Real Madrid host Celta Vigo in La Liga as they cling on to their title hopes. Carlo Ancelotti’s side sit second in the table, and they will face a Celta Vigo side who are pushing to finish in the European places.
The two sides have faced twice so far this season, once in the Copa del Rey and once in La Liga, with Madrid securing wins in both of those fixtures. Celta Vigo have struggled away at Madrid in recent years, losing their previous five meetings.
Madrid remain in the fight for the La Liga title, but it’s going to be tricky to beat Barcelona in the race. Hansi Flick’s side have enjoyed an unbelievable season, and Ancelotti’s men have simply been beaten in almost every metric.
Madrid are going through a bit of a transition as they look to find the best way to set up their attack after Kylian Mbappé arrived in the summer transfer window. They’ve shown signs of having a deadly attacking recipe, but Ancelotti’s side are falling short in the title race.
The table situation going in to the weekend
Celta Vigo difficult to break down
Celta Vigo’s defensive solidity has played a crucial role in their battle to finish in the European places this season. Giráldez’s side have conceded just 35.9 expected goals, the fourth lowest in the division.
Despite that, Celta Vigo have conceded almost 13 more goals than their xG tally, perhaps suggesting that they’ve been quite unfortunate to let in as many as they have this season. A win could see them go five points clear of ninth if other results go their way.
Time for Vinícius to step up
It’s been a tricky period for Vinícius Júnior, who has scored just once in his previous six games for Madrid, producing no assists during that time. If the Spanish giants are going to have any chance of winning the league, they’ll need the Brazilian to step up in the final few games.
Vinícius’ season summary
Vinícius has produced a phenomenal 33 goals and assists combined in all competitions this season, so it’s not outrageous to be expecting more from him of late. It might look like an uphill task for Madrid to win the league, but they face leaders Barcelona, which could swing things in their favour.
Prediction
Considering Celta Vigo’s recent record away to Madrid, it’s difficult to see Ancelotti’s side dropping points in this one. With the league title on the line, we’re expecting a comfortable Madrid victory: Real Madrid 3-1 Celta Vigo.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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After Inter Miami and Lionel Messi were unceremoniously knocked out of the Concacaf Champions Cup by Vancouver Whitecaps, they can now focus solely on retaining their MLS Supporters’ Shield title and timing their season to hit form ahead of the playoffs. They will be looking to get back on track at home to the New York Red Bulls this weekend.
It was a disappointing week for Inter Miami as they were defeated 3-1 at home by the Whitecaps in the Champions Cup, losing the semifinal tie 5-1 on aggregate.
They will be looking to bounce back against the Red Bulls, but the continental exit might be difficult to recover from initially.
In addition to the MLS Cup playoffs, which don’t begin until much later in the year, the Champions Cup was one of the big prizes head coach Javier Mascherano, along with Messi and co., were prioritising this season.
They will need to ensure this disappointment doesn’t carry over into their league performances and instead use it as motivation to show their quality in MLS before they break for the Club World Cup in June.
Defensive issues emerge
Inter Miami’s previous MLS game, a 4-3 defeat to FC Dallas, and the 5-1 aggregate defeat to Vancouver, exposed some underlying defensive issues in the team.
It looked like Mascherano had shored them up and made them difficult to beat, but the weaknesses lay beneath the surface, behind the scorelines.
It’s strange that the team with the joint-fewest goals conceded in MLS going into that game against Dallas was still perceived to have a vulnerable defence, but this was often on show during the games themselves.
Inter Miami have the 16th worst xG conceded figure in MLS
Their xG-against also goes some way to showing why this is the case. They were conceding chances but those weren’t always converted into goals by the opposition.
Even after conceding four against Dallas, their xG-against of 13.7 is still higher than actual goals conceded (10), suggesting some poor opposition finishing, good Inter Miami goalkeeping, or luck.
What it certainly suggests is Mascherano’s team still need to improve defensively.
Messi contribution expected
Lionel Messi is currently four games without a goal or an assist in all competitions for Inter Miami.
It is his longest such run when starting games since joining the club in 2023, so he will be expected to get back in among the goals, or at least make an assist, in this game.
Messi player traits
He has three goals and two assists in the six of Miami’s nine games he has played in this season.
The team and the fans will be looking to him to get them out of this mini slump.
Charging Red Bulls?
The visiting Red Bulls remain one of the most active pressing teams in MLS, which could cause Miami problems during build-up play.
On the whole, though, Sandro Schwarz’s side are yet to convince this season.
Their mid-table position reflects their inconsistent start, and they only scraped past Montréal last week to claim their fourth win of the year. They are yet to pick up a win away from home.
