Page 34 – The Pulse of Football

Mar

2026

Thiago Pitarch: The Real Madrid teenager Arbeloa believes in

18-year-old Thiago Pitarch might not be the new Luka Modrić, but he has eased Real Madrid’s midfield issues recently.

Last week’s encounter between Real Madrid and Manchester City will forever be remembered as ‘The Fede Valverde Game.’ Indeed, the Uruguayan took over, scoring an incredible hat trick to put Los Blancos on the brink of the Champions League quarter-finals. And yet the performance of an 18-year-old midfielder warranted discussion too.

In arguably Real Madrid’s biggest game of the season so far, Thiago Pitarch was assured in the centre of the pitch. With the exception of one shaky moment when he gave up the ball inside his own box, forcing Thibaut Courtois into a reflex save, the teenager gave his team something they had been lacking.

Real Madrid’s midfield has been a conundrum this season. Not just this season, but ever since Toni Kroos retired. The German was Real Madrid’s metronome. He dictated the tempo and direction of their play from a deep position in the centre of midfield. The Spanish giants have desperately missed him these last two seasons.

They’ve missed Luka Modrić too. The Croatian left at the end of last season to join AC Milan and is now shining for his new team in Serie A. Modrić might have faded physically towards the end of his time at Real Madrid, but his guile and control in possession still made him an important figure. One that wasn’t replaced.

This context explains why Álvaro Arbeloa looked to Real Madrid’s youth system for a solution. Pitarch is someone he knows well having coached him as Real Madrid Castilla boss and so when Real Madrid’s injury list grew longer at the start of March, Arbeloa was quick to give the youngster an opportunity.

“He’s very important to me,” said Pitarch on his relationship with Arbeloa. “He’s always given me his full confidence, from the very first minute. I always try to repay him because I have no choice but to do so. From the very beginning, he’s talked to me. He tells me to have personality, to be myself, and not to be afraid to show who I am. That’s what I try to do to repay all the confidence he gives me.”

Pitarch has started Real Madrid’s last four matches in all competitions, including last week’s Champions League dismantling of Manchester City. This has coincided with one of Real Madrid’s best runs of the season with the 18-year-old drawing praise for the way he has given Arbeloa’s team security on the ball.

While Pitarch likes to take up a deep starting position, his game is geared towards moving the ball forward whenever possible. Sometimes he will do that with a line-breaking pass. Other times he will carry the ball with his feet, like Modrić used to. There are elements of the Croatian’s game to Pitarch’s play. He’s more of a Modrić than a Kroos.

Arbeloa has set up his team in recent matches to do a better job of progressing possession up the field. Ahead of Pitarch, Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler have been deployed as natural creators who want lots of touches of the ball. Against City, Real Madrid’s possession sequences were sharper than they ever were under Xabi Alonso. They created a lot (2.63 Expected Goals, to be precise).

As Real Madrid manager, Alonso was never able to forge a coherent structure as long as he had to accommodate Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Arbeloa, however, is only having to accommodate Vinícius at this moment in time with Bellingham and Mbappé both sidelined through injury.

While Bellingham and Mbappé are two of the best players in the world, their presence hasn’t always been conducive to Real Madrid’s capacity in and out of possession. Neither are especially willing to press from the front while a forward line of Mbappé and Vinícius with Bellingham as a supporting figure often leaves the midfield undermanned.

Pitarch is a symbol of what Real Madrid could be if they decide to continue with Arbeloa as manager. The former defender clearly wants to establish a pathway between Los Blancos’ academy and the first team with Pitarch already demonstrating how much talent there is within the club’s own ranks.

Real Madrid still have a second leg against Manchester City to navigate before they can look forward to a Champions League quarter-final. Pep Guardiola’s team shouldn’t be written off before they have had an opportunity to play in front of their own supporters. The home crowd will believe a comeback is possible if City get an early goal on Tuesday.

In Pitarch, though, Arbeloa has someone he can count on to rise to the occasion, just as he did in the first leg. The teenager will help his team see out the tie with composure beyond his fledgling years. Pitarch might not be at the level of Kroos or Modrić just yet, but his stock continues to rise with every match he plays for Real Madrid.

(Images from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

The MLS Wrap: James Rodriguez debut to forget

Matchday 4 in MLS saw the debut of an iconic Colombia international, a rare example of a striker who has been worth the record fee paid for him, and two teams maintaining a perfect start after four games.

