Page 141 – The Pulse of Football

Jan

2025

Preview: Barcelona face Betis in first test since Supercopa triumph

Barcelona host Real Betis in the Copa del Rey just days after thumping Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final in Saudi Arabia.

By Graham Ruthven

Ground to make up

Sunday saw Barcelona produce arguably their best display of the season as they put five goals past Real Madrid in a Clásico thumping in the final of the Spanish Supercopa. It was a performance to savour for Hansi Flick and his players.

However, Barca return to Spain to play in another cup competition this week with Real Betis hoping to be the latest team to expose the Catalans at Montjuïc following recent wins for Atlético Madrid, Las Palmas and Leganés at Barca’s temporary home.

These defeats raised concerns that opposition teams were starting to figure out Barcelona’s high defensive line. Hansi Flick’s high-risk approach might be entertaining, but it doesn’t always result in the most controlled performances by his side.

In LaLiga, Barcelona finished up for the winter break on a run of just one win in seven games. Since then, though, they have dispatched Barbastro in the Copa del Rey round of 32 and handily defeated Athletic Club and Real Madrid in the Supercopa. The rest has revived them.

Real Betis, on the other hand, suffered a 1-0 loss to Real Valladolid on Saturday to bring a seven-match unbeaten run to an end. The flip side of that record is that Los Verdiblancos have won just one of their last eight league outings.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side have already taken points from Barcelona this season, drawing 2-2 with them at the start of December, and could once again be a thorn in the side of the Catalans.

Key players

Lamine Yamal put on a show in Sunday’s Spanish Supercopa final, scoring a stunning equaliser and generally posing a threat in the final third for Barcelona. Real Madrid had no way to handle him.

Flick has suggested he could manage the 17-year-old’s minutes as he continues his recovery from injury, but Barca will want to keep up their run going in the cup competitions. They need their best creator player on the pitch.

Vitor Roque could return to the Real Betis starting lineup against his parent club while Isco is expected to start having only recently returned from injury.

A lot of pressure will be on Real Betis central destroyer and USMNT international Johnny Cardoso to break up Barcelona attacks in the middle of the pitch with Sergi Altimira alongside him.

Team news

Iñigo Martínez sustained a hamstring injury in the 5-2 win over Real Madrid in Sunday’s Spanish Supercopa final and is expected to miss the next month of action, only adding to Barca’s number of defensive absentees.

However, Ronald Araújo could start his first league match of the season after making his long-awaited return from injury off the bench against Real Madrid. The Uruguayan will be a straight replacement for Martínez in central defence.

Giovani Lo Celso will miss the match at Montjuic after picking up a muscle injury in the defeat to Real Valladolid while Héctor Bellerín, Chimy Avila and William Carvalho are long-term absentees.

Prediction

Momentum is with Hansi Flick’s side, so we’ll go with Barcelona 3-1 Real Betis.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2025

Write off Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen at your peril

Bayer Leverkusen are just four points behind Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga despite making a slow start to their title defence.

By Graham Ruthven

By scoring twice in the opening eight minutes of Friday’s away win over Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen picked up where they left off before the Bundesliga’s winter break. If the first half of the season saw Xabi Alonso’s team struggle for consistency, there are signs that The Black and Reds will be back to their best in the second half.

Leverkusen once again look like the side that surged to an historic maiden Bundesliga title last season. They have won nine matches in-a-row in all competitions and have reduced the gap to Bayern Munich at the top of the table to four points. While many were quick to declare this season’s German title race over, Leverkusen are making up ground on their rivals.

While Leverkusen have rediscovered their form, they have evolved since last season. They needed to. It wasn’t sustainable for them to rely on so many late goals and comebacks to earn results. Last season was exhilarating and will be talked about at the Bay Arena for decades to come, but it couldn’t continue.

And so Alonso has focused much of his efforts this season on giving Leverkusen more control. They are averaging less possession per match in the Bundesliga, but this has been designed to make the defending champions more difficult to play against. Against Dortmund, Leverkusen had just 30% of the ball, yet remained relatively solid.

“We did well with the ball, but we also did it really well without the ball,” said Alonso after the landmark win at the Westfalenstadion. “We did not concede much. It is a development of our game that we can compete in this way, to play here with this discipline against a top, top team in Europe.”

This tactical evolution has been clearest in the Champions League where Leverkusen have kept three clean sheets in three home games. Alonso has harnessed the chaos of last season and used it to turn Leverkusen into a more rounded outfit. They still boast one of the strongest attacks in Germany, but the foundations are now stronger than they were last term.

