Page 13 – The Pulse of Football

May

2026

FotMob Interview: Gary Cahill on joining Chelsea, winning titles, and ambassadorial duties

Fresh off a flight from London to Chicago, former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill sat down with FotMob to talk about his time at the club, the trophies he’s won, and the current crop of stars at Stamford Bridge.

By Alex Roberts

Gary Cahill was speaking in Chicago at The Famous CFC presented by Coors Light, the last stop of Chelsea FC’s international fan engagement events in the 2025/26 season. The Famous CFC gives Chelsea fans from across the globe the chance to meet up with fellow Blues and enjoy Q&As, quizzes, games, and the opportunity to take a picture with the Premier League trophy.

Now 40, Cahill saw and it all during his time in West London. Played under seven managers, won eight trophies, and inherited the captain’s armband from John Terry before leaving the club he grew to love back in 2019.

Let’s rewind a little, though. Cahill joined the Blues in January 2012, heading down the M6 from Bolton to put pen to paper on his first Chelsea contract. A few months later, he was playing in and winning a Champions League final.

“It was a crazy rollercoaster for me. I came mid-season to Chelsea, obviously given the opportunity, I jumped at it and came down,” Cahill said. it was a mental six months going on to win the FA Cup and Champions League.”

For the first half of the season, Cahill had been at Bolton, the club he had called home for four years. Chelsea were an entirely different ballgame though, and the centre-back learned that if he didn’t swim, he’d sink… quickly.

“I think the first thing that stood out for me going into the football club and the dressing room itself was that winning mentality, that kind of hunger to succeed and push yourself. I always said I went in as a bit of a sponge, to look at these players and see how they worked, what they did, and how they’ve won so many things.

“There were pure, world-class international players in the dressing room. Then, the football club in general has an expectation to do well. and win, and that was bred into the players. That was my first impressions of going to the club.”

*Cahill lifting the FA Cup for Chelsea in 2018*

It didn’t take long for him to adapt. Cahill would go on to play 45 or more games in his first three full seasons at Chelsea, establishing himself as key player for the club, all the while learning the ropes from the greatest captain the club had ever seen, John Terry.

Terry left Chelsea in the summer of 2017, signing for Aston Villa where he would play out the final season of his career. Under Antonio Conte, they had just become champions, and the dressing room was packed with quality and big personalities.

Eventually, Conte landed on Cahill as his next captain. It was obvious, really. “Yeah, big shoes to fill,” Cahill chuckled. “In my first season I didn’t need to be the leader because there was already loads of them there. I think it gave me the opportunity to learn, to go about my business a bit quieter.

“When you fast forward season after season, I felt like I grew into that role. I had a good upbringing in that sense. I was under the leadership of one of the best captains the clubs has ever had. So, to learn from him, and not just him, there were plenty of leaders in that dressing room, I felt ready for it.

John didn’t play as many games as he previously had, so I was captain on the pitch while he was still club captain. That little transition there gave me the opportunity to grow into the role. To the point where when I was given it, I was experienced enough. I just felt more rounded as a player and person.”

Cahill was the last Chelsea captain to lift the FA Cup. It’s a tournament that holds a special place in English football, the original, the best, there isn’t much like it nowadays. Getting your hands on that famous old trophy isn’t easy.

Eden Hazard scored from the penalty spot to bag a 1-0 win over Man United in the final. If we’re being honest, it wasn’t the best game, but Cahill didn’t care, he had won his second FA Cup since joining Chelsea.

I love the FA Cup,” he said. “Obviously, I’m an Englishman so I’ve been watching it since I’ve been at school. It’s a massive, massive competition and it was one of the proudest moments of my life, lifting the FA Cup as captain.

“We lost it the year before to Arsenal. These opportunities don’t always come by, you really never know if you’re going to get this opportunity again, and you need to have that mindset, I think.

“You can be nervous, have those butterflies and think ‘I need to respect the fact we’re in an FA Cup final. This may never come round again. It’s a great opportunity to go out and do something great.’”

Current captain Reece James had the opportunity to end Chelsea’s ‘Wembley curse’ on Saturday (May 16) as they lined up against Pep Guardiola’s Man City. Unfortunately for the Blues, Antoine Semenyo’s sublime backheel was enough to take the trophy up north.

That’s seven defeats in their last seven finals at the ground, four FA Cups and three League Cups. It’s a far cry from the all-conquering sides that Cahill was a part of, as well as the ones that came before him, even if some of those losses have been… controversial.

“It’s hard to put your finger on just one thing that’s gone wrong,” he said. I think it’s just a learning process for a young squad going through these moments and they’re developing all the time.