Emil Forsberg could pose a threat to the Miami defence from an attacking midfield position, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is the club’s top scorer with four, despite an indifferent start to life in MLS.
Prediction
Now they only have the league to focus on, Inter Miami should recover from a three-game losing streak in all competitions and get back to winning ways.
(Cover Image from IMAGO)
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There’s a massive 60 point gap between these two sides. Real Valladolid have had a shocking season and they’re about to host the reigning domestic cup holders, who could soon also be LaLiga and even European champions.
Take a quick glance at the squads, the points tallies and the form guide and nothing about this fixture says anything other than away win. Of course football always gives us the potential for an upset – that’s part of the reason to bother having match-ups like Valladolid against Barcelona – but taking one point from the last 42 available won’t see the home side inspire much hope of springing a surprise. And this would be a massive shock indeed, given Barcelona haven’t lost a domestic match this side of Christmas.
Rotation possibilities
But…and there’s always a but…there is more than one prize for Hansi Flick’s team to keep an eye on. Their Champions League semi-final second leg is only three days after this encounter and it’ll be a huge test of physical resilience as much as technical brilliance, if the first leg is anything to go by.
Barcelona are probably running short of options to change things around too, particularly at the back, so while some players will simply have to keep going and keep showing title-winning form as well as fitness, there is no question Flick will be tempted into changing at least a few faces to keep alive his dreams of a quadruple this term, having already won the Supercopa as well as the Copa del Rey. If Barcelona do slip up here, they know they can minimise that damage by beating Real Madrid the following weekend – there are no such second chances in midweek.
Recent form
The form book makes the most horrible of horrible reading for Álvaro Rubio’s side. One draw and 13 defeats since their last win, only four points earned in total for 2025 and only 16 for the entire season. They’ve conceded 16 in the last four matches alone. Barcelona on the other hand have won 11 of the last 12 in LaLiga – the other a draw – and even away from home it’s four wins on the spin.
Team news
Javi Sánchez and Henrique are sidelined for Real, but another worry is first-choice goalkeeper Karl Hein being an injury doubt.
If Barcelona do rotate, one of those who could come into the XI would be a starter for most other sides on the planet. Gavi might not have featured as much as he’d normally hope this season but he can control a game with the best of them – on a per 90 minutes basis he averages 76 touches, a 54% dribble success, 6.6 duels won and 4.8 recoveries.
Gavi player traits, comparison against players in Europe’s top five leagues
Prediction
No chance Barcelona slip up at this stage of the title race, surely with El Clásico coming up next weekend: Valladolid 1-3 Barcelona.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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The Cherries are still in with a shout of finishing in the European places, but a defeat against Arsenal will make their task incredibly difficult.
Bournemouth will be looking to complete a rare double after winning their previous meeting earlier in the season. That was their first victory over the north London outfit since 2018, with Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert scoring the goals.
Team news
Arsenal will be without both Jorginho and Riccardo Calafiori for the game against Bournemouth, while none of their longer-term injured stars are expected to return, including Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. Mikel Arteta could look to rest some players for this one with the Premier League title race over and a trip to Paris Saint-Germain coming next week.
Bournemouth will be without Ryan Christie, Enes Ünal, and Luis Sinisterra, but Andoni Iraola shouldn’t have any fresh injury concerns heading into the trip to the Emirates.
Arsenal’s defensive solidity could be key
Keeping the ball out of their own net hasn’t been a problem for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, conceding just 0.9 goals per game. No side has conceded fewer, while they’ve only given up 29.2 expected goals in the campaign.
Creating opportunities has been what separates them and Liverpool this term, with the Gunners producing just 97 big chances to Liverpool’s 136. Being without Bukayo Saka for a large portion of the season has certainly contributed to their lack of creativity, and it’s played a part in the Gunners being unable to lift the Premier League title once again.
Bournemouth a surprise package
Bournemouth started the season in sensational form, being somewhat of a surprise package in England’s top flight. Their performances have become inconsistent as the campaign has gone on, but it’s given them something to build on heading into another season under Iraola.
Their high pressing system makes it incredibly difficult for sides to play out from the back, leading to some impressive results against some of the bigger sides. No team in the Premier League has won possession in the final third more times than the Cherries this term (5.9 per game).
Nwaneri’s time to shine
Young attacker Ethan Nwaneri has struggled for game time in recent weeks with Arteta not wanting to apply too much pressure on the teenager in some crucial games. When given the opportunity this season, Nwaneri has flourished, providing six goals and assists combined in just 810 Premier League minutes.
Arteta could look to rotate due to their Champions League clash next week, and it could be an opportunity for Nwaneri to shine, whether that be on the right-hand side of attack or in the number 10 position.