Edmond Tapsoba was particularly impressed away to Dortmund, not just giving Leverkusen presence at the back, but also having a direct hand in two of the three goals. The Burkina Faso international is physically imposing, but also has the technical ability to get his team moving quickly out from the back. Alonso’s approach wouldn’t work without him.

At the top of the pitch, Patrik Schick is currently in the form of his life, averaging a Bundesliga goal every 51 minutes. Last season, Alonso primarily favoured a front three with Jonas Hofmann and Florian Wirtz in behind Victor Boniface as the centre forward. This season, Leverkusen have shifted to something closer to a 4-4-2 and this has benefited Schick as a penalty box poacher.

Of course, it would be misleading to suggest Leverkusen’s 4-4-2 is an orthodox one. They push Jeremie Frimpong and Álex Grimaldo extremely high to such an extent that they effectible operate as wide forwards. Nathan Tella has the positional freedom to exploit space wherever he can find it while Wirtz poses an all-round threat.

Wirtz could reportedly sign a new contract to stay at Bayer Leverkusen until 2027 despite interest from across Europe. Widely considered the club’s best young talent since Kai Havertz, and possibly even Michael Ballack before him, the 21-year-old has made another step up recently, registering 11 goal involvements in his last eight games – albeit he was only used from the bench in the game at Dortmund, hence his face is missing from the graphic above.

Back-to-back home fixtures against Mainz and Borussia Monchengladbach this week give Leverkusen the opportunity to build more momentum and apply more pressure on Bayern Munich. Alonso has likely circled his team’s next meeting with the Bavarians on 15th February as a potentially season-defining encounter.

The Champions League is another arena where the ever-improving The Black and Reds could make their mark in the second half of the season. Only Liverpool and Barcelona have more points than Leverkusen after six matches of the new-look League Phase with their place in the last 16 all but assured.

Leverkusen could take advantage of an extremely open field to make a deep run. Barcelona and Real Madrid both have their flaws. Manchester City are a shadow of the team that won the Treble in 2023 while Paris Saint-Germain are in a transitional phase under Luis Enrique. Why can’t Leverkusen win the Champions League?

Alonso is widely considered football’s next great manager and Bayer Leverkusen have been moulded in the Spaniard’s image. Having played under Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and José Mourinho among others, Alonso has had a wide-ranging education in the game. This is shining through in how he is shaping Leverkusen.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2025

Analysis: How far can high-flying Nottingham Forest go this season?

Nottingham Forest have enjoyed an incredible first half of the 2024/25 season. They currently find themselves up in third place in the Premier League standings – just six points behind the leaders. While talk of a potential title challenge might yet be premature, they are certainly well on their way to their best league finish for decades.

By Neel Shelat

In a season of chaos and unpredictability in the Premier League’s upper and mid table, Nottingham Forest have been the big winners so far. While the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are languishing in the bottom half and Manchester City are struggling to find their best form, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have shot all the way up to the podium positions. If they manage to sustain such results, they will surely seal an unforgettable return to Europe.

Here is how Forest have gotten so far.

Busy transfer activity

While the source of much of Nottingham Forest’s funding is questionable, to say the least, it would be unfair to say that they have bought their way to success. They are still in the bottom half of the table as far as player payrolls are concerned, meaning their annual wage bill is less than half of the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Since winning promotion to the Premier League in 2022, Forest have spent a fair bit in the transfer market though – over €400 million to be more exact. In that time span, they have made as many as 46 permanent signings! While a good chunk of those players have either been sold on or got moved around in Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club ownership group, Forest’s squad has still been completely overhauled. In fact, Ryan Yates is the only player currently at the club to have represented them in the Championship.

An interesting aspect of Nottingham Forest’s transfer business is that they seem to have a policy of spreading out their investments rather than going big on one player. Their record transfer fee of just over €41m for Elliot Anderson (in a deal with Newcastle United that was allegedly conducted in a way to strategically adjust their balance sheets more than anything else) is only the 14th-highest club transfer record in the Premier League. They have only signed one other player for north of €30m, namely Ibrahim Sangaré. For the most part, their recruitment has been focused on finding cut-price deals from fellow Premier League clubs and major European markets as well as top South American sides.

Naturally, such a large amount of player turnover did not have an instant positive impact on the team’s performances. They just about survived the relegation battle in both of the last two seasons, finishing 16th and 17th. In the long run, though, all that matters is simply that they stayed up. There can be no doubt that the new signings have significantly raised the quality of the squad on paper, and with most of the new players now far more settled at the club, Forest had the platform to exceed expectations this season.