“But they need to make sure they learn from them. I use the example of myself as a player, when I lost that FA Cup final against Arsenal to then have that chance again the next year, I felt ‘This has to go our way.’

“Don’t keep reliving them but remember them, if that makes sense. We talk about this young squad, and they need to keep developing. Still, they need to grow, but to grow you have to go through good moments and bad moments.”

Cahill may have hung up boots, but his relationship with Chelsea didn’t end there. Nowadays, he’s a club ambassador, meeting fans, going to events, and helping those who may not get the chance to go watch their side week in and week out.

Chelsea are a global brand now, undeniably one of the biggest clubs in the world, and events like the one Cahill was at in Chicago have become a regular occurrence. Football is ultimately about community.

“We’re doing a famous CFC event at Joe’s Bar, which is great. There’ll be hundreds of Chelsea fans there. It’s incredible to now get the chance to go into these environments, because I obviously didn’t as a player.

“And it’s only growing, which is a great thing. Chelsea are huge around the world but I’ve certainly seen it (grow) over the last few years that I’ve been able to come here. I was here a couple of years ago as well it’s growing all the time so for us to put on these events it gives us a chance to connect with these fans.”

Regardless of the result against City, meeting a bonafide Chelsea legend, alongside a couple of cool, crisp Coors Lights, would have made it memorable. Of course, the recent Xabi Alonso announcement probably lightened the mood too.

(Images from Victoria McDonald / Chelsea Football Club, additional images via IMAGO)

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May

2026

The FotMob Team of the Season for the WSL

After 22 rounds of fixtures, the Women’s Super League campaign is now in the books.

By Jamie Spencer

The 2025/26 Women’s Super League season will go down as one to remember. After six successive titles, Chelsea’s stranglehold on the competition was finally broken and Manchester City, having been so close to glory two years ago, got over the line for their first triumph in a decade.

Arsenal got to within four points of the champions, but despite a late City wobble, 13 straight wins between September and February built an unassailable lead.

Manchester United slipped out of the top three after a marathon season saw results badly tail off after March, while a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur matched their best ever finish (fifth) and set a new club record points tally in the top flight. Even the ambitious London City Lionesses gave themselves a solid foundation in a debut at this level.

Brighton, Everton and Aston Villa will all feel disappointed to place in the bottom half. West Ham and Liverpool proved themselves good enough to avoid the threat of demotion in the end, but Leicester could yet drop through the trapdoor into WSL 2 as the inaugural relegation playoff looms.

Based on average FotMob match ratings over the course of the campaign, here is your WSL team of the season…

In goal, Chiamaka Nnadozie could hardly have wished for a better first season with Brighton and is the only player who makes this team from outside the top four. The Nigeria international kept six clean sheets and was in contention for the Golden Glove (won by Hannah Hampton) until the final matchday. Overall, she directly prevented 3.25 goals.

Manchester City right-back Kerstin Casparij jointly led the WSL in assists this season with seven to her name. She won Player of the Month in November. The Dutch international has embraced Manchester life and has become a cult hero among City fans.

For the third straight season, Maya Le Tissier played every minute in every competition for Manchester United, racking up 3,690 across the whole of 2025/26 – 1,980 in the WSL. Few pass better. Joining her at centre-back is Millie Bright, whose final season before retirement was curtailed by injury. The former Lioness was unbeatable in aerial duels, ranking in the 99th percentile.

*Le Tissier was the only outfield player to play every minute of the season*

After reinventing herself as an elite centre-back in recent years, Alex Greenwood spent much of this season in the once familiar left-back role. She was still able to influence games from the flank, regularly creating chances and finishing the season with five assists.

Vivianne Miedema was back to her best this season. The WSL living legend is more accustomed to midfield these days, yet still contributed 15 goals and assists to City’s title charge. She played her last game in March to be with her mother undergoing cancer treatment. Behind Viv in City’s No. 10 role this season has been Yui Hasegawa in the No. 6. The Japan international makes the team tick and played every minute of every game, aside from two she missed while winning the Asian Cup.

Completing the midfield is Arsenal maestro Mariona Caldentey. The 2023 World Cup winner prefers to stay out of the limelight but her football speaks so loudly. She always wants the ball and few are more creative and inventive.

Japan winger Aoba Fujino scored decisive goals in two successive Manchester City wins in October and November that potentially made all the difference come May. She missed a handful of games in January because of injury and March for international duty but was an automatic starter when fit.

This season delivered a third straight WSL Golden Boot for Khadija Shaw – she shared 2024/25’s – thanks to 21 goals in 22 appearances. Her contract is up this summer and Chelsea are lurking with a reportedly lucrative offer that City are yet to match. “Manchester is where I would want to be, but ultimately we’ll see,” the recently crowned FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year told Sky Sports after the final whistle on the last day.

