Page 17 – The Pulse of Football

May

2026

Preview: Manchester United take on Liverpool in Premier League classic

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford this weekend to take on fierce rivals Manchester United in a game that could have huge repercussions on the race for Champions League football.

By Sam McGuire

The story so far

It’s been a season of two halves for Manchester United. In the 10 matches prior to Ruben Amorim’s sacking, the Red Devils won on just three occasions. During this period, United dropped points against Spurs, Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Wolves and Leeds United.

Winning games was a struggle. They had defensive issues too, conceding 14 goals in those 10 games. A mid-table finish looked to be on the horizon for the 20 times champions of England. And then they appointed Michael Carrick. The former midfield maestro has won nine of his 13 matches in charge, beating Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa along the way. The Red Devils find themselves in possession of third place in the league and Champions League football can be assured with a win this weekend.

This game has much more at stake than just three points and bragging rights. The hosts will fancy their chances too. They have the third best home record this season having taken 36 points from their 17 matches at Old Trafford. Only Manchester City and Arsenal, the two title contenders, have claimed more on home turf.

Liverpool, in what is unfamiliar territory, head into this game as the underdog. The Reds trial their North West rivals by three points and though they’re in a decent position to claim Champions League football after a forgettable campaign, they do have a tough run of fixtures to end the season.

Depending on results this weekend, they could end Matchday 35 in third position or fifth having started in fourth. They could guarantee a top five finish or see their advantage over sixth place Brighton cut to just five points.

It’s finely balanced right now.

The Reds have the sixth best away record having won seven of 17, but they do have a -1 goal difference on their travels. They are fourth in the form table with 10 points from 15 and only Brighton (13), Nottingham Forest (11) and Manchester City (11) have taken more. So, despite the narrative, they do head into this game in relatively good form.

Key Players

For United, all eyes will be on Bruno Fernandes. The skipper is just one assist away from matching the Premier League record of 20. He’s recorded an assist in each of his last three games and he’ll be eager to have an impact against Liverpool after so many big defeats against the Reds over the years.

For Liverpool, the focus would’ve been on Mohamed Salah. The No.11 has tormented United over the years and has seven goals and three assists in his last five appearances at Old Trafford. However, he’s ruled out with a hamstring injury. Alexander Isak netted the opener against Crystal Palace and could be the focal point for the Reds but the way Arne Slot sets up his team means this is unlikely. The creative burden will likely fall on Florian Wirtz. Will he be given the opportunity to impress though?

Team News

United are without the suspended Lisandro Martínez. He’s the only player missing for Carrick as he’s able to name a strong XI for the big game against Liverpool.

The Reds, however, are without a host of names. There’s still no Conor Bradley or Giovanni Leoni. Hugo Ekitike is out until the New Year while Salah’s hamstring injury threatens to bring his campaign to a premature end. Alisson Becker could return following a stint on the sidelines which would be a welcomed boost given Giorgi Mamardashvili’s injury.

Prediction

Given what’s at stake, the form of both parties, and how the season has gone as a whole, we’re going with an exciting 2-2 draw with a real Derby-day feel.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Arsenal continue title chase against Fulham

The big games keep coming for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta and his players shift their focus back to the Premier League title race.

By Graham Ruthven

Title race pressure

They say pressure is a privilege, but Arsenal’s players could be forgiven for feeling somewhat worn down by the number of big matches they have played in recent weeks.

Mikel Arteta and his players were in Spain to face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday and will now host Fulham in an encounter that could have a big bearing on the Premier League title race.

*How things stand going into the weekend*

While it remains difficult to call which of the top two will finish the season as champions, Arsenal have the opportunity to pile pressure on Manchester City by beating Fulham.

Victory on Saturday would mean City kick off their fixture against Everton on Monday six points behind the Gunners, albeit with two games in-hand. The physiological advantage could be significant.

After back-to-back defeats to Bournemouth and City in the league, Arsenal returned to winning ways by beating Newcastle United last weekend.

However, their performance against the Magpies highlighted some familiar problems in open play. Saturday’s match might be yet another grind for the Gunners at a time when results are all that matter.

The same could be said for Fulham who require points to boost their chances of qualifying for Europe. The Cottagers have lost just one of their last five league fixtures and could cause an upset in North London.

Key players

Were it not for the stakes of the title race, Arteta might have been tempted to rotate his team ahead of next week’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético.

As it is, most of Arsenal’s best players are expected to start against Fulham. Viktor Gyökeres will lead the line after scoring from the spot in Madrid with Eberechi Eze in line to keep his place in the lineup.