Rock-solid defensive blocks

While they have been well-supported in the transfer market, Nottingham Forest’s coaching staff and players deserve a lot of credit for what still is a huge overachievement so far this season. Their squad is ranked 10th in the Premier League by player market value, so the fact that they are so high up in the table is largely down to their excellent on-field performances.

At a time when the most interesting coaches and teams are regarded as the ones with the most novel tactical ideas, Forest are a breath of fresh air for showing that a simple yet effective and well-executed tactical plan can go a very long way. The foundational aspect of their success has to be their well-drilled and compact defensive block, which has proven tough to break down for all kinds of opponents.

Crucially, Nuno’s side are not wedded to one specific shape. While they generally like to start in a 4-2-3-1 mid block and drop into a 4-4-2 deeper, they are quite comfortable switching to a back five as well – especially against stronger opponents and / or when trying to see out a lead. That is why Forest have managed to concede the second-fewest goals and third-lowest xG tally in the league despite having by far the lowest possession average at under 40%!

Direct attacking punch

Nottingham Forest’s defence is very much the foundation for their attack. Indeed, it is thanks to their exceptional defensive record that they have managed to make do with a very mediocre attacking output. Their tally of 29 league goals scored is below the median, yet they have taken the lead on more occasions (17) than any other team. Forest have gone on to see out most of those games, losing just once and only dropping eight other points from winning positions.

By keeping games tight, Nuno’s side aim to lure their opponents out and hit them hard in transition – especially on the counter. Their tactics are obviously geared in this direction while the attackers in the squad are very well-suited to such a style too. The likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Antony Elanga offer great outlets on the wings thanks to their on and off-the-ball running, while the likes of Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White can quickly string attacks together in the central areas.

*Nottingham Forest Expected Assists, Premier League 2024/25*

Chris Wood’s sensational form in front of goal has been extremely handy in finishing moves off.

Beyond their counterattacking threat, Forest also have the ability to break down more settled blocks. Their full backs have the energy levels required to bomb up and down the wings when needed, and they can even switch to a back three to chase a goal. The option of James Ward-Prowse on the bench can add to their set-piece threat along with a few imposing aerial presences in the side.

*Chris Wood shot map, Premier League 2024/25*

Putting all of that together, Nottingham Forest have struck a great balance with a tough-to-beat plan A and various avenues to score a crucial goal or see out a lead. So, there is little to suggest that they should drop too far down the standings in the second half of the season.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2025

Premier League Preview, Matchday 21

The FA Cup third round offered a reprieve from Premier League action last weekend. However, as a consequence, there’s a bumper round of fixtures in the English top-flight to make up for it this week. We have a midweek round of matches spread across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before a full schedule this weekend.

By Sam McGuire

Before the latter, though, let’s have a look at what we can look forward to across Matchday 21.

The battle for the Golden Boot

At the start of the season, few would’ve had Bryan Mbeumo in contention for the Golden Boot, yet here we are, 20 games on the board, and only Erling Haaland (16) and Mohamed Salah (18) have more goals than the Brentford forward.

This season, the 25-year-old has scored against Spurs, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Arsenal. He’ll be looking to add Manchester City to the list as the Bees welcome the reigning champions to the Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday.

Thomas Frank’s side suffered a shock home loss to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup over the weekend.

Not only was it a surprise because Plymouth are rooted to the bottom of the Championship, it caught a lot of people off guard because of how impressive Brentford have been at home this season.

The Bees have the second best home record in the English top-flight with seven wins and two draws from their 10 outings. They have scored the most home goals (27). You’d not call it a fortress but Brentford are impressive at home. They’ll be looking to bounce back against an out-of-sorts City side.

Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t travelled well this season. In fact, they haven’t done much well this season in fairness and that is why they find themselves in sixth position, 12 points off the top. On the road though, they’re struggling. They have the seventh best away record and have scored just 15 goals across their 10 outings.

Within their ranks, they have Haaland. After a drought, he’s found the back of the net three times in two outings and he’s well in the race for a third successive Golden Boot.

It is unlikely that many would have viewed a game between Brentford and Manchester City in mid-January as a potential key fixture in the race for the Golden Boot, but it could well be the case.

Revenge for Liverpool?

Liverpool have suffered just one defeat in the Premier League all season. It arrived back in September as Nottingham Forest travelled to Anfield and returned to the City Ground with all three points.

Arne Slot has mentioned it at every given opportunity. The loss to Nuno Espírito Santo’s side haunts him and he’ll be looking to right that wrong on Tuesday when he takes his league leaders to face the surprise package of the season.

Forest are third in the table, level on points with Arsenal and just six behind the Reds.

Believe it or not, this game could have huge ramifications on where the title ends up this season.