Alessia Russo was the player Shaw shared last season’s Golden Boot with. But although the England international was left in the dust somewhat in that race this time, her tally of 13 in the league this time marked an improvement by one and a career best. She outperformed her XG (11.6) and also her xA (4.14), ranking joint third for assists across the division.

Honorary mentions this season must also go to Kirsty Hanson, who netted 12 times for Aston Villa, Jess Park, so often Manchester United’s X-factor, impressive debutant Tottenham winger Olivia Holdt and Everton defender Ruby Mace.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Leaders Arsenal take on relegated Burnley

Arsenal can take another big step towards the Premier League title by beating an already relegated opponent at home.

By Graham Ruthven

Foregone conclusion?

Everything points to a comfortable Arsenal win when Burnley visit the Emirates Stadium on Monday to face the team many now believe is destined to win this season’s Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won their last three league games and can go five points clear of Manchester City with a fourth successive victory. The finish line is well and truly in sight.

Burnley, on the other hand, are only playing for pride following their relegation back to the Championship. The Clarets are without a win in their last 11 league outings.

And yet the pressure of the title race could stiffen Arsenal. It wasn’t so long ago that the Premier League table toppers were struggling to find fluidity due to the anxiety that built up over a number of matches and culminated in the shock home loss to Bournemouth.

Arsenal can’t take anything for granted. It would be easy to get caught up in the anticipation of what might follow only two games from now, but Arteta and his players still have work to do.

Key players

Bukayo Saka looks like his old self again. Having endured a season of persistent injuries and patchy form, the winger has registered three goal contributions in his last three games for the Gunners. He is peaking at the right time.

Martin Ødegaard is another Arsenal player who hasn’t always been able to perform at his best this season. However, the Norwegian’s cameo off the bench against West Ham was crucial to his side snatching an important victory.

Declan Rice remains Arsenal’s heartbeat in central midfield. He has created more Big Chances than any other Arsenal player in the Premier League this season, underlining his importance.

At the back, Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba are Arsenal’s defensive foundation while David Raya is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers around, especially after his one-on-one save from Mateus Fernandes last weekend.

*Our best rated Arsenal players in the Premier League*

Zian Flemming will pose the biggest threat to the Arsenal backline. Not only has the Dutch forward notched an impressive 10 league goals this season, he can handle himself physically in and around the box.

Jaidon Anthony could be another attack-minded player capable of doing harm to the Gunners from his usual position on the left wing of the Burnley frontline.

To stand any chance of an upset in North London, goalkeeper Max Weiss will surely have to be a brick wall to prevent the Arsenal attack from finding the back of the net in a critical match in the title race.

Team news

Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt for Monday’s match after coming off at half time of the win over West Ham with Ben White now sidelined through injury until the end of the season.

Myles Lewis-Skelly could keep his place in central midfield considering his recent form in that area of the pitch while Viktor Gyökeres is a good bet to start as the Gunners’ centre forward once more.

Jordan Beyer, Josh Cullen and Connor Roberts all missed Burnley’s 2-2 draw against Aston Villa and are expected to be unavailable for the trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Prediction

This might not be the game that springs a surprise in this title race. We expect this one to go with form and for the Gunners to send a marker to Man City ahead of their game against Bournemouth on Tuesday night: Arsenal 2-0 Burnley.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Sevilla host Real Madrid in penultimate round

Real Madrid travel to Sevilla as the home side look to cement their place as a LaLiga club heading into next season.

By Matt Smith

Sevilla are in an interesting position, still able to be relegated despite three wins on the bounce, while they could also snatch a place in the Europa Conference League.

There’s little on the line for Madrid except to try and end the season in a positive way after a tumultuous few weeks.

Team news

Sevilla are set to be without Marcão and Manu Bueno, while Isaac Romero is a doubt as he requires a late fitness test. Other than that, Sevilla should have a fully fit squad against Madrid.

Meanwhile, Madrid have a host of injury troubles to contend with. Rodrygo, Arda Güler, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Federico Valverde are all missing, while Dean Huijsen and Andriy Lunin are doubts.

Worrying times for Madrid

As mentioned, it’s been a worrying few weeks for Madrid, not only on the pitch but also off it. President Florentino Pérez came out and produced a fiery press conference, while Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni were involved in an altercation in the dressing room.

Results haven’t been good enough on the pitch, and the Madrid supporters have been getting frustrated. Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior were both on the receiving end of jeers from supporters during their victory over Real Oviedo earlier this week.