Bukayo Saka is leading Arsenal for shots on target per 90 this season and could start after only making the bench against Atleti. The Gunners have missed his dynamism on the right wing recently.

Declan Rice has created more Big Chances than any other Arsenal player this term and will be a controlling figure in central midfield in front of the solid defensive partnership of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba.

Harry Wilson has contributed more goals and assists than any other Fulham player over the 2025/26 campaign and will be a threat with his shooting from outside the box.

Raúl Jiménez could be dangerous in the air with Ryan Sessegnon fresh from scoring the winner against Aston Villa. His speed down the left side could expose space behind the Arsenal full backs.

Bernd Leno might have to be in top form to prevent his former side from finding the back of the net with Joachim Andersen Fulham’s most dominant defender in front of the goalkeeper.

Team news

Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino remain sidelined for Arsenal with Saka a doubt to start. However, Arteta could afford the English winger more game time to prepare him for next week’s rematch against Atletico Madrid.

Eze sustained an injury in the win over Newcastle, but was still fit enough to make a contribution in the Champions League during the week.

Sessegnon is possibly Fulham’s biggest injury concern after the full back came off against Villa. He could, however, still feature with Antonee Robinson ready to step in as deputy.

Alex Iwobi is unavailable due to a thigh problem while Kevin and Kenny Tete are also working their way back to fitness.

Prediction

Arsenal haven’t scored more than once in a game since victory over Everton back in mid-March, but they have often proven that they know how to get a result this season, so we’ll go with a narrow home win: Arsenal 1-0 Fulham.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Barcelona can make it 10 straight wins at Osasuna

Barcelona travel to Osasuna this weekend in LaLiga as they look to get their hands on the league title.

By Matt Smith

There’s a chance Hansi Flick’s side secure first place, if they beat Osasuna and Real Madrid are unable to beat Espanyol on Sunday.

The last time the two sides met back in December, Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory over Osasuna, thanks to two late goals from Brazilian winger Raphinha.

Team news

Barcelona have received a triple injury boost heading into this game, with Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and perhaps most importantly, Raphinha, all returning to training.

Flick will be without Lamine Yamal, however, after he picked up a hamstring injury recently, while Jules Koundé misses out through suspension.

Víctor Muñoz is the latest player to join Osasuna’s injury list after picking up a problem this week. Iker Benito remains out for the remainder of the season, while Aimar Oroz is a doubt.

All to play for for Osasuna

After an impressive run of form, which has seen Osasuna beaten just once in their previous five matches, Alessio Lisci’s side remain in the fight to finish in the European places. A Conference League spot is the most likely, if any, and a win could see them climb into sixth this weekend.

Their home form could help get them over the line, with only four sides picking up more points on their own turf this season. They’ve lost just twice at home, but their toughest test of the campaign awaits this weekend.

The perfect LaLiga season continues

Everyone’s definition of perfect is different, but it doesn’t get much better than what Flick’s side have produced this season. Barcelona have won every single game at home in LaLiga, and they’ve dominated almost every significant metric.

Things might not have gone to plan in the Champions League, but Barcelona look set to end the season with another league title. Hopefully for their sake, they can secure the title next week rather than this weekend, when they face second-place Real Madrid in El Clásico at Camp Nou.

Return of Raphinha is crucial

Without Yamal, Barcelona could struggle from a creativity and goalscoring perspective out wide. The likes of Marcus Rashford haven’t put up the numbers many might have expected, especially while Raphinha has been on the sidelines.

The Brazilian forward could be back this weekend, and he’s going to be crucial for the remaining games. With 14 g/a in LaLiga from just 17 starts, the 29-year-old’s return couldn’t come at a better time, with Yamal unavailable.

Whether Flick rushes him back and plays him from the start, remains to be seen, but it will be a boost to have him involved once again.

Prediction

Barcelona don’t look like slipping up in the league at the moment, so we’re going for a 2-0 away victory.

(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

Has Timo Werner found a home in San Jose?

It’s been a tough few years for Timo Werner. He was meant to be the next best thing at Chelsea, finally, they had signed a top striker! But it didn’t work out, and he returned to RB Leipzig. Then, after a fruitless loan at Tottenham, he made the move to San Jose.

By Alex Roberts

It was one hell of a risk; the San Jose Earthquakes aren’t exactly a footballing powerhouse. The early 2000s were their golden era, winning MLS in 2001 and 2003, and they haven’t won a major trophy since taking the Supporters’ Shield in 2012.

