Page 21 – The Pulse of Football

May

2026

FotMob Profile: Mateus Fernandes, West Ham’s Player of the Season?

All things considered, it has been an abysmal campaign for West Ham United. The Hammers occupy the final relegation spot, sitting one point behind Tottenham Hotspur, and after 14 straight seasons in the English top-flight, they could be set to drop down to the EFL Championship. However, one man who has been a breath of fresh air for West Ham is Mateus Fernandes.

By Zach Lowy

Born on July 10, 2004, Mateus Fernandes developed at local club Olhanense before joining Sporting in 2016, but he wasn’t quite able to establish himself as a regular first-team contributor ahead of João Palhinha, Manuel Ugarte, and Matheus Nunes. Instead, after a promising loan spell with Estoril Praia, he left Portugal for the first time and made the move to Southampton for £15 million. He wasn’t able to keep them afloat in the Premier League, but he did well enough to earn a move to West Ham on a five-year contract on August 29, 2025, becoming the club’s third-biggest signing behind Sébastien Haller and Lucas Paquetá.

Despite not having a full preseason, despite working under three different managers this season in Will Still, Graham Potter, and Nuno Espírito Santo, Fernandes has confirmed those positive sensations with a breakthrough year in East London.

*Fernandes’ well balanced player traits comparison*

He’s showcased his versatility, operating everywhere from the No. 10 to the left winger position, although he’s mainly been utilised in a double pivot alongside Tomáš Souček in recent months. Since Paquetá’s January exit, Fernandes has stepped up as the team’s midfield maestro, dropping between the centre-backs and orchestrating possession from deep and showcasing his vision and creative impetus. No matter the opponent or the ground, Fernandes has consistently delivered and set the standard for West Ham.

“He’s certainly a consistent performer,” stated Roshane Thomas, who covers West Ham for The Athletic. “Of all the summer signings, he’s come out top – I’ll go as far as saying he should be Player of the Season – and the scary bit about his development is he’s nowhere near the finished article. He was good during the first half of the season, but since Paquetá left, he’s really taken the initiative to be the main attacking outlet for West Ham’s midfield. He and Tomáš Souček really complement one another: Tomáš will sit deeper, and Mateus will break forward and play great diagonal balls.”

*Fernandes’ Premier League passing stats this season – the bar is a comparison tool against divisional peers*

“The way he can play a long pass and get the attack flowing is just incredible: if I were to pick one attribute that’s really impressed me, it’s definitely his ability to play a long pass. The best thing about him is that he can play in both roles: he can play those long forward passes in a deeper role, but as a No. 10, he can link up with the attack and score more goals. He certainly has all the credentials to be a 10-to-15-goal-a-season midfielder; it just so happens that, because of where West Ham are, the defensive priorities are of the utmost importance. He’s sacrificed the offensive side of his game, but when he does join a team competing for titles, you’ll definitely see him scoring a lot more goals.”

Fernandes exudes swagger with the way that he saunters through pressure, baits the opposition, and breaks the lines with his cool and collected passing. But he isn’t just a technically gifted playmaker; he’s also a warrior. In addition to leading West Ham players with 40.3 accurate passes per 90 (87.6% success rate) and 3.4 accurate long balls per 90 (62.4%), Fernandes also ranks in the squad’s top three with 3.0 tackles, 5.5 recoveries, 0.5 possession won in the final third, and 10.9 defensive contributions per 90. He’s acutely aware that, while his on-the-ball skills are his moneymaker, his off-the-ball skills are what might very well save West Ham from the drop.

After taking home the Fans’ Player of the Season at St. Mary’s Stadium, Fernandes could be set to do the same at London Stadium. Whether it’s anticipating loose balls and covering huge swaths of the pitch, or maneuvering out of tight areas and carrying the ball up the pitch, or drawing in opponents and unleashing an incisive through ball (only Jarrod Bowen has created more chances than him), Fernandes has been West Ham’s captain without an armband. It’s no surprise that he’s the highest-FotMob rated player in West Ham’s entire squad (7.22), and it’s equally no surprise that Europe’s biggest clubs have set their sights on Fernandes.