Prediction
With little on the line for Arsenal and changes expected, it could be an opportunity for the Cherries to pick up a result. Their high-pressing system might cause the Gunners some problems, so we’re going for a 2-1 win for Bournemouth.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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We know that Liverpool have won the Premier League. We know who is going to be playing Championship football next season. What we don’t know, however, is who will be playing in the Champions League for the 2025/26 campaign. The race for a top four (five) place is heating up. Just five points separate seventh placed Aston Villa and third place Newcastle United.
This weekend could well shape the final outcome. With that in mind, here’s your Premier League preview for Matchday 35.
Friday Night Football
The Etihad plays host to the two most in-form teams in the Premier League right now. Only Wolves (15) have taken more points than Manchester City (13) across the last five matches in the English top-flight.
In fact, Vítor Pereira’s side have won six on the bounce and are unbeaten since February. They’re now 13th in the table, 20 points clear of the drop zone and ahead of the likes of Manchester United, Everton and Spurs. It’s been some turnaround for Wolves.
During this remarkable run of form, Wolves have scored 11 goals and conceded on just three occasions. City have identical numbers to this. The only blip for Pep Guardiola and his side during this period was that 0-0 draw with neighbours Manchester United.
If the former champions win on Friday night, they, momentarily at least, move into third position. They’d also be just three points behind Arsenal, albeit having played a game more. Considering the narrative surrounding the FA Cup finalists is that they’ve had a poor campaign, there’s still a chance, with a strong end to the season, that they finish as runners-up.
For Wolves, it is an opportunity to see how their team, filled with confidence, fares against, on their day, one of the best teams in world football.
Can Aston Villa bounce back?
There’s a lot at stake for Villa. They want to be playing Champions League football again next term. They need to be playing it if they’re to stand a chance of retaining the services of their best players.
Ollie Watkins is wanted by Arsenal, Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Morgan Rogers and there’s Saudi interest in Emi Martínez. Without the riches of the Champions League, Villa could be forced into sales.
They host Fulham in the early kick-off on Saturday looking to get back to winning ways after back-to-back losses. Man City claimed a 2-1 win over Unai Emery’s side in their last Premier League outing while Crystal Palace ran riot against Villa in the FA Cup semi-final in a 3-0 win.
Only Man City and Wolves have taken more points than Villa (12) in their last five Premier League matches. They should, in theory, have the advantage heading into this game against Marco Silva’s team.
The Cottagers have two wins and three losses during this period, suffering defeats to Arsenal, Chelsea and Bournemouth. They also needed a stoppage-time winner to beat already relegated Southampton. They did, however, beat Liverpool, showing how much of a threat they can be on their day. Villa will need to be wary.
A loss here for the hosts all but confirms Villa Park won’t be hosting Champions League football next term. A win would be monumental in their hopes, putting a lot of pressure on Chelsea.
Pressure on Newcastle United
For a while, Newcastle were the hunters. They had ground to make up in the race for a top four finish and it was a case of winning their games and seeing what happened. Now, though, they’re the hunted. They won their matches, a lot of them, and managed to leapfrog a host of teams into third position.
The Carabao Cup winners are in complete control of their destiny. They know that four wins guarantees Champions League football. It is as simple as that. No matter what everybody else does, max points for Eddie Howe’s side in these next four ensures St James’ Park will be playing host to Europe’s elite club competition.
They bounced back from the 4-1 hammering against Aston Villa to beat Ipswich Town last time out. They travel to the Amex on Sunday afternoon to take on an inconsistent Brighton team.
The Seagulls are in ninth position despite having won just one of their last five. They’ve taken four points from a possible 15 but, somehow, remain in the top half of the table.
It’ll be an interesting match-up in many ways. Newcastle have been scoring freely as of late, with 16 goals in their last five. Brighton have been conceding at an alarming rate – 13 in their last five.
It should, if form is anything to go by, be a straightforward win for the Magpies. But the Seagulls have the quality to cause serious problems.
For a while, this game was believed to be the one Liverpool could clinch the title. However, Arsenal’s draw with Crystal Palace allowed the Reds to confirm top spot against Spurs last weekend.
Arne Slot’s side won’t be in holiday mode just yet but there’s no incentive for them to go all out for a win now. They’ll want to end the campaign on a high but a draw, for example, isn’t the end of the world. The Dutch coach might even rotate to give a few squad players the opportunity in the final few weeks.
Chelsea need all of the marginal gains they can get if they’re to claim a Champions League spot. Enzo Maresca’s men are struggling for goals, with six in their last five. Cole Palmer is without a goal in the league since January while Nicolas Jackson, the team’s second highest top scorer, has one league goal in 2025.