They’ve only made the play-offs proper once in the past five seasons (2020), and then they were eliminated in the first round. San Jose were then a wildcard pick in 2023, meaning they would face off against their ‘wildcard’ counterpart from the Western conference in a one game pre-play-off to reach the play-offs. Yeah, it’s not the easiest league to follow.

The club have been in need of a marquee player to come in and put an end to the stagnation, and, just as luck would have it, there was a rapid German forward moping around Leipzig looking for his redemption arc.

Timo Werner played 13 minutes across all competitions for RB Leipzig in 2024-25. He’s still just 29-years-old, in his prime, he still has so much to offer, but his time at the top level in Europe was done.

*Werner player traits comparison – Timo doesn’t defend!*

San Jose had been tracking him since December, with manager Bruce Arena flying out to Germany in the off season to woo Werner. It worked, and he joined the club in January, giving him plenty of time to get situated before their MLS campaign got underway.

For those that don’t know Arena, he’s a pretty divisive, veteran American coach, more of a Robert Duvall in Kicking and Screaming than Ted Lasso. He’s never claimed to be tactical genius, famously saying: “we have a very important analytic, and that’s the score.”

Arena lost his biggest attacking threat before the season started. Cristian Espinoza had been with San Jose for seven seasons but decided to swap them for Nashville. The pressure was on Werner and given his lack of game time back in Germany, there were doubts.

No one is doubting him anymore. Werner has been electric, his recent brace against St Louis City puts him at four goals and three assists in his seven MLS games with San Jose the most inform side across the two conferences.

*San Jose lead the Supporters’ Shield points standings after 10 rounds*

Werner hasn’t been a starter in all of his games as he continues to build up his fitness – he’s played just 58 games and 2250 minutes across the previous three seasons – but hasn’t needed to be.

Arena has been doing this for a while now, and he has a habit of getting the best out of the players he has at his disposal. Werner has always been a confidence player, one that needs an arm around his shoulder. He’s found one.

“He came over to Germany, and that was already like a big thing for me, because seeing a person coming seven, eight, nine hours flying to you, seeing you in person to convince you. That was something not everybody would do,” Werner recently told GOAL.

“He said ‘You are the top player, and I want to win something with you.’ And that gave me a good feeling from the start. He always said he would be behind me. He will help me.”

*Werner has four goals in 455 MLS minutes*

Of course, it helps that Werner has been put in a system that allows him to do what he does best. He’s always been quick, a quality finisher, despite what some Chelsea fans might tell you, and a good reader of the game.

His numbers so far this season are decisive. Werner’s four goals have come from an xG of just 2.89 and eight shots on target. Considering two of those have been from the penalty spot, he’s not short of that much needed confidence.

Interestingly, Werner hasn’t been a high-volume dribbler with just six completed at a rate of 37.5%, but that’s largely because he’s spending most of his time in the opposition box, in which he’s had 52 touches.

Tracking back and running with the ball has not been a part of his game since he joined San Jose, he’s been more of a luxury player, in fact he’s only made five defensive contributions in his seven games. David Romney, San Jose’s left back, has been a busy boy.

One player who’s probably enjoying playing alongside Werner a little more than Romney is right winger Ousseni Bouda. All three of the German’s MLS assists so far this season have been for Bouda.

*Werner’s early season passing numbers in MLS*

Arena has played Werner off the left, but he’s not fixed to that position. Werner has floated, allowed the freedom of the attacking third, sometimes finding himself on the left, other times the right, and even down the middle.

His first assist came on his debut, the 2-0 win over Atalanta United. Werner scampered down the right, tricked his defender into thinking he was about to take him on, took a quick look up, and sent in a perfect driven cross to Bouda, who slotted home.

The game after, with San Jose putting the pressure on Philadelphia Union, some trademark clever Werner movement gave him the chance to play a Kevin De Bruyne-esque ball through the defenders to Bouda. Timo Werner the playmaker has arrived.

The aforementioned win over St Louis City has been his best performance so far. His first goal was from the spot, but his second was exactly what we have come to expect from Werner, before his move to Chelsea, anyway.

Werner was completely open, but his movement wasn’t hasty. He could have easily arrived into the box too early, alerting a defender, but he took his time, and Bouda picked him out perfectly, allowing Werner to score on the volley.

Europeans may look at Werner’s move to the USA and see a player that has given up, but they’d be dead wrong. Werner needed a fresh start, something different, and he’s found it in San Jose.

(Images from IMAGO)

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Apr

2026

Can LaLiga giants Sevilla survive a relegation battle?