“The vibe I get off him whenever I’m watching him play is that he knows he deserves to be in the Premier League,” added Thomas. “Maybe he would have felt at Southampton, ‘Oh, it’s my first big season in the Premier League, let me see how I get on,’ whereas now he knows he’s one of West Ham’s best players. Although he’s not the captain for West Ham, he’s definitely one of their leaders on the field. He never shies away from receiving the ball under pressure, and even in the 3-0 loss against Brentford, he kept trying until the end. That’s what supporters want to see: someone who’s determined, someone who has a never-say-die attitude, and when he does eventually join a big club, that all bodes well for him.”

Three years after plying his trade in the Portuguese third tier, Mateus Fernandes has solidified his status as one of the most promising midfielders in England alongside the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba.

Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain are just a handful of clubs that have put out feelers on the 21-year-old midfielder, and if he can make his mark in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, that number of suitors will only continue to grow. Fernandes already made his Portugal debut on March 31 in a friendly against the USA, and there’s reason to believe that he could have a role to play for Roberto Martínez’s side in this summer’s tournament. But first, can he help West Ham escape an increasingly perilous relegation battle?

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Arsenal host Atlético in semifinal decider

Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone meet again with a place in this season’s Champions League final in Budapest on the line.

By Graham Ruthven

Nothing between them

Last week’s encounter between Arsenal and Atlético Madrid might not have been the most memorable of this season’s Champions League semi-final first legs, but what the match lacked in pure attacking drama it made up for in tension.

Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone’s teams exchanged penalties in an even first leg that could be replicated in North London. There might not be much between the two rivals.

Atleti created more Big Chances than Arsenal (three to two) in the first leg and also edged the match in terms of Expected Goals (2.21 to 1.51). They could pose a threat in quick transition away from home too.

No team has kept more clean sheets than Arsenal (eight) in this season’s Champions League with the Gunners also conceding the fewest goals per 90 (0.5). Their true strength as a team is in defence.

To reach their first Champions League final since 2006, though, Arsenal will have to deliver a decisive blow. Can Arteta set up his side to impose their own game against a stubborn opponent?

Atleti won their last away match in the Champions League against Barcelona and might find the tactical dynamic of Tuesday’s match against Arsenal suits them.

Key players

Viktor Gyökeres has found form at the right time. The Swedish striker converted his penalty for Arsenal in last week’s first leg at the Metropolitano and also bagged a brace in Saturday’s comfortable home win over Fulham.

Gyökeres linked up nicely with Bukayo Saka against the Cottagers and Arsenal need more attackers in top form to get the better of Atleti. Saka in particular could be a difference-maker.

In midfield, Arteta will use Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi to control the centre of the pitch. Rice operated as something of a number six in Madrid, dropping in between the centre backs when required.

At the back, Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba will aim to be a brick wall in front of David Raya whose distribution could be pressured by Atlético Madrid.

Julián Alvarez was a constant threat for Atleti in last week’s first leg and will have the freedom to drift across the forward line. The Argentine has created more chances for his team than any other player this season.

This could be the final Champions League game of Antoine Griezmann’s career before he leaves for MLS in the summer with the Frenchman still averaging more shots per 90 than any other Atlético player.

The energy of Marcos Llorente and Giuliano Simeone could be key while Ademola Lookman will offer an outlet down the left wing.

Team news

Neither Kai Havertz nor Martin Ødegaard featured against Fulham on Saturday, but could return to the matchday squad for Tuesday’s match.

Saka looks ready to start after playing 45 minutes, and impressing, against the Cottagers with the winger only withdrawn at half time to preserve him for the Champions League semi-final second leg.

Simeone rested his entire team for the league match against Valencia on Saturday, meaning Atleti’s best players should be fresh for the trip to North London.

Alvarez picked up a knock in last week’s first leg, but should be fine to start Tuesday’s rematch with Simeone free to pick from a fully fit and available Atlético Madrid squad.