Despite their good form, Espírito Santo’s side aren’t the best at home this season. They’ve taken 17 points from their nine home games and have scored just 11 goals. Their strength is their defence though having conceded on just seven occasions.

This game feels like another battle between two attackers. Chris Wood has 12 goals in the Premier League this term and has been directly responsible for 41% of the goals scored by Forest. Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, has 18 goals and he accounts for 38% of the team haul.

The Reds aren’t as reliant on their No. 11 though. They travel well and have the best away record in the English top-flight despite playing fewer games than their rivals due to the Merseyside derby being postponed.

The return of David Moyes

Everton made the bold decision to part ways with Sean Dyche earlier in the week. In a bid to save themselves from a relegation battle, they drafted in former boss David Moyes.

The 61-year-old has been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season. The Toffees are currently in 16th position, a point ahead of the dropzone and they’re without a win in the Premier League in over a month.

They host Aston Villa this week. On paper, this could be a tricky fixture with the Villans looking to finish in the European places again this season. However, Moyes has a deceptively good record against them

He’s only suffered seven losses in 34 matches against Villa and he’s won six of the last 10.

Meanwhile, Unai Emery has a decent enough record against the Toffees having won four of seven and three of the last five. This could be a fascinating, tactical battle with both teams needing points on the board for very different reasons.

Arsenal on the ropes

It hasn’t been a great start to 2025 for Arsenal.

The Gunners were held to a draw with Brighton in the Premier League before suffering a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. They were then knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday evening with Manchester United beating them on penalties at the Emirates.

If the disappointing results weren’t enough, the injuries are piling up for the Gunners. Bukayo Saka is out for the foreseeable and the resurgent Gabriel Jesus is now sidelined after he sustained what looks to be an ACL injury in the loss to the Red Devils.

On Wednesday night, they welcome Spurs to the Emirates for the North London Derby.

Spurs have been erratic this term but did beat Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final last week. They’ve also beaten Manchester City (twice) and Aston Villa this season, proving they can turn up when it matters. They’re also suffering with injuries but have enough in attack to cause problems. They could well dent Arsenal’s title bid and you wouldn’t be that shocked given how Tottenham’s season is going so far.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2025

Preview: Nottingham Forest aiming for elusive double over Liverpool

High-flying Nottingham Forest will host Premier League leaders Liverpool in what promises to be a thrilling Tuesday night fixture.

By Neel Shelat

Forest’s sensational winning streak

Many Nottingham Forest fans must be having the time of their lives right now. Their side is on a seven-match winning streak – their longest in nearly two decades. Six of those victories have come in the Premier League, making this their longest top-flight winning run since 1979. A seventh in the league would equal their all-time record.

This incredible run of results has propelled Nuno Espírito Santo’s side all the way up to third in the Premier League standings, level on points with Arsenal and just six off the leaders (who have a game in hand). As we are now in the second half of the season, the Forest faithful are increasingly believing in their team’s chances of returning to Europe after nearly three decades away.

Liverpool keen to preserve impressive double record

No team has done the league double over Liverpool since Manchester United managed it in 2015/16. Jürgen Klopp preserved that record for the entirety of his nine-year spell at the club, while his successor Arne Slot has only tasted one defeat to date.

That loss did come against Nottingham Forest on matchday four in the Premier League, when Callum Hudson-Odoi scored from outside the box to stop Slot’s party at Anfield.

Of course, that also means the Dutch tactician has yet to lose an away match in charge of Liverpool so that too could change at the City Ground.

Potentially favourable matchup for Forest

Liverpool have been the best team in England (and arguably the world) by some margin so far this season, but they are not absolutely perfect. Their scintillating attack – which has scored by far the most goals in the Premier League and accumulated the highest xG tally – has at least partly been helped by the fact that fewer teams are looking to defend with discipline in low blocks for long spells. Instead, most sides are looking to either start higher to selectively apply some pressure to push their opponents back, but both of those approaches leave their back lines a little more vulnerable.

Slot’s side have taken advantage of that by striking a fantastic balance between patient possession and direct attacking, thus luring their opponents out and springing forward at the best possible time. Opponents would like be better served by remaining in a compact low block against them, but the few sides that have tried to do so have been the relegation battlers for whom the difference in player quality proved great.

Nottingham Forest, however, have decent player quality along with the ability to absorb pressure for long spells. The likes of Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood enable them to pose a serious counterattacking threat from deep, which they have used to great effect so far. So, the hosts could well frustrate Liverpool and hurt them on the break.