Sevilla turn things around when it matters

It was looking like an incredibly disappointing season for Sevilla until they started to turn things around over the last few weeks. They’ve now won three games on the bounce, and there’s a small chance they manage to qualify for Europe.

It’s rare that a side can be relegated and qualify for Europe with just two games remaining, but considering their recent form, finishing in the top seven is looking more likely at the moment. Despite Madrid’s difficulties, it certainly won’t be easy for Sevilla, especially considering they haven’t beaten them since 2018.

Mbappé has a point to prove

It was a hostile atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier this week, with Mbappé booed as he went to warm up and booed a little more as he entered the pitch. The French international saw the funny side, smiling as he took in the abuse, something which might have riled up the supporters a little more.

Despite the fans’ disappointment with Mbappé, it is hard to argue with the numbers he has produced this season. The former Monaco man will know he has got the ability to prove people wrong, and it is an opportunity for him to do that against Sevilla.

Prediction

This game might mean a little more to Sevilla, so we’re going for a 2-1 victory to the home side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: West Ham head to Newcastle in survival bid

West Ham United have two games left to save their Premier League status, starting with a long trip north to play Newcastle United at St James’s Park.

By Ian King

West Ham’s task for this fixture is very straightforward

Two games left, two points to make up. West Ham United’s – to say the least – controversial 1-0 home defeat against Arsenal last Sunday left them in the bottom three, but they’re still very much in the survival game as a result of Spurs’ failure to beat Leeds United at home the following evening.

Their task for this match is straightforward. Win, and Spurs have to get something from their trip to Chelsea on Tuesday night to avoid being in the bottom three for the final round of matches next Sunday. Fail to win, and Premier League survival will depend on them getting a better result than Spurs on the final weekend of the season, while an away win for Spurs in their rescheduled match at Stamford Bridge would send them down.

Four points from their last two games have eased the pressure on the Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe a little, but there remains the feeling that this has been a bit of a lost season for them. They’re in 13th place with two games to play, and a top half finish is just about the best that they can hope for now.

West Ham’s recent record against Newcastle isn’t great

West Ham have only won three of their last 13 Premier League meetings with Newcastle, a run going back to 2019, but there are a couple silver linings for them ahead of this weekend’s meeting. Two of those three wins have come at St James’s Park, while they also won the meeting between the two teams at The London Stadium earlier this season fairly convincingly.

Fans who don’t care about the result and are only interested in entertainment will be hoping for a little of the spirit of 1960 to leak into this match. The clubs met twice in that calendar year, with Newcastle winning 5-3 at The Boleyn Ground in February and the two teams playing out a 5-5 draw at St James’s Park the following December.

Jared Bowen has a straightforward route out of a potential bit of family drama

It’s that time of the season when big personalities matter, and few have a bigger one at West Ham than Jarrod Bowen. Not only is he their captain and top scorer this season, but he’s married to the daughter of their most famous fan.

Bowen will face quite the dilemma this summer, should West Ham go down. Stay, and at 29 years of age he could be impacting his England chances. Go, and he might have some explaining to do to his in-laws. The best solution to this for him is to score or create the goals to keep them up, and the good news for him on that front is that he is plenty capable of doing that.

The match is also a homecoming for Callum Wilson, who transferred to West Ham from Newcastle last summer, but he’s been largely limited to appearances from the bench this season and a place in their first XI for this fixture would be a surprise.

Harvey Barnes is on the fringes of a call-up for England’s World Cup squad this summer and he was included for their March friendlies. Two goals in his last two Newcastle games indicate that his form is tacking in the right direction, and strong performances in his final two remaining games would strengthen his claim to getting the nod from Thomas Tuchel, come the end of the season.

West Ham have few injury concerns ahead of this key fixture

West Ham haven’t had that awful a time of things with injuries, compared to others. They have one injury concern ahead of this match. Adama Traore has tight quadriceps, and faces a late fitness test; a return to the performance he put into their FA Cup match against Leeds United would be most welcome, should he be available. Other than him, their only injury concern is veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who’s been out since September with a back injury.

Newcastle’s injury issues are largely of the longer-term variety. Lewis Miley, Emil Krafth and Tino Livramento won’t play again this season. Fabian Schär may return for the final weekend of the season, but he’s highly unlikely to be ready for this match.

The relegation scrap seems most likely to go to the wire

We’re at the point of the season at which fine margins are everything, and the late drama at The London Stadium last weekend has impacted West Ham United. Two points behind Spurs and with an inferior goal difference, they really need to win both of their final two matches to give themselves a better than average chance of staying up. Defeat coupled with a Spurs win at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday would send them down. Defeat coupled with a Spurs draw would render their chances of survival mathematical only, on account of that inferior goal difference.