It may not always feel like it for the casuals, but there is so much more to Spanish football than Barcelona and Real Madrid. There are a plethora of huge clubs with passionate, local support. Historically, Sevilla have been one of the best of the rest, and they’re in serious trouble.

By Alex Roberts

There are so many layers to this onion of a crisis, Sevilla have been in a steady and completely unsustainable decline for years. Three consecutive fourth placed finished between 2019/20 and 2021/22 have not been built upon in any way, shape, or form.

Sevilla even managed to win the Europa League back in 2022/23, although it was a bit of a ‘get out of jail free card’ for a dismal league campaign in which they finished 12th. Finally, they’ve run out of chances, and their status as a top flight club is at risk.

They used to have a strategy, finishing between third and seventh in LaLiga in 17 out of 19 seasons, from 03/04 through to 21/22. Sevilla were a poster boy for smart recruitment, buying low and selling high, reaping the benefits but also understanding the limitations.

The finances aren’t looking good. It all started two years after sporting director Monchi, the man behind their previous wheeling and dealing, left in 2017. Their aforementioned strategy shifted, and Sevilla are still trying to recover from it.

In 2019/20, Sevilla spent €188.73m on new players, including Jules Koundé and Diego Carlos, although they managed to bring €131.40m in due to player sales, with Wissam Ben Yedder’s €40m move to Monaco their biggest deal.

A year later, Sevilla were at it again, spending €74.35m and only bringing in €19.68m. These two summers showed genuine ambition, but it left the club over €100m in the red, so these big money players needed to justify their price tags.

It’s been three seasons since Sevilla sold a player for more than €30 million, with Carlos joining Aston Villa and Koundé heading to Barcelona for a reported combined €81m in 2022/23.

Thing really came to a head last summer. Following another season with losses over €50m in 2024/25, belts were tightened. After spending just €250k on incoming players, they’re now projected to reduce their losses to around €3m.

They’re not out of the woods yet. It’s recently been reported that Sevilla are spending an incredible 99% of their revenue on wages. For context, a healthy and well-run club would be adjudged to be spending between 60-70%.

*How it stands, with five games to play*

Of course, success on the pitch breeds success off it. In the old days, if Sevilla were worried about money, they could sell one of their high performing prized assets to help make up the deficit. They’d be hard pressed to find a new club for any of their players at the moment.

Sevilla sit 18th, their 2-1 defeat to Osasuna, in which centre back Alejandro Catena scored a 99th minute winner, saw Luis García’s side fall into the relegation zone for the first time this season, although they’ve been on the brink for a little while now.

García was appointed in March to help put out the dumpster fire Matías Almeyda had left. He walked into a dressing room completely bereft of confidence, and, in all honesty, he’s yet to change that.

For a lot of struggling sides, you can always kinda tell what they’re trying to do. They’re usually good at a couple of things, that would indicate that maybe, just maybe, everything will be OK. Not Sevilla, they’re underperforming all over the pitch.

Let’s start at the back. Sevilla have conceded the fourth highest xG (53) and win possession in the final third just three times on average per 90 minutes. But their issues with set pieces is BY FAR their most worrying problem.

Sevilla have conceded nine goals from set pieces so far this season, the fifth most in LaLiga, and only managed to score five. Their centre backs and goalkeeper are really struggling physically, essentially, Mikel Arteta would be licking his lips if he played against them.

They’ve also conceded 11 penalties, which should come as no surprise when they’re only averaging 17.5 tackles per 90. Sevilla are very fragile at the moment with 55 goals conceded, the most in the league, and without a shift in mentality, it’s unlikely to change.

*Sevilla’s headline defensive numbers in LaLiga this season*

Moving up the pitch, we wish we could tell you it’s better news. Sevilla’s front line is a real case of ‘wow, I was wondering what happened to him.’ Alexis Sánchez, Adnan Januzaj, and Neal Maupay all feature, and it’s hard to discern the long term thinking behind the club’s recruitment policy.

If anything, Sevilla’s numbers are worse going forward than they are back. They’ve created just 46 big chances, the 19th fewest in LaLiga, and have compounded that by missing 27 of them.

Nigerian striker Akor Adams has been a bit of a bright spark, his eight goals and three assists in 28 games, 19 of which have been starts, make him Sevilla’s most prolific player in terms of goal contributions. If any of the current squad is due a decent move, it’s probably him.

Perhaps most frustratingly for Sevilla fans, their side started the season pretty well, they were as high as sixth in match week eight, but as the season went on, things have got worse. There may, however, be some hope in the form of local legend Sergio Ramos.