If there was ever a time to play Liverpool, it is now, one week after winning the title. If Chelsea don’t take advantage, they may find themselves playing Europa League football next term.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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Jonas is a 21 year old student who, like FotMob, hails from Norway. He was Fantasy Premier League champion for the 2023/24 season, finishing ahead of 11 million other managers. So who better to provide expert advice?
Read his expert advice every week.
*Don’t forget the early FPL deadline for this round – make your transfers and get your team sorted before 6.30pm BST on Friday 2 May*
The Eye Test vs. The Stats
This has been Yoane Wissa’s (6.6m) best-ever season in the Premier League.
Indeed, the Brentford striker has registered 17 goals and three assists in the 30 games he has started this season, making him the Bees’ second-top scorer behind only Bryan Mbeumo.
Wissa’s stats card vs. Forest
Wissa is a constant threat. His Expected Goal Involvements (xGI) of 0.61 per 90 minutes is impressive for a player at such a cheap price point. The DR Congo international is also a good bet to receive safe minutes having played 90 minutes in each of his last 15 league games.
Brentford are favourites to beat a poor Manchester United team this weekend, making Wissa a good option. Additionally, the Bees have a run of favourable fixtures until the end of the season with games against Ipswich, Fulham and Wolves to come.
Omar Marmoush (7.6m) was a disappointment in double GW33, especially for those FPL managers who gave him the captain’s armband.
The Egyptian attacker played on the left wing against Aston Villa and failed to deliver the points haul against Nottingham Forest many had predicted, although an assist in the latter match was at least something.
Marmoush player traits – comparison against forwards in Europe’s top five leagues
Since joining Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January, Marmoush has scored seven goals and registered one assist in 17 games (all comps). Even as City have struggled for consistent form, he has been a threat for a team with the third highest Expected Goals (xG) of any team in the league.
Manchester City have Wolves at home in GW35. This will be an opportunity for Marmoush to notch with Wolves saddled with the sixth-worst xG record of any Premier League side this season.
Pep Guardiola’s team will also face Southampton in GW36. This could be a good time to sign Marmoush.
However, the West Ham winger has enjoyed an excellent campaign. His nine goals and 10 assists makes him the sixth-highest scoring midfielder in FPL despite his ownership standing at only 9.1%.
West Ham have suffered a poor season and the appointment of Graham Potter has failed to elevate the team in the way they would have hoped. Nonetheless, Bowen is trustworthy as a midfield option.
The Hammers face Tottenham Hotspur in GW35 which could be a good game for Potter’s side from an attacking point of view. They also have favourable fixtures against Manchester United and Ipswich before the end of the season.
Upcoming games to follow
There are a selection of fixtures worth monitoring in GW35 as the 2024/25 Premier League campaign gets closer to its conclusion. With the first match of the gameweek at 8pm on Friday, remember to get your transfers done in time!
That early game is probably the most exciting from a FPL perspective with Manchester City hosting Wolves. City have a handful of players to consider, but my favourites are Marmoush, Joško Gvardiol (6.3m) and Kevin De Bruyne (9.3m).
Brentford’s home match against Manchester United is another match on my radar.
The Bees are favourites due to their record of finding the back of the net at home. Avoid any Brentford defenders, but attackers like Wissa and Mbeumo (8.1m) are worth picking. Kevin Schade (5.1m) could also be worth a punt.
With Liverpool sealing the Premier League title in GW34, it’s difficult to know what to expect from the champions. Are Arne Slot and his players already on the beach with nothing left to play for?
Mohamed Salah (13.8m) is owned by most active FPL managers and so players like Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.2m) and Luis Díaz (7.6m) could be good picks. Cole Palmer (10.6m) could be the best option from Chelsea despite his goal-less of 13 league games.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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The FotMob Team of the Week for Matchday 34 is one of the most varied we’ve seen. For starters, there’s no Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool man has been a mainstay in the team this season after his record-breaking campaign and he did score as the Reds secured the title against Spurs. He misses out though. So, who made the cut and why?
Sánchez played his part in Chelsea’s important 1-0 win over Everton. The former Brighton shot-stopper made three saves for the Blues against the Toffees, but these were three key saves. He faced efforts with an Expected Goals on Target total of 0.99, proving himself to be instrumental in Enzo Maresca’s side keeping a clean sheet, while also creating a chance. All in all, a very solid showing.
Trippier has capitalised on Lewis Hall’s injury. He returned to the starting XI and put in a number of eye-catching performances as the Magpies made their way up the Premier League table. He claimed two assists in the 3-0 win over Ipswich Town, also completing the most passes (113), while also winning five of his eight duels.