Newcastle’s season isn’t quite over yet. But Eddie Howe does have something to play for – his job, essentially – and a top half finish, which is achievable, would lift a little bit of the pressure on both the manager and the players. They’ve improved since the return of Bruno Guimarães in the middle of April, but they’ve been wildly unpredictable all season and their motivation levels for this match are almost impossible to gauge.

Newcastle’s recent win over Brighton was the first time they’d scored more than once in a Premier League game since the start of March, and with West Ham having failed to score in three of their last four matches, there’s little to suggest that this game will be a thriller. A 1-1 draw gives the Hammers a decent chance of still being in the game by the last weekend of the season.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Man United welcome Forest with Bruno Fernandes eyeing Premier League history

Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Manchester United, holding them to a 2-2 draw earlier in the season.

By Filip Mishov

Old Trafford set for United’s last home game of the season

United’s bleak performance at the Stadium of Light last weekend exposed a lack of depth, as the Red Devils failed to impress on both sides of the pitch after Michael Carrick made five changes to the starting XI, with Sunderland accumulating a higher xG (1.25 to 0.62) and United failing to create a single big chance. They are, however, on a four-match (3W, 1D) unbeaten run and know a single point in this game will be enough to clinch a top three finish only behind Man City and Arsenal.

Forest earned a hard-fought draw against Newcastle through Elliot Anderson‘s late equaliser last time out, with their Premier League safety secured for a fourth consecutive season by other results later in the round of games. Manager Vítor Pereira has ultimately accomplished the main goal set by the demanding Evangelos Marinakis. Forest are now on an eight-match (4W, 4D) unbeaten run in the league and could theoretically still finish in the top half of the table if they can repeat last season’s victorious performance at the Theatre of Dreams.

Key players

Casemiro is set to bid an emotional farewell at Old Trafford, as the Brazilian is expected to be named in the starting lineup after getting a much-deserved rest last weekend. The 34-year-old will be sorely missed in Manchester United’s midfield, not only for his defensive contribution, but also for his experience, leadership and attacking output as well. The defensive midfielder has scored more goals this season than he has anywhere in his career (with nine goals) and is only behind Bruno Fernandes in the average FotMob ratings in the United squad this season (7.36 to Brunno’s 8.0).

Interestingly enough, Forest’s Elliot Anderson is the preferred candidate to replace the departing Casemiro, but his 100 million price tag and interest from the other side of Manchester are an issue. The England international is the most sought-after midfielder in the Premier League and his goal against Newcastle was additional proof of his all-around qualities. Comfortable both in and out of possession, the 23-year-old is the cornerstone of Forest’s squad, leading the side in terms of accurate passes per 90 (54.6), chances created (49) and defensive contributions per 90 (13.8), making him the highest-rated player (7.49) in the squad (7.49).

Sunday might be Anderson’s final audition to convince the United hierarchy that he is worth the money to replace Casemiro and slot in alongside Kobbie Mainoo.

Team news

Matthijs de Ligt, Benjamin Sesko, Manuel Ugarte, and Casemiro and all missed the match at the Stadium of Light last weekend, but the latter two are back in contention, giving Michael Carrick plenty of options to choose from.

Forest’s extensive injury list is worrying, but Ibrahim Sangaré, Morgan Gibbs-White and Dan Ndoye are back in training, which is a much-needed boost.

Prediction

Manchester United have more than enough incentive to win on Sunday, with this being Casemiro’s swansong at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes still chasing the Premier League’s single-season assist record, and Carrick closing in on a permanent contract by clinching a top-three finish.

Even though I do not think that Nottingham Forest will make it easy for them, I expect United to what is Forest’s longest unbeaten league run since the 1995/96 season.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: LaLiga champions Barcelona host Real Betis

Celebrations from both teams are likely to have been the case even before LaLiga has played out, with Barcelona claiming the title and Real Betis sealing a return to the Champions League.

By Karl Matchett

Hansi Flick’s side secured one of the more memorable El Clásico victories last weekend, beating Real Madrid to ensure back-to-back league championships at the same time – though perhaps a midweek defeat at Alavés was a bit of a comedown. Regardless, they have two major objectives left in the remaining games this season.

Camp Nou perfection

With the final round of matches seeing Barca head to Valencia, this is their last on home soil for the season – and they’ve a chance to claim maximum points in the process. Not just on the day, but for the entirety of 2025/26 in the Camp Nou…well, and the Estadi Johan Cruyff and Olimpic Lluis Companys, as they played at “home” in both of those grounds too, only moving into their rebuilt ground in late November.