The club’s greatest ever academy product is leading a consortium of international investors hoping to purchase the club for a figure quoted as being over €400 million. The club’s debt has made it trickier than expected, but Ramos is still upbeat.

Speaking at an event in Seville recently, Ramos suggested that a resolution could be imminent, saying: “I think there will be some news in a few months, or even weeks, and we hope it will be the news we’re all hoping for. Everything is going well.”

Whether Sevilla remain in LaLiga at that point remains to be seen.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from LaLiga on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings, where available. Download the free app here.

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Apr

2026

Neymar still dreaming of place in Brazil’s World Cup squad

Neymar is running out of time to prove he should be included in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for this summer’s World Cup.

By Graham Ruthven

While past eras of the Brazilian national team have been defined by World Cup triumphs in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002, the most recent era has been defined by Neymar. For an entire generation, he has been the face of the Seleção and yet that face might not be among those at the 2026 World Cup.

It’s been nearly three years since Neymar last made an appearance for the national team. Not so long considered Brazil’s attacking focal point and best player, the 34-year-old has recently struggled for fitness. In Saudi Arabia and back home at Santos, he simply hasn’t played enough football.

Last year’s return to Santos was made with an eye on the 2026 World Cup. The idea was that back in his comfort zone Neymar would be able to rediscover his best form again, and to a certain extent the move paid off as the forward finished the 2025 season with eight goals and one assist in just 20 league games.

*Neymar’s basic numbers since rejoining Santos*

This season, Neymar has registered three goals and two assists in six league games, but has found his recovery from arthroscopy knee surgery at the end of last year tough going. Indeed, recent reports in Brazil claimed Neymar is unable to train fully with the rest of his Santos teammates on a daily basis. His lack of fitness remains a concern.

And yet Brazil might need someone like Neymar this summer. Their attacking options for the World Cup have been depleted by injuries to Estêvão and Rodrygo, both of whom will be sidelined for the tournament. Carlo Ancelotti may have no choice but to send out an SOS to Brazil’s all-time top scorer.

“He’s currently being evaluated by the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), by me, and he still has two months to show that he has the qualities to play in the next World Cup,” said Ancelotti when recently asked about the potential of Neymar being included in Brazil’s World Cup squad.

Ancelotti must feel he has answered no other questions than those about Neymar since taking the Brazil job almost exactly 12 months ago. Every press conference held by the Italian over the last few months has been dominated by the subject. He gets asked about it in the street with headlines made of his off-the-cuff replies.

*Brazil only managed fifth in World Cup qualifying*

This might be one reason to leave Neymar at home this summer. Calling up the 34-year-old risks overshadowing Brazil’s World Cup preparations. The Seleção always has a spotlight on it, but that spotlight would be even brighter with Neymar involved again. Ancelotti might not want another circus having just left one at Real Madrid.

While Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer, his international career feels somewhat unfulfilled. Unlike so many other Seleção icons, he has never sampled World Cup glory, nor has he even played in a World Cup final or semi-final. 2014 was meant to be his time. Famously, though, Neymar ended the tournament on home soil on a stretcher.

Brazil underwhelmed at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and there’s little evidence to suggest the 2026 tournament will be more successful after a challenging qualification campaign. A fifth-place finish in CONMEBOL qualifying hardly suggests a sixth World Cup triumph is in the offing.

Last month’s friendlies against France and Croatia might have been an opportunity for Ancelotti to reintegrate Neymar. The forward had scored three goals in four games to start the season with Santos, but was omitted despite a clamour in the media for a long-awaited return to the national team fold.

“I’m going to call up the players who are physically ready,” said Ancelotti when pressed on his decision to leave out Neymar. “After his knee injury [in December], Neymar has come back well… he’s scoring goals. He needs to continue in this direction and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”

*Brazil’s scheduled World Cup group games*

Supporters chanted Neymar’s name during the March friendly defeat to France, but the player himself is struggling to string together a run of games that suggests he could handle the rigours of playing at a World Cup when teams have to play every five days. As things stand, it’s not even a guarantee that Neymar can get through 90 minutes.

And yet Ancelotti might still be convinced that there is enough of the old magic left in the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain icon to take a gamble. Brazil need something special to have a successful World Cup and Neymar could provide it. He could still make up for lost time this summer.

(Images from IMAGO)

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Apr

2026

Morgan Gibbs-White: Peaking at the perfect time for Nottingham Forest

Despite going through more than their fair share of managers this season, Nottingham Forest could still actually end the campaign on a high.

By Ross Kilvington

Premier League survival is looking increasingly likely with each passing matchday, plus, Forest are into the semifinals of a European club competition for the first time since 1984.