By James Nalton

James Rodríguez plays in MLS

In some ways, Minnesota United’s signing of the 34-year-old Colombian feels like an old-school MLS signing: a languid South American playmaker in the twilight of his career with varied club experience but renowned at international level. Not good enough to still be playing for top clubs, but potentially able to perform some magic in MLS if the other players do his running.

Whether any of that magic arrives remains to be seen, and MLS has seen a considerable rise in quality since the old days, but with a World Cup on the horizon, James will be looking to impress.

He finally made his debut for Minnesota on Sunday, but not in the best of circumstances. By the time he entered the pitch, his team were already 5-0 down to the Vancouver Whitecaps, who ended up winning the game 6-0.

There was some encouragement from James, though, especially in the way he was able to get involved, with 41 touches after coming on in the 64th minute.

There was not much he could do about the one-sided scoreline once entering the field late in the game, but there will now be anticipation that he will soon make his first start.

Given how much he was able to get on the ball in a short space of time on Sunday, Minnesota hope that if their play ends up going mostly through him and he can create for those around him, things might start looking up.

Two perfect records remain

Vancouver’s emphatic win took them to the top of the Western Conference, making it four wins from four to maintain their perfect record to start the season.

They’ve only conceded once in this run, and the six goals against Minnesota made them the league’s top scorers with 14.

Just behind them in the West, only on goal difference, is the other team with a perfect start to 2026, Los Angeles FC.

LAFC are yet to concede a goal, and continued their run of solid results with a 2-0 win against St Louis City.

So far, the 2022 MLS Cup champions have built steadily following their headline-grabbing 3-0 defeat of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on the opening day, with some 2-0 and 1-0 wins while balancing that with Champions Cup games.

But it’s Vancouver who look the most impressive overall, and the underlying numbers back that up as they lead the way for xG and the lowest xG conceded.

Player of the week

At a time when clubs around the world are gambling plenty of money on strikers, FC Dallas have found a very handy one.

Petar Musa could end up playing a part for Croatia at the upcoming World Cup, but for now, the 6-foot-3 striker is making an impact for the Texas team, which he joined in 2024 for the decent-sized sum, especially by MLS standards, of $13 million.

The club-record signing averages more than a goal every other game in MLS, and managed to score three against one of the best sides in the league early in 2026, San Diego FC.

With a bit of help from the direct play of winger Bernard Kamungo, Musa helped himself to a hat-trick in a 3-3 thriller. It was the first dropped points for San Diego this year, and the first goals they have conceded.

Musa’s performance ranked him as the highest-rated player in Matchday 4 per the FotMob ratings.

NYC’s striker experiment bears fruit

Nicolás Fernández Mercau has played a number of positions down the flank and in attacking midfield throughout his early career with San Lorenzo, Elche, and now New York City FC, but until recently, striker was not really one of them.

With Costa Rican goal-getter Alonso Martínez out injured, NYCFC’s depth in the centre-forward position suddenly looked worryingly thin, but as they did at the very end of last season, they’ve turned to the 26-year-old Argentine to try to solve the problem.

Not only has he been able to do a job in the role, but he has emerged as one of the best in the position in MLS in the early stages of the 2026 season.

He has four goals and an assist in four games, and scored two of those in another impressive performance from the Pigeons against Colorado Rapids at home on Saturday night, resulting in a 3-1 win.

He’s a different proposition for defenders than the more traditional centre-forward like Musa at Dallas, or the impressive Englishman Sam Surridge at Nashville, but his busy attacking play and quickness to close down in defence suits the style of Pascal Jansen’s side.

With Talles Magno coming off the bench to play alongside Fernández Mercau and grabbing a goal of his own, NYCFC have gone from looking short of depth in attack to having some very useful options.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from MLS with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

Preview: Arsenal looking to get the job done against Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal face part two of what might be a majestic week for them, hoping to knock out Bayer Leverkusen from the Champions League – after opening a nine-point gap at the top of the Premier League – and before heading to Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.

By Karl Matchett

Trophies from all angles remain on the agenda for the Gunners, while their German opponents are still facing a real fight just to make it back into this competition next time around.

On the right side of fine margins

If a team is repeatedly fortunate, is it actually by design? Arsenal have faced the “lucky” tags at times this season – not least of all when it comes to the luck of the draw in all three cup competitions – but in results terms they keep coming down on the right side of the smallest margins. In the six games since conceding a stoppage-time equaliser to Wolves, Arsenal have hammered Tottenham and then scraped by five times: by a goal versus ten-man Chelsea, by a goal at Brighton, by a goal in the FA Cup against League One Mansfield, with a very late penalty in the first leg against Leverkusen and with two very late goals last time out at home to Everton. Mikel Arteta might keep searching for improvements but his side certainly still keep finding a way, somehow, to be celebrating at full time.