Prediction

We have a feeling that Diego Simeone may just edge the tactical battle, with Atlético’s strength on the break causing problems for the Gunners. This may be a surprise result: Arsenal 1-2 Atlético Madrid.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Man City head to Everton searching for another win

Everton host Manchester City at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Pep Guardiola’s side look to stay in touch with Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

By Matt Smith

It’s a big encounter for the Toffees too, as they cling to their hopes of qualifying for Europe.

Arsenal supporters will be hoping Everton can do them a favour, but it’s been a while since they secured three points over the Manchester club.

The last time the two sides met back in October, City came away with a comfortable 2-0 win over Everton at home, thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland.

*Recent H2H games – City are unbeaten in 18 against Everton*

Team news

Everton have received an injury boost ahead of the clash against City, with Beto fit and available. The 28-year-old missed their trip to West Ham last week due to a concussion, but David Moyes has confirmed he’ll be back in the squad.

Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite remain out, and they should be Everton’s only injury concerns.

Meanwhile, Rodri is in a race against time to make the short trip to Merseyside. The Spanish midfielder has missed their last two games due to a groin problem, but he could make his return.

Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias, remain out.

Attack vs. defence

Everton have struggled in the final third this season, and for a few years now, but they’ve maintained a strong level of defensive solidity. Moyes’ side have conceded 1.2 goals per game on average in the Premier League this season, only bettered by Arsenal and Man City.

It could make for an interesting match-up, with Pep Guardiola’s side scoring more goals any other team in the Premier League this term. City will be looking to increase their goal difference, with the title race so close, but it might not be easy breaking the Toffees down.

This isn’t the City of old

Everton might take some positivity into the game knowing that this City side isn’t at the same level as the ones we’ve seen previously. Guardiola has done a phenomenal job since arriving at the Etihad, but there’s no doubt they’ve dropped off over the last two seasons.

However, it’s well known that City come alive in the final months of the season, and that’s been proven of late. The Manchester club have won six games in a row in all competitions, including against league leaders Arsenal.

The return of Beto

Everton striker Beto missed the Toffees’ previous game due to a concussion, but he should be back in the starting XI against City. Although the 28-year-old has struggled with consistency throughout his time at Everton, he’s been a handful in recent weeks.

Beto has produced five goals and assists combined in the last three games he’s played, and he could be a threat in behind. City are likely to dominate possession and play a high line, something that Beto thrives against.

Prediction

This game means a lot to both sides, but it’s hard to see past Man City here. 2-1 away win.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Chelsea face Nottingham Forest on Monday afternoon

Chelsea’s season may well hinge on what happens at Stamford Bridge, but it may not even be Nottingham Forest’s biggest game of the week, with their second leg against Aston Villa looming. Either way, it should be fun.

By Alex Roberts

This will be Chelsea’s first Premier League game since the departure of Liam Rosenior. Five games, five defeats, and ZERO goals has left them with a mountain to climb in terms of Champions League qualification. Still, there is a glimmer of hope.

Forest aren’t out of the dark, scary, relegation woods just yet. It’s between them, West Ham, and Tottenham for that dreaded final spot. A win on bank holiday Monday would certainly ease some pressure.

Gibbs-White on fire, your defence is terrified

Late season Morgan Gibbs-White is a different animal. Ten of his 13 Premier League goals have come since the turn of the year, and in 2026 so far, only Man United’s Bruno Fernandes has more goal contributions (15).

In the past, Gibbs-White has been somewhat of a ‘luxury player’, he no longer fits in that mould. Aside from all the goals, he’s won possession in the final third 18 times, made 103 recoveries, and 19 tackles.

Where would Forest be without Gibbs-White? In the relegation zone, probably. Keeping him at the club last summer has made all the difference, whether they’ll be able to do it again this time around, might prove trickier.

Back to basics

Rosenior is no more, and the same can be said for his convoluted on the ball tactics. Calum McFarlane is in interim charge for the second time this season, and he appears to have settled things down a little.

Chelsea’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds United wasn’t pretty, in fact they were second-best for parts of the second half, but it was necessary and needed. They created just two big chances, had an xG of 0.38, and completed 425 passes, only 189 in the opposition half.