Vítor Pereira’s men haven’t been rewarded the luxury of an exotic away tie, however, as Forest face Aston Villa for a place in the Europa League final.

Braga or Freiburg await the winner in the final should they make it that far, which offers plenty of incentive, especially with a place in the Champions League up for grabs.

A few months ago, that was about as unlikely as Evangelos Marinakis persisting with the same manager for an entire season.

Now, things are different thanks to Morgan Gibbs-White and his incredible run of form in recent weeks.

*Gibbs-White player traits compared to similar players in top 5 leagues*

Morgan Gibbs-White is Forest’s most dangerous weapon

On January 1, Forest were skating on thin ice as they sat 18^th in the Premier League table, a mere four points above the relegation zone.

Given the fact they were onto their third permanent manager of the season, relegation was looking like a realistic proposition.

Up until that point, Gibbs-White had scored just three league goals across the opening 19 matches of the campaign.

If his New Years’ Resolution was to score more goals, then it has certainly worked. In 15 league games between January 3 and April 24, the Englishman has scored ten goals, including his first ever senior hat-trick against Burnley a couple of weeks ago.

That was arguably his finest performance of the campaign to date. Despite trailing 1-0 at the break, Gibbs-White equalised with 30 minutes remaining thanks to a neat finish in the box. His second came just seven minutes later courtesy of an impressive volley and he completed his 15-minute treble with a header that put Forest 3-1 up and on the way to securing all three points.

“He is leading by example. I know a lot of [captains] that speak and speak but it proves nothing,” said Pereira regarding Gibbs-White and his performance against the Clarets.

“I didn’t feel he was his best level in the first half but he did fantastic in the second half.”

He was shifted into an unconventional spot on the left-hand side of the midfield against Sunderland last week as the manager opted for two up top, yet that didn’t deter him from producing another excellent display.

While Gibbs-White scored and grabbed an assist during the 5-0 thrashing of Sunderland, he also chipped in with nine defensive contributions throughout the match, the third-highest tally across both teams.

This eagerness to drop back and assist with the ugly side of the game proves just how effective the midfielder has been since the turn of the year.

With four games to go, Forest occupy 16^th, five points clear of Tottenham in the final relegation place. Gibbs-White will be fully focussed on maintaining Forest’s Premier League status this term, but Europe is proving to be a useful distraction.

A series of excellent performances has Forest on the brink of Europa League success

Igor Jesus leads the way in the competition when it comes to goals (7) and goals per 90 (1.02) for the Premier League side, but Gibbs-White has translated his domestic form to the continent since the start of the knockout stages.

He was incredible against Fenerbahçe in the knockout playoff round first leg, scoring and grabbing an assist during a 3-0 win. The midfielder also scored what turned out to be the winning goal against Porto in the quarter-final, proving that is isn’t fazed on the European stage.

This is further evidenced by his superb attacking statistics in the Europa League this season. Indeed, Gibbs-White not only ranks in the top 6% when compared to his peers for shots (25) and shots on target (13) this season, but also for big chances created (5) and touches in the opposition penalty area (47).

*Gibbs-White passing numbers in the Europa League*

As such, his performances have helped drive Forest to the brink of the Europa League final. Should they go on to win the tournament and remain in the Premier League, surely Gibbs-White will be targeted by Europe’s finest this summer.

With the World Cup fast approaching, Gibbs-White won’t be thinking of a move away, at least not right now.

The Forest star has won six caps for England, but he was overlooked by Thomas Tuchel for his two most recent squads, including the friendless against Japan and Uruguay last month.

Morgan Rogers has been Tuchel’s preferred choice in an attacking midfield role since taking over the national team. Given his form for Villa this term, he looks to be the favourite to start against Croatia in England’s opening World Cup match.

Should Gibbs-White maintain his wonderful run over the next few weeks, he will surely give Tuchel something to ponder ahead of the tournament this summer.

Before that, his thoughts will be firmly on ending the season by not only preserving Forest’s top flight status, but hopefully by lifting a major European trophy in May.

Whatever happens, Gibbs-White will be a sought after player when the transfer window opens later in the year. Where he ends up is anyone’s guess, but there is no doubt the 26-year-old belongs in the Champions League.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Apr

2026

Preview: Forest and Villa meet in all-English Europa League semifinal

For fans of the English game, names like Ajax, Benfica or Milan are evocative of a different age of football powerhouses, names of old European successes by teams in a far-flung nation.

By Karl Matchett

For supporters on the continental mainland, then, a Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa semi-final perhaps brings the exact same feelings of nostalgia and the turning of time!