Prediction

We should have a cracking game on our hands as both squads are near full strength; only Joe Gomez and Ibrahim Sangaré are out injured while Darwin Núñez is suspended. This may well result in a hard-fought draw.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2025

Preview: Upwardly mobile Bournemouth visit Chelsea at the Bridge

Just three points separate Chelsea and Bournemouth as the two sides face off at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Defeat would likely see Enzo Maresca’s side all out of the top four, while Bournemouth could establish themselves as genuine Champions League contenders.

By Alex Roberts

Chelsea were smash and grab 1-0 victors in the reverse fixture, thanks to Christopher Nkunku’s fancy footwork and some Robert Sánchez heroics. Bournemouth have learnt a lot since then, beating four of the traditional ‘top six.’

Both sides scored five goals in their weekend FA Cup third round triumphs, although Bournemouth’s came against stronger opposition. Winless in their last four Premier League games, Chelsea need to get back on the right track.

Enzo Maresca’s impossible task

The Chelsea boss has confessed it’s ‘impossible’ to keep all of Chelsea’s superstars happy in his pre-match press conference, with many clamouring for a move in the January transfer window in pursuit of regular minutes.

As has been the case all season, most of Chelsea’s preferred league eleven got a rest in the 5-0 win over Morecambe. Only Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho, and Marc Cucurella of Maresca’s preferred side featured in the FA Cup.

It remains to be seen what the Chelsea squad will look like come the end of January, but one thing remains certain, Ben Chilwell won’t get any minutes.

Bournemouth’s striker injury crisis

Both Enes Ünal and Evanilson are set for lengthy spells on the sideline, with the Turkish star tearing his ACL and the Brazilian breaking his leg. Luis Sinisterra, although a winger, is capable of playing up top, but yep, he’s also out.

Bournemouth have recalled Daniel Jebbison from Watford, but with zero goals in his ten games for the Hornets, expectations are low. Of course, that means we’ve jinxed it. Sorry Chelsea fans, he’s going to bag a hattrick!

Both of Bournemouth’s top two goal scorers, Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo are wingers, so Andoni Iraola’s side do still have some firepower, but the lack of a focal point may be an issue.

Is Reece James finally back!?

Oh Reece James. It’s a story that’s been written time and time again, like a high school depiction of Romeo and Juliet set in gangland Chicago. He started against Morecambe, but as history has told, that doesn’t mean he’ll be starting against Bournemouth.

The Chelsea captain impressed in the FA Cup, providing the easiest assist of his life for Tosin Adarabioyo’s first goal, as well as winning 100% of his tackles, 100% of his aerial duels, and making three recoveries.

Malo Gusto replaced him at halftime, so Maresca is clearly still airing on the side of caution. Let’s hope THIS is the time James truly makes his comeback.

The Premier League’s best left-back… maybe

Milos Kerkes is fantastic; it’s no surprise the vultures are starting to circle. The Hungarian isn’t just solid defensively, making 23 interceptions, 90 recoveries, and winning possession in the final third seven times, he’s a genuine attacking threat.

With three assists, he’s Bournemouth’s joint-second provider, alongside Lewis Cook and Dango Ouattara. Whoever Chelsea play opposite him, they’re in for a busy night, that’s for sure.

*Kerkez passing stats, Premier League 2024/25*

Prediction

Bournemouth’s recent record against bigger sides and Chelsea’s recent record might just swing it for the South Coast club, we’re going to go with 2-1 for the visitors.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2025

Preview: Brentford take on a City side in recovery

Brentford and Manchester City had very differing results in the FA Cup at the weekend, but this will be a far greater test for the champions than Salford City.

By Ian King

Recent records

Have Manchester City turned a corner? It might be arguable that you can’t read too much into their 8-0 win against Salford in the FA Cup, but this was another positive result, following on from successive Premier League wins against Leicester City and West Ham United.

Brentford, meanwhile, had ended a run of one win in six by beating Southampton 5-0 away from home last time out in the league, but their 1-0 home Cup defeat to Plymouth may have indicated that they might not be out of this slump just yet.

History

City have won every game between the two clubs going back to September 1989, except for the 2022/23 season, when the Bees did the double over them, beating them 2-1 at The Etihad and 1-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium. When the two clubs met earlier this season City won 2-1, though they had to come back from a goal behind after Yoane Wissa had given Brentford a first-minute lead.

Key players

It’s entirely possible that he may not start, but there may be eyes being directed towards Kyle Walker following news that he could be open to leaving City to play abroad. The same goes for Jack Grealish, who converted a penalty against Salford but still needs to start delivering again. Might Pep Guardiola be tempted to give James McAtee a run out? After all, he scored a hat-trick in less than twenty minutes last weekend.