*Barca’s home and away points breakdown this season*

Regardless of location, the outcome at home has been the same so far: 18 league games, 18 league wins. One more makes a perfect campaign – they managed 18 wins and one draw back in 12/13 and 09/10, but no Spanish side have had a 100% home record since Real Madrid a full 40 years ago, in an 18-team league so with two home matches fewer.

As an additional side note, winning both their last two games will give a season tally of 97 points, putting this Barca side third on the all-time list of single-season hauls. Barca have previously managed 99 (09/10) and 100 (12/13), with Real Madrid also the joint-record holders on 100 (11/12).

Kings of consistency

Real Betis have quietly become one of LaLiga’s most impressively consistent teams over the last few years, having already guaranteed they’ll finish fifth this term – and with that comes a Champions League place for the first time in 20 years. Back in 05/06, though, they finished third in their group and exited to the Uefa Cup, disappointingly losing then to Steaua Bucharest. This time it’s straight into the main 30-team league for at least eight fixtures among the elite.

Betis have finished 5th, 6th or 7th in each of the last six campaigns now, which may give rise to questions of LaLiga’s glass ceiling, despite the club’s undeniable progress.

Recent form

Six straight wins before losing last time for Barcelona. Only one defeat in nine for Betis – and three wins. They love a draw.

Team news

Lamine Yamal’s season is done, but everyone else is available.

Betis are without suspended pair Diego Llorente and Cucho Hernández, plus injured former Barca centre-back Marc Bartra.

Key player

Robert Lewandowski faces his final home game for Barcelona, so he’ll probably score. The 37-year-old ranks top for non-penalty xG per 90 in LaLiga this term, with 47% of his shots on target. Surely he goes out with a celebration.

*Lewandowski’s season-by-season record at Barcelona*

Prediction

Barcelona to end the season on a positive note and a perfect home record for the league campaign: Barcelona 3-1 Real Betis.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

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May

2026

Preview: Stuttering Chelsea take on title-chasing Manchester City in the FA Cup final

While Manchester City can still dream of a domestic treble, Chelsea can only hope to salvage an otherwise disappointing season in the FA Cup final.

By Neel Shelat

Coaching change unable to turn Chelsea’s form around

A run of seven straight losses against top-flight opposition ended Liam Rosenior’s short-lived tenure as Chelsea head coach. With just a month to go to the end of the season by the time he was dismissed, the Blues decided to ask Calum McFarlane to reprise his interim role. He managed to lead them to the FA Cup final by grinding out a one-goal win against Leeds United, but the subsequent loss to relegation-battling Nottingham Forest and draw against a subpar Liverpool have not done anything to alleviate concerns about the team’s performances.

Over the last three months, Chelsea’s only wins have come against Aston Villa, Wrexham, Port Vale and Leeds United. In the meantime, they have lost nine matches, over half of which were by three-goal margins.

Manchester City’s dominant recent record against the Blues

Further stacking the odds against Chelsea is the fact that they have failed to beat Manchester City in almost five years. Their last win over Pep Guardiola’s side came on the biggest occasion possible in the 2021 Champions League final, but they have drawn just three and lost 10 since then.

McFarlane did oversee a draw against his former employers in Manchester thanks to Enzo Fernández’s last-gasp winner during his initial interim stint earlier this season, but City have won all four of their other meetings over the last couple of seasons.

*Recent H2H results in the Premier League*

The 10-time English champions are generally in imperious form, having won eight and drawn the outlier in the last four weeks. They will also set a record of becoming the first team to appear in four consecutive men’s FA Cup finals when they take to the pitch at Wembley.

Team news

Robert Sánchez, Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto have all returned to training for Chelsea after missing recent matches due to minor injuries. That leaves Estêvão and Jamie Gittens as their only major absentees.

Manchester City have a near-fully fit squad to take into this match, with Rodri being the only doubt due to his recent groin injury. Guardiola rested some of his stars in the midweek league game against Crystal Palace, so fatigue won’t be too big a concern either.

Key players

Reece James returned from his latest hamstring injury last weekend to make his first appearance since March. He will be in contention to start here, and could have a big defensive role to play against Jérémy Doku. João Pedro will be keen to cap off his best-ever goal-scoring season with a flourish on the biggest day, while Cole Palmer could produce a moment of magic against the side he made his senior debut for.

Nico O’Reilly has been a surprise big-game contributor for Manchester City this season, and could well repeat his heroics from the EFL Cup final. Rayan Cherki produced two memorable assists when these two sides met last month, Erling Haaland didn’t get on the scoresheet then, so he’ll be raring to score in his first cup outing against Chelsea.

