeting between these two sides the 1974/75 season when a Barcelona side featuring the legendary Johan Cruyff cruised to victory.

By Filip Mishov

Hansi Flick’s all-out attacking football defying the critics

With or without a recognised centre-forward, not much changed in Barcelona’s frontline this season, as the reigning LaLiga champions are averaging 4.25 goals (17 in total) and 6.75 big chances per match (27 in total), the highest in Spain’s top tier.

Hansi Flick‘s free-scoring squad have got off to a flawless start and they brushed aside Valencia at Estadio de Mestalla over the weekend with Lamine Yamal & co. displaying a ruthless performance ahead of this, their Champions League opener. Although defending the title is a priority for the Blaugrana, reclaiming a European title for the first time since 2014/2015 is the club’s ultimate aim

Feyenoord return to Camp Nou for the first time since 1974/75 with a familiar face in the dugout, as the former Barça player, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, is leading last season’s Eredivisie runners-up as head coach. Gio lifted the Champions League trophy back in 2005/06 and won LaLiga in back-to-back seasons (2004/05 and 2005/06) as part of Frank Rijkaard’s iconic squad.

Now, the Rotterdam-based club are also unbeaten (3W, 2D) at the start of the Netherlands league campaign and celebrated a win at NEC Nijmegen on Saturday. However, and with respect to the other sides in the Eredivisie, the match against LaLiga leaders Bara will be Feyenoord’s first big test of the season.

Key players

Raphinha is in scintillating form and one of the highest-rated players across Europe’s top five leagues with the prolific Brazil attacker scoring six goals in LaLiga’s opening four matches and becoming Barcelona’s first player since Lionel Messi to achieve the same feat. The captain is averaging a FotMob rating of 8.73 and operating across the frontline, making everyone around him better, with Lamine Yamal (8.48) and Fermín López (8.21) also in stellar form.

Gjivai Zechiël is excelling for Feyenoord after returning from his successful season-long loan spell at FC Utrecht, and the Netherlands U21 international has scored four goals and provided three assists in their opening five matches. The talented midfielder is the highest-rated (8.49) player in the Eredivisie and no player has created more big chances (4) or accumulated more goals + assists (7) than him, becoming indispensable in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad.

Team news

Eric García was replaced after 29 minutes at the Mestalla following a clash of heads, but even if the defender managed to recover in time for Wednesday, the Spaniard is suspended for the Champions League opener and will join Frenkie de Jong, Roony Bardghji and Jesse Bisiwu on the sidelines.

Van Bronckhorst is managing a few knocks in his squad with Jordan Bos, Gijs Smal, Bart Nieuwkoop and Jakub Moder among the notable absentees.

Prediction

With Barcelona and Feyenoord enjoying unbeaten and prolific starts to their seasons, I expect quite a few goals at Camp Nou once again, but ultimately, the reigning Spanish champions boast too much quality in midfield and attack, and I expect them to celebrate a win.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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