Same again here and it’s (almost certainly) just Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt standing between them and a second successive Champions League semi-final.

Spanish duo the danger

If Arteta has any part of the B04 team in his sights to worry about, it might be his two compatriots: wing-back Alejandro Grimaldo and, just inside his space, central midfielder Aleix García. Both are the German side’s top assisters in the Bundesliga, Grimaldo is second-top scorer in the league and he has both most goals and assists in Europe. It’s not a simple case of stop them, stop Leverkusen – but they are undoubtedly a cohesive part of the side with creativity and great movement between them.

Recent form

It’s 13 unbeaten for Arsenal but just one win in eight for Leverkusen heading into this clash, after turning into draw specialists recently. They’d take another and play for penalties if offered it.

Team news

Mikel Merino and Martin Ødegaard remain out for Arsenal, while Jurrien Timber is set to miss this match but Leandro Trossard is available.

For Leverkusen, each of Mark Flekken, Lucas Vázquez, Loïc Badé and Arthur are missing.

Key player

Eberechi Eze has shown of late that he deserves to be a starter in a top team – but in the Champions League he has just the one assist this term from six starts. He creates two chances a game on a per 90 basis but has only managed one shot on target in his 503 European minutes. Needs to do a bit more while Ødegaard is missing if he wants to be in the side come the title-defining matches.

Prediction

Arsenal to get the job done; whether it’s set pieces or late goals they need, they’ll get over the line: Arsenal 2-1 Leverkusen (agg 3-2).

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

Preview: Chelsea looking for a second leg miracle against reigning champions PSG

Liam Rosenior’s side were well and truly in the game for the first 60 minutes at the Parc des Princes. The last 30? It was one of the worst implosions in Champions League history. Could they make a comeback or is this round of 16 second leg nothing more than a formality?

By Alex Roberts

Chelsea will certainly need to play better than they did in their previous fixture. With their hopes of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition next season on the line, a relatively impotent 1-0 defeat to Newcastle felt like a huge miss.

Just like last time around, PSG had a nice relaxing weekend off, no doubt the players were able to take in the sights, grab a pain au chocolat. We joke; they’ve been training. Luis Enrique’s lads may be three goals to the good, but the tie isn’t over yet.

Kvaratskhelia the super-sub

Having the luxury of being able to bring a player like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia off the bench must be very nice. The Georgian completely changed the game in the reverse fixture, scoring twice and providing one assist.

Of course, Chelsea were very much responsible for their own undoing, Filip Jörgensen had a nightmare, but Kvaratskhelia’s first goal in particular was a moment of pure quality. Cutting inside, his curling effort would have beaten any ‘keeper in the world.

PSG are blessed with some of the best wide players around. Bradley Barcola not having the best game? No worries, let’s give Kvaratskhelia a run out. Chelsea have spent nearly £2 billion and could only dream of that.

The worst possible news

Chelsea captain Reece James has had to drag his teammates along with him in some games this season. Rosenior has now confirmed that he has suffered a potentially serious hamstring injury, ruling him out for the next few weeks.

It truly couldn’t have come at a worse time for the West Londoners. Not only will they be missing their main leader for potentially their biggest game of the season, their final eight Premier League matches just became a LOT harder.

Whether he’s played at right-back or in Midfield, Chelsea don’t have any players capable of doing what James can do in either position. Enzo Fernández will take the arm band in his absence, perhaps they can use this as some form of motivation.

Team news

João Neves came back to run the show in midfield for PSG last time out. Unfortunately for them, Fabián Ruiz (knee) is still out, alongside youngster Quentin Ndjantou (hamstring. Other than those two, Enrique’s side are feeling fresh.

For Chelsea, as we mentioned, the real bad news is James’ new hamstring injury. There is some good news, though. Estêvão has returned to training and could feature at Stamford Bridge.

As has been the case all season, Levi Colwill (ACL) is out, but is edging closer to maybe making his return before the end of the season.

Prediction

Chelsea remontada? More like Chelsea RemonNADA. We’re not expecting the home side to progress here, we actually think they’ll lose the second leg too. 2-0 to PSG.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

Preview: Man City look to overturn three goal deficit against Real Madrid

Manchester City are looking to complete a monumental comeback as they host Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash.

By Matt Smith

Álvaro Arbeloa’s side secured a phenomenal 3-0 victory on their own turf in the first leg, and the Madrid boss has Federico Valverde to thank, with the Uruguayan midfielder scoring a first-half hat-trick to give his side a strong lead.