Prediction

Chelsea will be eager to share their record of three-consecutive FA Cup final losses with Manchester City, but it is hard to see them getting the win here in order to do that.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

FotMob Profile: Senne Lammens is already among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League

Manchester United’s goalkeeper has been a key part of the Old Trafford side’s upswing under interim manager Michael Carrick.

By Graham Ruthven

Before Senne Lammens, the position of Manchester United goalkeeper was made to look almost impossible. Altay Bayındır and André Onana both floundered to the point that the club was forced into a desperate late move for a new number one in last summer’s transfer window. That’s when they found Senne Lammens.

*Lammens’ first season in the Premier League*

Lammens was a relative unknown when he arrived at Old Trafford from Royal Antwerp. A bargain at €21m, many doubted Manchester United had unearthed a goalkeeper capable of making an immediate impact, but Lammens settled more quickly than was ever envisaged.

Since making his United debut with a clean sheet in a win over Sunderland, Lammens has been a calming presence between the posts. At first, it was simply enough that he was an improvement on Bayındır and Onana. Now, though, it’s fair to place the 23-year-old among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

As a shot-stopper, Lammens has demonstrated his ability in the Premier League. The Belgian has made a number of eye-catching saves, including in last Saturday’s 0-0 draw away to Sunderland when Manchester United had their goalkeeper to thank for preserving a point.

*Lammens’ shot map in the Premier League*

From corner kicks and set pieces, Lammens is a formidable presence and much more comfortable at claiming crosses into the penalty area than either Bayındır or Onana ever were. The way the Premier League has been this season, this is a particularly important quality for a goalkeeper to have.

On the ball, Lammens’ one big mistake as a Manchester United player came when trying to play out from the back against Liverpool. He isn’t as comfortable in possession as some other modern goalkeepers, but Carrick’s approach doesn’t require Lammens to be in the mould of someone like Ederson or Joan Garcia.

A large part of Lammens’ strength, however, is in his demeanour. Comparisons have been made to Edwin van der Sar who, like Lammens, was formidable in a physical sense, but was composed as a character behind the Manchester United defence. Lammens has brought down the anxiety levels in the United backline.

*Lammens’ passing stats rated against other Premier League goalkeepers*

Michael Carrick has also done that as interim manager at Old Trafford. While the former midfielder’s future beyond the end of the season is yet to be resolved, Manchester United’s dramatic upswing since Ruben Amorim’s departure can be attributed to Carrick’s common sense revolution.

“I’ve got to be honest, there’s not many special things he did,” said Lammens when asked about Carrick’s impact. “It’s just sticking to the basics. We have players with the quality that can make a difference, but you just have to do the basics right; to make sure technically we’re standing right, defending well together and just [playing] as a team. He made it really clear what he wants from us and what he expects from us.”

Amorim’s back three was ditched as soon as Carrick took over with Lammens now afforded more protection by a defensive line clearly more comfortable in a conventional shape. Carrick has pushed Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo closer together as central midfielders with Bruno Fernandes now playing with freedom as a number 10.

Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško have all improved since the managerial change. This is certainly true of Šeško who has found his scoring touch under Carrick whose man-management skills have come to the fore. As a collective and as individuals, Manchester United have made great strides.

A lot more squad depth to handle the rigours of Champions League football will be needed next season. They are desperately short in a number of key positions including central midfield and centre forward. There aren’t many wingers left in the Old Trafford dressing room after Amorim pushed them all out the exit door.

*Lammens’ has prevented more goals than all but two Premier League goalkeepers*

In Lammens, though, United have a goalkeeper they can count on to be their number one for several seasons to come. They were fortunate to have David de Gea as one of the best goalkeepers in the world for such a long period, even as the team struggled for consistent success in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson age.

From Peter Schmeichel to van der Sar and De Gea, Manchester United have boasted some generational goalkeepers over the decades and Lammens has the makings of another world class number one. He is also the model example of the value United must continue to find in the transfer market.

€21m for a goalkeeper of Lammens’ quality might be the best business conducted by Manchester United for years. If Carrick is to keep improving his team beyond the end of the season, assuming he lands the manager’s job permanently, the goalkeeper’s arrival nearly a year ago could be looked back on as a catalyst for better times.

(Images from IMAGO)

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May

2026

New York Cosmos are back for another crack at US Soccer

Soccer is heading to the USA in the biggest possible way this summer. They’ve always had a weird relationship with it, never fully embracing the beautiful game, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a history, though.