There are two key figures in the Brentford squad. Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo have scored 17 of Brentford’s 27 Premier League home goals between them this season, and if Brentford can exploit what is still a slightly improvised Manchester City defence there could yet be rewards to be had.

Team News

Rico Lewis will stand in for City should Walker have played his last game for the club, though this remains unconfirmed for now. None of City’s recent absentees are expected to return. Brentford’s injury list, meanwhile, is starting to look worrying, with Josh Dasilva (knee), Ethan Pinnock (thigh), Kristoffer Ajer (ankle), Ben Mee (unspecified), Aaron Hickey (thigh), Igor Thiago (knee), Gustavo Nunes (back) and Ryan Trevitt (achilles) all likely to be missing.

Prediction

Brentford’s recent dip in form was masked by an easy win at Southampton, as their performance against Plymouth seemed to confirm, and while they’re comfortable in mid-table, they’ve been inconsistent all season.

For Manchester City, this will feel like a winnable test of recent progress made. Both Leicester and West Ham were poor against them, and the Salford result can’t really be held as a comparison for what they might need to do in the Premier League. But City normally come good in the second half of the season and that’s where we are right now, so I’m going for them to edge this 2-1.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2025

FotMob Profile: Zion Suzuki, the first Japanese goalkeeper in Serie A

It has been three decades since Gianluigi Buffon broke onto the scene for Parma’s first team, setting the foundations for a legendary career that saw him win a World Cup with Italy, 10 Serie A titles with Juventus, a Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup with Parma, and stake a claim as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.

By Zach Lowy

Gianluigi Buffon returned to his boyhood club after 20 years away, making 26 appearances throughout the 2021/22 campaign and becoming the first goalkeeper in the history of men’s football to keep 500 clean sheets, before following that up with 19 appearances in 2022/23 as Parma fell to Cagliari in the Serie B promotion play-off finals.

Buffon hung up his boots at the age of 45 in August 2023, with Parma turning to Argentine veteran Leandro Chichizola. Chichzola did enough to lead Parma back to the top-flight after a three-year drought, but not enough to convince manager Fabio Pecchia that he should be the starter in Serie A. Instead, Parma signed Zion Suzuki for €7.5 million plus €2.5 million in bonuses from Belgian club Sint-Truiden, who received a 10% sell-on clause. It hasn’t taken long for Suzuki to make a name for himself as one of the top shot-stoppers in Serie A, and there’s reason to believe that he can follow in Buffon’s footsteps by emerging as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.

Born in Newark, New Jersey to a Ghanaian father and a Japanese mother, Suzuki left the United States at an early age and moved to Japan. He became the youngest player in Urawa Red Diamonds’ history to sign a professional contract at 16 years and 5 months old in January 2019, waiting another two years before keeping a clean sheet on his professional debut in the J. League Cup as well as a clean sheet in each of his first three J.League matches. Whilst he never quite managed to cement a starting spot during his 14-year spell at Urawa, Suzuki made 29 first-team appearances before eventually joining Sint-Truiden in 2023, where he quickly became the No. 1. After just one year in Belgium, Suzuki was on the move once again, joining Parma on a five-year contract and becoming their first Japanese player since Hidetoshi Nakata back in 2001. Suzuki raised eyebrows early on by speaking Italian in his first press conference, showcasing a confidence that has been on full display during his first months in Italy.

Suzuki was given the start for Parma’s league opener and took the opportunity by the scruff of his neck, making six saves in a 1-1 draw vs. Fiorentina, before being called into action on multiple occasions and passing with flying colors in a 2-1 victory against Milan. He has quickly solidified a starting spot in goal – just like he’s done with the Japanese national team – and emerged as one of the first names on Fabio Pecchia’s team sheet. Parma sit 16th in the table, one point clear of the relegation zone , thanks in large part to Suzuki’s individual heroics in goal. He’s making 3.3 saves per game (the joint fifth-most in Serie A) with a save percentage of 67.4%, whilst only Genoa’s Nicola Leali (5.7) and Vanja Milinković-Savić (3.7) have prevented more goals than him (2.1).