The best of times, the best of teams

Tell people that English teams were once kings of Europe six years in a row and they’ll probably suggest it was somewhere around the elite Klopp-and-Guardiola gegenpress timeline, or maybe back in the more blood-and-thunder Premier League peak of Mourinho, Benitez, Wenger and Ferguson. They’d be wrong, of course; there haven’t been successive seasons of English winners in the entire Champions League era. But from 1977 through to 1982, top-tier sides on these shores were untouchable – and between them, Forest and Villa won half of those titles.

Triumphing in Munich and Madrid, Forest won and then retained the European Cup under Brian Clough, while Villa followed up by beating Bayern Munich in Rotterdam to close out that dominant sequence.

Opportunity knocks

Fast forward four-and-a-half decades and neither club has since added to their honours list of European trophies (no, Villa fans, we don’t count the Intertoto Cup). But both have an extraordinary chance to end that sequence, being two games away from a Europa League final against Braga or Freiburg. In truth, being fourth in Portugal or eighth in Germany should not present an unscalable mountain for either of this duo, despite both Forest and Villa having issues of their own to sort – not least of all beating each other first, of course. The first-leg hosts are still trying to avoid relegation to the Championship, while Villa are aiming to secure Champions League football for next term. Both things could happen and both appear in next season’s elite competition, should Forest emerge triumphant in Istanbul next month.

Recent form

Forest have hit form at a key point, unbeaten in eight in all competitions and winning their last two at home. Villa were unbeaten in six before losing last time out but away from home have been typically hit-and-miss under Unai Emery, winning only two of their last seven. In league games, these teams drew at the City Ground two weeks ago and the hosts won at Villa Park.

Team news

Murillo and Callum Hudson-Odoi are the big injury misses for Forest, with Nicolo Savona and Willy Boly done for the season too.

Villa have lost Boubacar Kamara for the campaign but are otherwise full strength.

Key player

Morgan Gibbs-White has hit five goals and an assist in his last three games as he powers Forest toward a strong finish. He has to perform – the team revolves around him. He’s in the 97th percentile for xG in the Europa League among attacking midfielders and in league terms is the team’s top scorer, most shots on target per 90, second for chances created…and top for big chances missed.

Prediction

Tight and cagey enough for a first leg, but Forest have recently hit a hot streak in front of goal and they need to make that count: Forest 2-1 Villa.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Apr

2026

FotMob Profile: Juan Musso, the understudy aiming for starting role in the UCL

Atlético Madrid’s attack might get the headlines, but a new first-choice goalkeeper has played a big role in their Champions League run.

By Graham Ruthven

Juan Musso had his two busiest evenings of the season against Barcelona in the last round of the Champions League. With Atlético Madrid defending for their lives (and a place in the competition’s semi-finals) at points of the quarter-final tie, the Argentine made a season-high seven saves in both legs. He prevented a Catalan comeback.

While the likes of Julián Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman have had the spotlight on them for the majority of Atleti’s Champions League run to this point, Musso’s contribution hasn’t been highlighted to the same extent. By almost every measure, though, he is one of Diego Simeone’s most important players.

It wasn’t so long ago that Jan Oblak was considered one of the best goalkeepers in the game. The Slovenian was Atlético Madrid’s number one for a number of years. Injury, however, opened the door for Musso to stake a claim and the 31-year-old made the most of the opportunity.

Oblak is now fit again, but is expected to be on the bench for the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal. The Slovenian started the recent league matches against Elche and Athletic Club, rotated into the lineup amid a run of season-defining fixtures in the Copa del Rey and Champions League.

Conceding five goals in two games, though, Oblak was shaky. At this point, Atlético’s defence appears much more confident and assured with Musso behind them. It would be a shock if Simeone didn’t restore the Argentine to his starting lineup for Wednesday’s encounter with Arsenal.

“Juan Musso is an important figure within the group and the dressing room,” said Simeone when asked about the profound impact of the 31-year-old over the last few months. “He brings energy from wherever he’s needed and offers far more than just what he provides as a goalkeeper.”

*Musso player traits compared with keepers in top 5 leagues*

Only a matter of weeks ago, Simeone and Atlético seemed to be facing something of a reckoning. The back-to-back league defeats to Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano raised questions about the Argentinean manager’s future at the club. Some fans felt it was time for a change. Sentiment had started to turn against Simeone.