By Alex Roberts

Back in the 70s, they went all in, really threw money at it with clubs across the country signing the game’s biggest names. Johann Cryuff found himself in LA for a short time, while Pelé and Franz Bekenbauer headed to New York. It was all very… USA USA USA.

Playing for New York ‘The Cosmos’ Cosmos the latter two stars were at the centre of American soccer’s universe. But then the money dried up, and all those played lured in by those riches left. Fans stopped turning up, and the project was dead.

The original New York Cosmos folded in 1985 following the collapse of the North American Soccer League (NASL). They tried to stick it out, transitioning into indoor soccer, but simply put, no one cared.

Both the club and the NASL were revived in the 2010s, keeping up with tradition, they made a couple of superstar signings, Real Madrid legend Raúl and the most underrated member of Spain’s 2010 World Cup winning squad, Marcos Senna.

Again, it all went up in stardust. The NASL lost its second-division status in 2018, which sparked an antitrust lawsuit by the league, and the club ceased operations. A federal jury dismissed the NASL’s antitrust suit against U.S. Soccer and MLS in 2025.

The United Soccer League (USL) has since taken over as America’s alternative to MLS. It’s like MLS, but the clubs have better names and their badges are cooler. There are three divisions, and most importantly, there will be promotion and relegation from the 2027/28 season.

Now there’s a new New York Cosmos in town, it’s just not the Big Apple. The club now call the newly restored Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey their home, nestled above the Great Falls of the Passaic River. It’s a lovely part of the world.

Despite all the false dawns and stuttering starts, The Cosmos have something very few American football clubs do; legacy. They’re still a global brand, thanks to the likes of Pelé and Beckenbauer, they wouldn’t be out of place with the big boys in MLS.

But this latest version is different, they’ve started out in USL Division One, the third and lowest tier in US professional soccer. Some of that was by choice, but mostly necessity. It’s not easy, and it costs a LOT of money to become an MLS franchise. Not everyone has a David Beckham or a Lionel Messi knocking about.

Being in the USL has its advantages, though. It’s proper grassroots football, which makes it so much easier to build communities. The likes of Vermont Green, New Mexico United, and Sacramento Republic FC have established and incredibly dedicated fanbases despite not being relatively new clubs.

Now that Cosmos have a proper home, they can find their community, and they’ve got big plans. In the long run, they want a professional women’s side, as well as spaces for other sports, like the South American and European clubs of old.

“This is the perfect community for it,” CEO Erik Stover told the Guardian. “It’s so diverse, with people from all over the world and diverse interests, so it makes perfect sense here.

“Proper clubs have multiple sports. People from the community are volunteering, helping with the cricket club, the track club, the tennis club, whatever it is.

“For us, professional soccer will be at the top of the pyramid. But what really matters is that grassroots foundation.”

First though, they need to make sure they get things right on the pitch. That starts with the staff, and it wouldn’t be Cosmos without at least one familiar face. Former Man United striker Giuseppe Rossi is their Vice Chairman and Head of Soccer. This is how I found out he was born in New Jersey.

Italian Davide Corti is the man tasked with leading Cosmos’ new team. He came through AC Milan’s academy as a youngster, and although he never made an appearance, had the chance to train under Fabio Capello and the great Arrigo Sacchi, so there is certainly some pedigree there.

Considering Corti’s country of origin, it should come as no surprise that Cosmos play with a back three, often deploying a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2. They’re happy to sit back and give up possession of the ball, averaging 46.5%.

They play very direct, averaging 293.1 passes per 90 minutes, with 140 touches in the opposition box across their seven USL League One games so far this season. In all honesty, it’s an antiquated way of playing football, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Cosmos score, 12 to be exact, at an average of 1.7 goals per match, which is the fifth highest in the league. Their issue is they’re conceding sloppy goals, there is a clear lack of communication between defenders, and then the goalkeeper.

Looking at their most recent game, a 3-1 defeat to the brilliantly named Portland Hearts of Pine, Cosmos were carved open far too easily. The first goal they conceded was a wonderful effort from Jay Tee Kamara; there was nothing they could do about it.

The second though? Cosmos defender William Noecker was completely lost at sea, a simple through ball caught him off guard, he missed the chance to clear it, instead taking Ollie Wright out, only for the Portland man to get back up, and lob the ‘keeper, who was inexplicably about 10 yards off his line.

For context, USL League One is perhaps at a similar level to the National League in the UK, so these mistakes happen, and considering this is technically Cosmos’ first year in existence, we’ll let them off the hook. You can’t blame a baby for crying.

Whatever happens this season, or the next, or the one after that, the Cosmos are back. It’s a little different, they’re not filled with super stars, but maybe that’s a good thing. Now, they can build organically.

(Images from IMAGO)

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