There have been signs of inexperience, like on August 31 when he received a second yellow for a clumsy challenge on David Neres and allowed Napoli to score two late goals in a comeback 2-1 win. However, Suzuki’s aggressive nature has dovetailed with Pecchia’s tactical vision, charging off his line when required, sweeping up danger, and making his presence known in aerial duels. Standing 6’3”, Suzuki has the athleticism and wingspan to not only stop a powerful shot from traveling into the goal, but get a strong punch to it and prevent it from ricocheting into a dangerous area. He’s exhibited his quick reflexes and impressive decision-making in a number of high-pressure scenarios, constantly well-positioned and switched on and capable of getting down and laying out his body on a moment’s notice to defuse a travelling effort. What’s more, Suzuki has excelled in possession and has proven adept at spraying the ball high and wide and triggering an instantaneous counter-attack. It’s little wonder why the 16-time-capped Japan international has quickly emerged as a fan favorite at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

*Suzuki’s goalkeeping numbers, Serie A 2024/25*

Compared to goalkeepers in Europe’s top five leagues, Suzuki ranks in the 92nd percentile for crosses stopped (9.8%) as well as the 74th for Post-Shot Expected Goals minus Goals Allowed (+0.11). He is the third-highest rated Parma player (6.96) and has the joint-most Man of the Match awards (4) in FotMob’s Serie A database alongside Lazio’s Mattia Zaccagni and Nuno Tavares, Roma’s Paulo Dybala, Genoa’s Andrea Pinamonti and Torino’s Milinković-Savić.

Suzuki had the opportunity to join Manchester United in 2023 and serve as André Onana’s backup – instead, he chose to leave Japan for Belgium in order to get regular minutes at the senior level. That patience is starting to pay off for him, who has become the first Japanese goalkeeper in Serie A history this season. At 22 years old, Suzuki has built a reputation as one of the most exciting goalkeeping prospects in Europe, and it’s only a matter of time before he departs Parma for one of the biggest clubs in the continent.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2025

FPL tips from the reigning champ: GW21

Get ahead of the Group Chat thanks to our new regular column from FPL expert Jonas Sand Låbakk.

By Graham Ruthven, in conversation with Jonas Sand Låbakk

Introducing our expert

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 FPL deadline for this round – make your transfers and sort your team out before 18:00 GMT on Tuesday 14 January*

The Eye Test vs. The Stats

Eberechi Eze (6.6m) could be a key differential for your FPL team in GW21.

The Crystal Palace winger has played nearly 90 minutes in each of his last three games has registered a return for the second consecutive gameweek, contributing an assist against Chelsea in GW20 after scoring against Southampton in GW19.

Eze is owned by just 8.2% of FPL managers and Palace appear to have a favourable run of fixtures coming up against Leicester City, West Ham and Brentford at home (the Bees have one of the worst away records in the Premier League this season).

Ismaïla Sarr (5.9m) could also be an attractive option with similar Expected Goal Involvement (xGI) per 90 minutes to Eze (0.51 compared to 0.43). However, Eze edges the comparison due to his set piece and penalties potential.

It’s possible Eze could have a blank gameweek in GW29 if Newcastle United reach the Carabao Cup final, but it could be worth navigating through this for an asset who could offer your FPL team plenty.

Bruno Fernandes (8.3m) is another midfield asset worth looking at for GW21.

Like Eze, the Portuguese is a nailed on starter and is on set piece duty for Manchester United. Rúben Amorim’s team have looked toothless in recent gameweeks, but posed a threat against Liverpool in GW20 when Fernandes was the star of the show.

Fernandes registered an assist for Lisandro Martínez’s opener at Anfield and was effective as one of two number 10s behind Rasmus Højlund. Despite United suffering a dismal season so far, Fernandes still has 10 goal involvements in 19 games.

*Fernandes attacking numbers, Premier League 2024/25*

As one of the front three, Fernandes is always a smart pick. However, Amorim has a tendency of making early substitutions which sometimes force Fernandes into a deeper role further away from goal.

Even still, Fernandes is Manchester United’s attacking talisman and their guaranteed penalty taker. United also have a home fixture against Southampton in GW21 which could see Fernandes rack up the returns just as Bryan Mbeumo did against the Saints in GW20.

Fernandes is also fixture proof having proved his ability to score points against anyone.

Long shot

Iliman Ndiaye (5.4m) hasn’t enjoyed the greatest of starts at Everton after joining the Toffees from Marseille in the summer.

Indeed, the 24-year-old has scored just three goals in 19 Premier League appearances and has been part of an Everton team that is fighting relegation near the foot of the table. It’s been a struggle for the Godson Park outfit as a whole, particularly in attack.

However, Ndiaye has enjoyed an upturn in form recently, finding the back of the net twice in his last four games.

*Ndiaye shot map, Premier League 2024/25*

Interestingly, one of those two goals was a penalty against Peterborough in the FA Cup, suggesting the Senegalese international could have more opportunities to convert from 12 yards out.

Ndiaye has played over 1,500 minutes in the Premier League this season (only Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski have played more for Everton) which is another thing that makes him a viable FPL pick.