Collins notched an assist for Brentford in their win over Champions League chasing Nottingham Forest. The 24-year-old was fairly dominant against Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, completing 81% of his passes, winning 100% of his tackles, 100% of his ground duels and 78% of his aerial battles. The Republic of Ireland international bossed it for the Bees.
Burn scored in the 3-0 win over the Tractor Boys to cap off a solid display. The 32-year-old completed 93% of his passes at St James’ Park, won 100% of his tackles and won five out of six aerial duels on the day. He claimed a FotMob rating of 8.5 for his exploits, a score that only Trippier could better for the Magpies.
Sessegnon was the match-winner for Fulham against Southampton. He scored in stoppage time to complete the turnaround for Marco Silva’s men. The left-back was in fine form too, taking three shots and creating four chances in the 2-1 win for the Cottagers. He also attempted seven tackles and was involved in a remarkable 16 ground duels. The versatile full-back was invaluable at both ends of the pitch.
The Italy international was a key creator for the Magpies in the win over Ipswich Town. He created the most chances in the game (seven) and finished with a pass success rate of 93%. He also attempted four dribbles and was accurate with five of his eight long passes. Tonali made things happen for Eddie Howe’s side and that’s why he claimed an 8.5 rating on the day.
The World Cup winner was in inspired form for the Reds in their 5-1 win over Tottenham. Mac Allister scored Liverpool’s second, a superb left-footed strike from the edge of the box, on his way to a FotMob rating of 8.6. He also made the most tackles (four) and won the most duels (eight) while carving out two chances and recovering the ball on seven occasions. It was a Mac Allister masterclass that solidified his status as a cult hero at Anfield.
Silva was amongst the goals for Manchester City in their important 2-1 win over Aston VIlla. The versatile Portugal international opened the scoring for the outgoing champions and also created two chances at the Etihad. He won 100% of his tackles, 100% of his aerial duels and recovered the ball on five occasions, proving, once again, his value to City with and without the ball.
Szoboszlai loves playing against Tottenham Hotspur. The Hungary skipper scored and assisted in Liverpool’s 6-3 win over Spurs in December and he added two assists to his season tally last Sunday as the Reds claimed the title. He created an astonishing eight chances at Anfield on his way to an 8.8 FotMob rating.
Cunha was, once again, the main man for Wolves in their 3-0 win over Leicester City. The in-demand Brazil international added to his tally of goals and also chipped in with two assists. The performance earned him a FotMob rating of 9.4. He also created the most chances (five) and was the most fouled player (six). The 25-year-old completed two of his three dribbles, showcasing his all-round ability to create space and take advantage of it.
Bowen didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. The West Ham attacker finished the game against Brighton with two assists having created the most chances in the match (four). He completed 91% of his passes, 100% of his long passes and found a teammate with two of his five crosses. He was a creative menace for the Hammers and caused the Seagulls all kinds of problems.
(Images from IMAGO)
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12 months ago, almost to the day, Burnley were officially relegated from the Premier League. Vincent Kompany’s experience this month will be dramatically different with Bayern Munich just one result away from the Bundesliga title. From Burnley to Bavaria, the Belgian has been on quite the journey.
After a season in which Bayer Leverkusen became German champions for the first time, Kompany’s task was clear. Restoring the established order at the top of the Bundesliga was the minimum requirement and Bayern Munich have done this under the guidance of a manager who is still learning on the job.
Kompany wasn’t Bayern’s first choice. They wanted Xabi Alonso before the former midfielder rejected a return to his old club in favour of staying at Leverkusen. Julian Nagelsmann was next on the list. He too decided against going back to the Allianz Arena, signing a new contract to remain as Germany manager.
Ralf Rangnick was reportedly close to accepting an offer, but made a U-turn. Oliver Glasner was another name strongly linked with the Bayern Munich position vacated by Thomas Tuchel at the end of last season. Kompany was subsequently handed the job when few believed he was truly ready for it.
Quickly, though, the 39-year-old started to remould Bayern in his own image. Last season, Leverkusen had the highest average possession share per 90 minutes of any Bundesliga team. Kompany corrected that, prioritising control of the ball.
Bayern top the possession charts in the Bundesliga
Bayern Munich haven’t just been the strongest possession team in the Bundesliga this season, but in the Champions League too. Indeed, their average possession share of 65% is the highest of any team to have played in the competition this term.
Some players have thrived. Michael Olise has enjoyed an excellent first season at the Allianz Arena, registering 28 goal contributions in all competitions. The France international likes to have a lot of touches of the ball and Kompany’s approach gives him this.
Jamal Musiala is another attacker who has found his best form under Kompany, giving Bayern Munich some much-needed coherence in the final third. He is possibly the player who best embodies Kompany’s coaching principles such is his ability on the ball in all areas of the attack.