Some may describe that as apprehensive, nervy even, but not us. Chelsea were methodical, playing like a team that knew if they didn’t get something from the game, the fans would turn even more toxic. That’s on McFarlane.

Team news

João Pedro and Cole Palmer both made their returns at Wembley, and the good news doesn’t stop there for Chelsea. McFarlane has confirmed that Reece James and Levi Colwill are both back in full training. Whether they feature here is a little less certain.

Filip Jörgensen (groin), Jamie Gittens (thigh) and Estêvão (thigh) remain out of contention for the hosts.

Forest have plenty of injury worries. Dan Ndoye (unspecified), Ibrahim Sangaré (unspecified), Jair Cunha (shoulder) and Murillo (thigh), Nicolo Savona (knee), Callum Hudson-Odoi (thigh), John Victor (knee) and Willy Boly (knee) are all expected to miss out.

Ola Aina limped off in the second half of their first leg against Aston Villa, but manager Vítor Pereira seemed confident the right-back won’t be out for long.

Prediction

It’s a wild week for Forest. Low on numbers and potentially prioritising a place in the Europa League final, it’s a good time for Chelsea to play them. We can’t see the home side taking full advantage, though. We’re going with a 1-1.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Espanyol host a faltering Real Madrid in LaLiga

Espanyol welcome Real Madrid to the RCDE Stadium in LaLiga as they look to move closer to a place in the top half of the table.

By Ross Kilvington

Real Madrid could be trailing leaders Barcelona by a staggering 14 points when they take to the pitch on Sunday, thanks to their rivals playing 24 hours earlier.

If that happens, anything less than a win would see Hansi Flick’s side crowned champions.

*The table situation prior to Saturday’s games*

Real Madrid’s title aspirations are on the brink

Truth be told, Madrid have been faltering for a number of weeks now. Their only victory since March 22 came against Alavés last weekend.

Between the 3-2 victory over city rivals Atlético Madrid on the aforementioned date and now, Álvaro Arbeloa’s side have lost against Bayern Munich (twice) and Mallorca, while dropping points against Girona and Real Betis in La Liga.

Los Blancos will end the campaign without winning either the Spanish title or the Champions League trophy for the second consecutive season.

Where do they go from here? That remains anyone’s guess. One thing that looks certain, however, is that there will be a change of manager in the summer.

Arbeloa’s win percentage stands at 64% heading into the clash against Espanyol and a feeble exit from the Champions League wont have done his cause much good.

Remarkably, José Mourinho has been linked with a return to the Bernabéu in recent days.

Its win or bust for Arbeloa this Sunday, but whatever happens, it appears his future has already been decided.

Espanyol remain in contention for a top-half finish in La Liga

While it hasn’t exactly been the finest of seasons for Espanyol, winning just ten of their 33 league games thus far, they could still finish in the top-half.

Los Periquitos’ recent form has been poor though, failing to win any of their previous 16 matches in the Spanish top flight. A run that, incredibly, stretches back to December 2025.

Espanyol have won two of their last three home ties against Madrid dating back to October 2021. Given Arbeloa’s men are going through their own rut, it opens the door for the home side to secure a positive result on Sunday.

Team news

Espanyol manager Manolo González is only missing one player for this game and that is through suspension. Pol Lozano was sent off after receiving his second caution against Levante, just three minutes after entering the game.

For Madrid, Arbela has several first-team stars out injured. Indeed, Rodrygo and Éder Militão are both long-term absentees.

Elsewhere, Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler will also miss the clash against Espanyol on Sunday evening.

Prediction

Madrid will know that only a victory keeps their unlikely title hopes intact on Sunday.

Espanyol may not been in the best form, but they will be keen on exploiting a Madrid side that is short on confidence right now.

It will be tighter than many expect, with a narrow win for the away side on the cards.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all the games from LaLiga on FotMob in the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

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May

2026

Preview: Spurs visit Champions League chasing Villa on Sunday night

With a first Premier League win of 2026 now under their belt, Spurs remain in the bottom three for their trip to Villa Park to play Europa League semifinalists Aston Villa.