Sean Dyche’s recent sacking and David Moyes’ subsequent appointment could see Everton adopt a more attack-minded approach which could lead to Ndiaye registering more goal involvements in the second half of the campaign.

Everton will likely have a double gameweek in either GW24 or GW25 after the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool was postponed last month. Ndiaye is owned by just 0.6% of FPL managers and so he could be an extremely valuable differential for your team.

Upcoming games to follow

There aren’t many standout fixtures in GW21 from a FPL perspective.

Liverpool (Nottingham Forest away) and Arsenal (Tottenham Hotspur home) both have difficult fixtures while Manchester City will face a Brentford team that has only failed to score at home in the league this season once. The Bees will test the defending champions.

However, there are two fixtures that should be on your radar for popular FPL assets.

Newcastle’s home fixture against Wolves should offer some value to a number of players. Wolves have improved under new manager Vítor Pereira, recently earning results against Manchester United and Spurs, but the Magpies are favourites to win in GW21.

Alexander Isak (9.3m) has been in blistering form recently, scoring 10 goals in his last nine games in all competitions, with Anthony Gordon (7.4m) and Lewis Hall (4.9m) also in good form.

Manchester United have the most favourable fixture of GW21.

Amorim’s side will host Southampton at home on Thursday with the visiting Saints on course to become the worst team in Premier League history. United could build on their impressive performance away to Liverpool in GW20.

Fernandes (8.3m), Amad Diallo (5.1m), Diogo Dalot (5.0m) and Noussair Mazraoui (4.4m) could hold value in GW21.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

Did you know that you can track live Fantasy points with FotMob? Simply select any Premier League game, swipe to the Lineup tab, and press the big ‘Fantasy’ button! Download the free app here.

Jan

2025

Preview: English giants Arsenal and Man Utd face each other in the FA Cup

Rúben Amorim has failed to get Man United firing on all cylinders since replacing Erik ten Hag, and despite a decent draw at Anfield, Arsenal will go into their FA Cup tie at the Emirates knowing they can beat his side.

By Alex Roberts

Arsenal came out 2-0 winners the last time these sides met in December, with both goals, of course, coming from corners. United haven’t exactly acknowledged their defensive frailties since then, failing to win in their last five games across all competitions.

Mikel Arteta will doubtless be intent on making up for their midweek League Cup woes, having lost the first-leg of their semifinal 2-0 to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

It’s a cliché for a reason

In the defeat to Newcastle, it had never been clearer just how much Arteta’s side were in dire need of a ‘traditional’ number nine. Alexander Isak tore them apart, while Kai Havertz was largely ineffectual at the other end.

Arsenal’s ongoing struggles to clinch the Premier League title in the last two seasons have often been attributed to their lack of a player like Isak. It’s no surprise, then, that the Swedish international has been linked with a move to the club.

Yes, Havertz has had his moments, and could very well score a hattrick against Man United on Sunday, but in the long run, it’s a position Arsenal need to address.

A rare bright spark

Amad Diallo has rightfully been awarded a new contract at Man United, keeping him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2030, with his previous deal set to expire at the end of this season.

After scoring the winner in the Manchester Derby win over Man City, a goal in the 4-3 defeat to Tottenham, and now the equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Diallo has become Amorim’s man for the big occasions.

Both Diallo and United have saved their best performances for the ‘big six’ this season, and Arsenal should be wary.

Hale End’s latest Starboy

Left-back has been an issue for Arsenal this season. Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been in and out of the side due to various injury issues, and despite his return, Keiran Tierney doesn’t seem to have a future at the club, looking set to leave the club on a free at the end of the season.

Up stepped Myles Lewis-Skelly. His performance in the defeat to Newcastle was typical of an 18-year-old defender, maybe a little naïve, but willing to put the work in and learn from those around him.

He’s already made 13 appearances across all competitions this season, seemingly earning the trust of Arteta. Ethan Nwanari may be getting all the headlines, but Lewis-Skelly may be the next big thing.

An interesting goalkeeping decision

Amorim has confirmed Altay Bayındır will be playing between the sticks instead of first-choice André Onana, raising a load of concerns among the fans who saw his performance in the recent defeat to Tottenham.

Beyond the biggest statistic of all, the four goals he conceded, the Turkish shot-stopper had one error that led to a goal, a 61% pass accuracy rate, and a dismal 17% long ball accuracy rate.

It may well be a long day for Bayındır.

Prediction

It’s going to continue to get a lot worse before it gets better for Amorim at United, if it does at all, this season at least. We’re going to go with a 3-1 Arsenal win.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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