And yet Harry Kane is one attacker who might have been limited by Kompany’s philosophy even if the England captain’s numbers remain typically high – 36 goals in all competitions.
Kane’s shot map, Bundesliga 2024/25
There has been a lot of discussion around Kane’s role for Bayern Munich in Germany this season with many criticising the 31-year-old for his all-round game. With Kompany so keen for his midfielders and wide attackers to push into the opposition half with the ball, Kane is frequently isolated as the focal point.
Bayern’s biggest problems this season, however, have occurred at the back where the Bavarians still lack the defensive foundation to be considered among the very best teams at continental level.
This was highlighted in the Champions League quarter-finals when Inter’s rapid counter-attacks exposed the defensive frailties in Kompany’s set-up. The first leg at the Allianz Arena was especially brutal as the Italian visitors moved from back to front with ease.
Injuries were a factor in Bayern’s quarter-final exit from the Champions League. Indeed, the Bavarians surely would have stood a better chance had they not been without Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano and Musiala. They had to play Inter with one arm tied behind their back.
Nonetheless, Kompany’s decision to place Bayern Munich’s defence on the halfway line gave Inter so much space to burst into. A slightly more pragmatic defensive approach could have made up for some of the individual deficiencies on display.
It’s doubtful Kim Min-jae and Upamecano will ever have the recovery instincts, and speed, to lock the back door for Bayern as long as Kompany insists on such a bold style of play. This is why many believe the club will move for a new centre back this summer. Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen as been linked, as has Jonathan Tah.
Central midfield is another area of need. While Aleksandar Pavlović made himself Bayern’s first-choice anchor in the middle of the pitch this season, Kompany still lack a true two-way operator in this area.
Martin Zubimendi would certainly fit the bill, but Bayern Munich could lose out in the pursuit of the Real Sociedad midfielder who also on the radar of several Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Liverpool.
Even with a Bundesliga title in his first season as Bayern boss, Kompany is still proving himself. Expectation is so high at the Allianz Arena that further progress will be expected after the summer. Kompany’s biggest title as a manager to date must be the first of many in Bavaria.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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Basel MAY or MAY NOT win their first Swiss Super League title since 2016-17 on Sunday and no-one will have had a bigger hand in making that happen than Xherdan Shaqiri. Back where it all began, the little fella is in the form of his life.
It’s all just a matter of time really, lifting that giant, golden trophy is just a formality for Basel at this point. Sitting at the summit, six points ahead of second-placed Servette, who they play next, the stage is set.
In the previous season, the Swiss giants had just endured one of their worst seasons in living memory, finishing in eighth as Young Boys won their fourth title in five years.
All eyes on Saturday’s virtual title decider
After an underwhelming two and a half seasons in the MLS with Chicago Fire, Shaqiri answered the call and put pen to paper on a three-year deal with his boyhood club, returning 13 years after he left to join Bayern Munich all the way back in 2012.
Before signing with Basel this season, he had been at risk of becoming one of those ‘streets won’t forget’ players millennials on Twitter love to go on about, never quite living up to his potential despite playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world. Remember how good Michu was!?
There is still an argument to be made. Ahead of 2024-25, the winger turned playmaker had never broken double digits in terms of goals or assists, with his most prolific season been back in 2017-18 in which he scored eight goals and provided seven assists while at Stoke City.
Shaqiri career history
He’s completely blown that out of the water this time around. At the time of writing this hopefully enjoyable piece, Shaqiri has bagged 16 goals and provided 17 assists in his 33 games across all competitions.
In the league alone, he has contributed to 52% of Basel’s goals, an impressive feat, especially given that his side have been by far the most potent attacking side in Switzerland, scoring 72 goals with a goal difference of +40, 31 more than their nearest challengers, Servette.
It took him a little while to get going, his first four games were, in all honesty, pretty poor. It was clear Shaqiri wasn’t fit enough, all that deep-dish pizza back in the windy city may have caught up with him. He needed to get up to scratch, and quick.
On October 6th, Basel hosted Super League holders Young Boys. It was too early to be a title decider, but the winner would receive a significant boost in the race regardless. Shaqiri stepped up to the plate and shone, providing the assist for Adrian Leon Barišić’s 52nd minute winner with a lovely in-swinging free-kick.
He hasn’t looked back since. Playing in the number ten role rather than on the wing and given complete creative freedom by manager Fabio Celestini, all parties are reaping the benefits of Shaqiri’s innate talent.
At 33 years of age, geriatric in footballing terms, Celestini has seemingly come to terms with the fact that Shaqiri is unlikely to track-back and make a last-ditch tackle to prevent an opposition goal.