City struggled to create in the opening leg, and Pep Guardiola will need a huge reaction from his players if they want to advance into the next round.

Team news

Man City will be without Joško Gvardiol and Rico Lewis, who remain out injured for the home side.

Mateo Kovačić recently returned to action against West Ham after a lengthy spell on the treatment table, but Guardiola shouldn’t have any new injury concerns.

It doesn’t get much easier for City, as Madrid’s star striker Kylian Mbappé is in the squad to face the Premier League side. Arbeloa’s men will be without Jude Bellingham, however, while Rodrygo, Dani Cebellos, and Álvaro Carreras are also among the absentees.

Struggles with chance creation a theme for City

City struggled to create opportunities in Madrid last week, and that kind of performance wasn’t an anomaly in Europe for them this season. Guardiola’s side have created just 14.9 expected goals this season, scoring just 1.7 per game, and they’ll need to improve drastically to turn this tie around.

City are also falling behind in the Premier League title race, so it’s perhaps even a surprise that they are still competing on multiple fronts. That points to the sheer quality throughout the squad, and we know City can turn it on at any point.

Madrid vulnerable defensively

It may not have looked like it as they cruised to a 3-0 victory in the first leg, but Madrid have looked vulnerable defensively in the Champions League this campaign. The Spanish side have conceded 15.7 xG this season in the competition, ranking them 21st in Europe’s elite club competition.

A mix of City’s poor chance creation and Madrid’s shaky defence doesn’t give us much in terms of predicting an outcome, but one of those is likely to give at the Etihad on Tuesday.

Semenyo’s time to shine?

Antoine Semenyo has been in phenomenal form for Manchester City since he joined the club from Bournemouth in January, but he was only allowed to feature in the Champions League for the first time last time out.

Guardiola’s side need some attacking inspiration from somewhere, and that man could be Semenyo, given his form since joining the club. Semenyo has been one of the best attacking players in the Premier League this season, and it’s time for him to make his mark in the Champions League.

Prediction

We’re going for a City win, given that they need to start on the front foot, but they might not have enough to go through. 2-0 home win but Madrid to progress.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

Keith Andrews has Brentford dreaming of Europe

When Thomas Frank announced he was leaving Brentford for Tottenham Hotspur last summer, there was a collective groan among the support.

By Ross Kilvington

Of course, Brentford fans were under no illusion that Frank wasn’t a wanted man, but the Spurs job simply didn’t feel like the correct fit.

The Dane had led the Bees into the Premier League after winning the Championship play-off final in 2021. Finishes of 13^th, 9^th, 16^th and 10^th across the next four seasons cemented Brentford’s status as a top flight team.

*Brentford’s Premier League finishes under Thomas Frank*

Losing the manager that had presided over this impressive run was always inevitable and this led to plenty of pundits and former players tipping the club for relegation this season.

Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, and Christian Nørgaard were also sold during the summer transfer window, adding to the relegation fears.

Having spent the 2024/25 campaign as Brentford’s set-piece coach, Keith Andrews stepped up to replace Frank in the dugout.

Nine months later, Brentford stand on the cusp of their highest ever Premier League finish and qualification for Europe. A decision which was ridiculed across the country is now looking like a masterstroke.

Andrews has the Bees flying right now and the next few weeks could be special indeed.

*The table prior to Monday’s game vs. Wolves*

Andrews’ summer recruitment was spot on

The loses of Mbeumo, Wissa and Nørgaard for a combined fee of approximately £136m may have been excellent business from a financial viewpoint, but having scored 46 goals between them, Andrews knew that replacing the trio would be imperative to survival.

Recruitment, then, had to be near perfect. In came Dango Ouattara, Michael Kayode, Antoni Milambo, Caoimhin Kelleher and the experienced head of Jordan Henderson during a busy window.

Ouattara has since scored five top flight goals, including against Aston Villa, Liverpool and Newcastle, while chipping in with six assists.

The winger also leads the way in terms of penalties awarded (4) in the Premier League, while ranking in the top 15% compared to his peers for big chances created (8), aerial duels won (44) and headed shots (12).

Kayode has also impressed, ranking in the top 1% for successful dribbles (41) and in the top 3% for duels won (168) in the top flight, demonstrating his effectiveness both going forward and defensively.

Henderson has added plenty of experience to the heart of the midfield, while Kelleher can be the ideal long-term heir to David Raya, who departed in 2024.

All of these summer signings have contributed in one way or another, but it was a player signed way back in February 2024 that has been responsible for the club’s lofty position in the Premier League this season.