Since then, though, the landscape has shifted. Lookman joined from Atalanta in the January transfer window and Atleti became something different. Something more attack-minded and capable of beating the strongest opponents, namely Barcelona, who Atlético dumped out of both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Marcos Llorente and Giuliano Simeone offer energy, in and out of possession, while Koke, Johnny Cardoso, Pablo Barrios and Álex Baena have shared responsibilities in central midfield. Simeone has found the right balance and Atleti must be taken seriously as genuine Champions League contenders.

Defensively, this particular Atleti team isn’t at the level of previous Simeone teams. They aren’t capable of grinding out wins like past sides were. They lack a dominant centre back in the mould of someone like Diego Godín. They don’t have the midfield barrier of Gabi and Tiago in the centre of the pitch.

*Shots face by Musso in the Champions League*

They do, however, have a goalkeeper at the peak of his powers. Musso has grown into the role of Atlético Madrid number one over the course of the season, earning the trust of Simeone after playing just 180 minutes in LaLiga last term. With every match he has played since then, Musso has grown in stature.

As a shot-stopper, there are few better than Musso. He showed this against Barcelona, making several stops when a lesser goalkeeper might have buckled. Standing 6ft 3” tall, the Argentine is physically imposing and backs himself to claim high crosses in the air. He has solid fundamentals.

Atlético Madrid don’t play a game that requires their goalkeeper to start possession sequences. Oblak certainly isn’t the most comfortable with the ball at his feet. Nonetheless, Musso is capable enough to handle a pass when he needs to. His direct distribution into the centre of the pitch is useful.

Musso knows what it takes to achieve European glory. He was Atalanta’s starting goalkeeper when they won the Europa League two seasons ago. He had a front row seat for the Serie A outfit’s dominant 3-0 victory over Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in the final before moving to the Spanish capital to be Oblak’s deputy.

At 31, Musso is hardly young, but in goalkeeper years he still has plenty to offer. Having sat on the sidelines for a long time, it’s only now that he is proving his worth as a starting figure for Atlético. The Europa League winner could be a Champions League icon before too long.

(Images from IMAGO)

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Apr

2026

Preview: Atlético Madrid host Arsenal in second Champions League semi-final

While they aren’t expected to play quite as exciting a tie as PSG and Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and Arsenal face off with the very same stakes of a spot in the Champions League final.

By Neel Shelat

Atlético Madrid all in for an elusive Champions League title

This is the first time in nine years that Atlético Madrid have made it to the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Real Madrid have spoiled their party on all three previous occasions when they have gotten this far, but Atléti no longer have to worry about their crosstown rivals this time as they seek a first premier continental title.

Los Colchoneros will devote maximum attention to this endeavour. They have already been taking it quite easy in the league, losing four of their last five games. Part of that was in preparation for the Copa del Rey final, which they lost on penalties. That means Diego Simeone’s side’s last major honour remains the 2020/21 La Liga title.

With Simeone’s current contract set to expire next year and Antoine Griezmann leaving at the end of this season, Atléti certainly won’t be short of motivation as they chase a historic coronation.

Pressure building on Arsenal across all fronts

Arsenal are also chasing their first-ever Champions League title, but the challenge for them is managing this alongside a Premier League title race that looks set to go down to the wire. The Gunners have won just two of their last six games across all competitions, and won’t have any easy fixtures between now and the end of the season.

Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t been making life easy for themselves with their cagey style of play, but it has been extremely effective in Europe so far. Arsenal won all eight league phase games and have largely been in control through the knockouts, so they’ll likely stick to the tried and tested formula here.

*Arsenal have the tightest defence in the UCL this season*

Team news

Atlético Madrid have everyone except José María Giménez and Pablo Barrios available as their squad rotation has been effective.

Arsenal are expected to miss Mikel Merino, Jurriën Timber and Kai Havertz, who went off injured on the weekend. The good news is that Eberechi Eze (who also had to be brought off in that match) was spotted in training on Tuesday, as was the returning Riccardo Calafiori.

Bukayo Saka just made his first appearance in over a month, and could well feature here.

Key players

Julián Álvarez has been sensational in the Champions League so far with 13 goal involvements to his name, so he will be the key figure in Atléti’s attack. Koke will have an important role to play in controlling proceedings in midfield, while Matteo Ruggeri will have to put in a big defensive shift.

Atléti are one of the worse set-piece defenders in LaLiga this season, so Gabriel will be a big threat in such situations. Viktor Gyökeres scored a brace when these sides met in the league phase and will be very keen to find that form again. Declan Rice will be a key figure in midfield for the Gunners as ever.

*Arsenal beat Atlético in the league phase*

Prediction

A stodgy match should not come as a surprise, so a goalless draw or one-goal win for Arsenal are the most likely outcomes.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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