Shaqiri’s shot map in the Swiss Super League, including an Olimpico goal
Instead, he has complete faith in his ability to be an incredibly potent attacking threat. His best game so far this season was probably the 6-1 away win over Winterthur, in which he scored two goals and provided three assists, but it wasn’t his most important. That was the 3-1 win over Servette.
Much like the win over Young Boys, it was still a little too early to consider it a title decider, considering it was played in November and all. Shaqiri opened the scoring in the 40th minute, curling in the freekick he had won just two minutes before.
Fifteen minutes later Timothe Cognat levelled things up with a close-range effort and the two sides looked set to share the points. Finally, after a lengthy VAR intervention, Basel were given the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot in the 91st minute.
Shaqiri’s initial shot was saved by Servette ‘keeper Jeremy Frick, but all he could do was parry it directly back into his path, and Basel once again took the lead. About a minute later, he turned Theo Magnin inside out before securing his hattrick and all three points with a fairly timid effort that was just beyond Frick’s reach.
Shaqiri’s passing stats in the Swiss Super League, including 17 assists
Now, the reverse fixture is fast approaching, and Shaqiri will doubtless be wanting to put in an equally monumental performance to secure the league title for Basel and their young squad.
Shaqiri is a new man back at Basel. He’s led by example, becoming a beacon for those who are coming through the club’s academy, as well as the ones who are already in the first team, just like he did all those years ago.
Players like Bénie Traoré, Anton Kade, and Bradley Fink can learn a lot from arguably the best player Basel have ever produced, the man who has been there, done that, and picked up several t-shirts along the way.
With that been said, the diminutive attacker isn’t done just yet, he still has plenty to show, although he doesn’t have to prove himself to anyone, not anymore. This season has proven one thing, Shaqiri is, and always was, a star.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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Match day forty-six. We’ve made it. Whether you’re dipping your toe in for the first time, or you’ve been swimming lengths since August, you’re all welcome at our EFL final day pool party. In glorious Saturday sunshine this will be English football at its finest. So, get your flip flops on, watch your step, we’ll have a walkthrough before cannonballing into the deep end come kick off.
Championship: It’s Leeds or Burnley’s trophy but who is going down?
Win at the all-but-relegated Plymouth Argyle and Leeds will be crowned champions on Saturday lunchtime. Burnley are level with them on points and amazingly, both can finish by reaching triple figure but with a goal difference 13 better than Burnley, it is in Leeds’ hands. They just need to match Burnley’s result against Millwall, but any slip up and Scott Parker’s side will be lifting the trophy instead.
Leeds are unbeaten in nine and in brushing aside Bristol City 4-0 on Monday night, made it five victories in a row ahead of facing Argyle. I’ll be working from Burnley’s Turf Moor on Saturday but it’s all set up for Leeds and I can’t see them falling at this final hurdle.
With the play-offs, we are looking at five clubs fighting for two spots. Sheffield United and Sunderland are already there but it’s been unrelenting. Bristol City and Coventry City are both wobbling with successive defeats and that has opened the door to the others. Millwall lead the charge and have popped up from nowhere. From the last 10 games, they’re the form side after Burnley and Leeds but now having to go to Burnley on the final day, with their title challenge and 32 game unbeaten run, this is the last game Millwall needed.
Trying to get through that door too are Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough. It’s ridiculous really! When Boro beat Rovers 2-0 at the start of April, the mood at Ewood Park was mutinous. But a draw and then four victories on the bounce mean Blackburn are still in the hunt but they will have a tough task playing away at Sheffield United.
And here is where it gets interesting! Middlesbrough trail by two points but a goal difference of +10 gives them the edge and, would you believe it, they go to Coventry City in a game that essentially becomes a play-off for the play-offs!
Prediction: I’ve given it the big sell… but I think it will stay as it is! Coventry’s fans are superb on the big occasion, and I’ll think they’ll roar them home. Bristol City will join them in dreaming of the Premier League, especially when we see who they’re playing.
Relegation hot take: Preston to go down
Results have played out exactly as I thought they would since my ‘brave’ prediction last week. North End haven’t been in the relegation zone since September but their wretched run continued last Saturday. In giving Plymouth Argyle just their second away win all season, they made it a fourth successive defeat. Their last victory was seven games ago and they have two since January. Losing goalkeeper Freddie Woodman to an ankle injury he picked up in the gym in March left them exposed and I can’t see them picking up points at Bristol City.
Cardiff are already relegated and Argle’s shambolic goal difference means they’ll be joining them in League One, despite a magnificent overall turnaround under Miron Muslić. Argyle will bounce back. Cardiff are in a tailspin.