By Ian King

A win that didn’t feel like a win

Four games to play. The absolute best that can be said about Spurs’ 1-0 win at Wolves last Saturday is that they got the three points. They got the win. The bad news was just about everything else, with relegation rivals West Ham keeping them in the bottom three thanks to an even later goal than theirs, and serious injuries to both Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke.

Aston Villa had improved a little recently, but even that doesn’t mask the fact that they’ve only won four of their last 14 League games, with a 1-0 loss at Fulham last weekend and another one in their Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest on Thursday night. A win on Sunday evening would put them one more win from qualification for next year’s Champions League, but their form has been patchy for a while.

The historical record doesn’t do Spurs any favours

Spurs have lost their last four in a row against Aston Villa, and have won just two of their last nine meetings, going back to 2021. Prior to that, Spurs won six in a row, a run which stretched back to 2015. They didn’t play each other for two years, after Villa were relegated into the Championship in 2017.

The balance of power in this fixture very much matches not only the decline of Spurs since 2021 but also the rise of Aston Villa since then. Following their relegation and two-year sojourn in the EFL, Villa have essentially usurped Spurs as “that team that usually finishes about fourth or fifth in the Premier League.” But go back a little further, and they are also a living, walking, breathing example that relegation very much can happen to a club of their size, if that club is managed badly enough.

Villa have already beaten Spurs twice this season, 2-1 both times, once in the League, once in the FA Cup, on both occasions at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

When Morgan Rogers is on his game, Aston Villa tend to be too

When Morgan Rogers is on top of his game, he is one of the best players in the entire Premier League to watch. He scored in their recent 4-3 win against Sunderland at Villa Park, and when he’s playing well, Villa usually are. Able to play on either wing or as an AM, he’s scored 12 goals across all competitions, but it should be a little concerning that the Forest game was the 50th of his club season.

He hasn’t always been the most popular Spurs player, but over the last few games Pedro Porro has been one of their most consistent performers. Prone to the occasional defensive lapse but also capable of both scoring and creating goals, he scored his first of the season in their 2-2 draw against Brighton a fortnight ago.

Simons adds to De Zerbi injury woes

There hasn’t been that much for Spurs supporters to smile about this season, but a feeling had been growing that Xavi Simons could be the key to rescuing their season, so his loss to a ruptured ACL was a tragedy for both the player and his club.

He joins Gugliemo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Mohammed Kudus, Pape Mate Sarr, Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, and Dejan Kulusevski in the treatment room, while James Maddison has been on the bench although there’s been little to suggest that he’s match-fit and Roberto De Zerbi would be taking a gamble by rushing him back.

Aston Villa have a normal amount of injuries, and all the players on their substitutes’ bench can walk without aid or assistance. Amadou Onana started the Nottingham Forest match but had to be withdrawn after 55 minutes, and Alysson won’t be ready in time, though his rehabilitation from a muscle injury is understood to be progressing well. Boubacar Kamara almost certainly won’t play again this season.

Aston Villa’s form is patchy, but it’s still light years better than Spurs’

The problem with Spurs’ win at Wolves last weekend was that the fact that they won it 1-0 was more or less the only good thing to have come out of it. Wins are the only things that matter at this point of the season but, while being able to ‘win ugly’ is a useful trait to have, it’s high-risk for this to be the only thing that your team has in the tank. In Simons and Solanke, they’ve lost another two players who, on their day, could turn their season around.

*The relegation picture prior to Friday’s game*

Aston Villa haven’t been in great form for quite a while, and having perked up a little with two wins and a draw following three straight defeats, their 1-0 defeats to Fulham and Nottingham Forest were both lacklustre. And of course, with Unai Emery being Mr Europa League and few injuries restricting him, he could shuffle his pack for this one and rest one or two players ahead of the second leg of their semi-final, which is only next Thursday.

But Aston Villa are simply a better team than Spurs at the moment. And while their recent form has been patchy, it’s still been better than their opponents’ has been, even notwithstanding last weekend’s results. Spurs need the points, but Villa do as well, so it’s difficult to see them getting any from this match. 2-0 Villa, and the trapdoor below Spurs to edge a little further open.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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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)

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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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