The final spot is between Hull, Luton, Preston, Derby and Stoke. Derby’s brilliant back-to-back victories mean safety is in their hands. Pride Park will be rocking, and I think they’ll get the three points to rubber stamp survival, with Stoke glad they reached 50 points when they did. Their 6-0 hammering by Leeds was followed up by falling at home to Sheffield United. Mark Robins has a lot of remedial work to do over the summer.
Having had such a strange season, where performances have often not reflected their results, Luton finally climbed out of the relegation places with a chaotic 90th minute winner over Coventry City. They have everything to play for at The Hawthorns when they face a managerless West Brom side who have let their season peter out. I can see Matt Bloomfield’s side heading back down the M6 with a win and raucous celebrations when they get back to Bedfordshire.
Thelo Assgaard’s last five performances have helped Luton save themselves
Hull City occupy the final relegation place and their home defeat to Derby has left them in the mire. Thankfully for Ruben Selles, they go to a Portsmouth side that will be in a party mood after John Mousinho masterminded their survival with several games to spare. Even struggling Hull should be able to get a point at a relaxed Fratton Park, and it’s for these reasons that, unfortunately, I’m sticking with my Preston prediction.
League One – Birmingham’s record haul, Reading defying the odds and cheers to Bowyer’s Burton
Champions Birmingham have already secured a record EFL points haul thanks to their midweek win at Blackpool. They can make it 111 points as they lift the title at relegated Cambridge.
Wrexham have secured second and Stockport, Wycombe and Charlton are in the play-offs. But, will it be Leyton Orient or Reading joining them? Orient’s superior goal difference edges out Reading ahead of their trip to Huddersfield.
Reading’s financial crisis continues to see them risking EFL expulsion, which makes their efforts one of the stories of the season. I think they’ll get victory over Barnsley but unfortunately for them, Huddersfield are well and truly on the beach. They were insipid as I saw them fall to Cambridge last month and I think Richie Wellens’ Orient will have no problems despatching Huddersfield and securing that final play-off spot.
At the other end, Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Bristol Rovers, and Crawley have already been relegated.
Crawley’s late surge was too little too late with the four relegated clubs having miserable campaigns. But they can all feel somewhat aggrieved at just how brilliant Burton have been under Gary Bowyer. Bottom in mid-January and eleven points from safety, their 1-1 draw with Wigan confirmed safety with a game to spare. For the Brewers, Bowyer is the toast of the town.
League Two – Doncaster or Port Vale for the title, promotion madness and Carlisle’s calamity
Last Saturday was fantastic. I was at Doncaster reporting on the radio on their epic promotion winning match with Bradford City. With 38 goals between them, their front four have fired them up the charts but it was 39-year-old Billy Sharp, in his fourth spell with the club, who bagged what would be the winner. They lead Port Vale in the race for the title by a single point. The Valiants had their own promotion party last weekend too though, thanks to a battling 2-0 victory at Wimbledon.
Now it’s time to get your calculators out! Doncaster go to Notts County, who still have an outside chance of automatic promotion, whilst Vale host Gillingham, who have nothing to play for. Port Vale trail by a point, so they need to better Doncaster’s result. If Vale draw and Doncaster lose by two goals, then they’ll have the same points and goal difference. Next to settle it is goals scored, and that’s where that Donny front four of Molyneux, Clifton, Gibson and Street give them the edge. Vale have 65 goals this campaign but Doncaster are six better on 71.
Donny’s Luke Molyneux has 28 goal contributions this season
Three go up in League Two and this is where it gets even messier! Walsall may have led the table by 12 points but their drop off once loanee Nathan Lowe returned to Stoke City in January has meant promotion is now out of their hands. Bradford will be promoted with a win or a draw, if 13-winless Walsall fail to get three points at Crewe. I can’t see Bradford losing at home to Fleetwood but even then, they can still go up if Walsall lose and Notts County can’t beat Doncaster!
The final two play-off places are between Wimbledon, Salford, Grimsby, Chesterfield and Colchester. With Grimsby playing Wimbledon, it means one of them will definitely make the play-offs.
This is all too close to call. Salford are in the box seat, and it depends on what performance Carlisle put in, in what will be their final EFL appearance after joining Morecambe in being relegated out of the league.
Morecambe have been beleaguered on and off the pitch. Carlisle’s owners say lessons will be learned over a calamitous campaign that’s seen them suffer back-to-back relegations. Allowing Mike Williamson to bring in 11 players in the January transfer window, only to sack him almost immediately afterwards was one such aberration. I hope Mark Hughes stays on and gives their suffering supporters something to cheer this time next year.
And there you have it. I’ve tried to predict the unpredictable across three divisions and could well be completely out of my depth but, at least, you’re now ready to jump in!
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from the EFL on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.