Igor Thiago is firing Brentford to their highest ever Premier League finish

Igor Thiago struggled with injury during his maiden Premier League season, making only eight appearances without finding the back of the net.

With the departures of Wissa and Mbeumo, Andrews knew that those in the squad would have to step up and contribute from an attacking point of view.

Undoubtedly talented, Thiago has exceeded all expectations and more this season for the Bees. At the time of writing, he has scored 21 goals in 31 matches across all competitions, with 18 coming in the top flight.

Only Erling Haaland has scored more league goals than the Brentford forward this term, while Thiago has already broken the record for the most goals scored in a Premier League season by a Brazilian, surpassing the previous total of 15 back in January.

Among his peers, Thiago ranks in the top 5% for shots on target (36) and for total duels won (151) along with ranking in the top 8% for touches in the opposition penalty area (127) in the top flight during the current campaign.

Given his form and with a World Cup on the horizon, Andrews lavished some high praise on the player at the start of 2026.

“It’s not for me to pick the Brazil squad, but I know what I think of Thiago and ⁠I hold him in the highest regards.

“I wouldn’t be swapping him for anybody. I only see the trajectory going one way and that’s upwards.”

Final few weeks could hold the key for Brentford’s European hopes

Brentford welcome Wolves to London on Monday evening in what is an excellent chance for them to bounce back to winning ways after FA Cup heartbreak.

Following that tie, the Bees take on Leeds, Everton and then Fulham and if Andrews could lead his side to three wins from three, they would be in an excellent position heading into the final five matches.

The Bees face away trips to Old Trafford, the Etihad and Anfield between April 27 and May 24, although they should take confidence in the fact that both Manchester United and Liverpool were put to the sword earlier on this term.

*Brentford’s difficult final five games*

Nevertheless, it is a difficult final stretch of fixtures for the Bees. Considering how low the morale was before a ball had even been kicked this season. However, the fact that they have a chance to make history proves that appointing Andrews was the right call.

Much could still depend on the results from the clubs just above and below Brentford in the table. But should the club continue to perform consistently, the supporters will be looking forward to an away European trip or two next summer.

Andrews has ushered in a new era at Brentford, one that could go from strength to strength over the next 12 months.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

Preview: Trip to Anfield is the next test for fragile Spurs

Liverpool have a golden opportunity to keep the pressure on those above them against a ragged-looking Tottenham Hotspur.

By Ian King

English teams had a bad week in the Champions League, but some had worse ones than others

It was a pretty bad week for the Premier League in the Champions League, but while Liverpool and Spurs both lost their games, the former’s performance seemed like it could be reversible in the second leg while the latter’s was more like that of a team that seems to be plumbing new depths in terms of ways in which to make themselves laughing stocks. It feels difficult to second guess what the mood in the Spurs camp since then could have been like, but any descriptions are highly unlikely to include the word “positive.”

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been patchy. A defeat to Wolves in the League was followed up in the same week with a comfortable 3-1 win against the same opponents in the FA Cup, and with the Galatasaray defeat having come following those two results, it remains the case that their improvement has been stop-start. Arne Slot’s position may be dependent on finishing in the top four or winning the Champions League. He’s certainly on shaky ground. Just in time for a visit from Doctor Tottenham.

Spurs have a famously terrible record at Anfield

There’s no other way of putting it; Tottenham’s record at Anfield is famously bad. When they beat them there 1-0 in the First Division on the 16th March 1985, it was the first time they’d done so in exactly 73 years. They’ve only ever won there seven times, and the last time they did so came in May 2011. Liverpool have won their last two meetings – in the League Cup and the Premier League in February and April 2025 – by an aggregate score of 9-1, and they also beat them 2-1 at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December.

Ekitike vs Vicario could be the big battle of the afternoon

Hugo Ekitiké has been the star turn for Liverpool so far this season, and he’ll be optimistic of increasing his 11-goal tally for the season following a difficult few weeks. He’s only scored once since his excellent double against Newcastle at the end of January, and he’s capable of better than he’s delivered in his last couple of appearances. He may also have taken note of how chaotic his opponents were on Tuesday night.

Assuming that he starts, this time around, all eyes should be on Gugliemo Vicario for Spurs, following an astonishing selection blunder by head coach Igor Tudor which was only compounded by his atrocious man-management of what was visibly a very difficult moment for Antonín Kinsky, a young goalkeeper with no Champions League experience, who was thrown into a knockout tie and with a rickety team in front of him. Vicario needs to rediscover his form – and he did concede two himself – and he’s likely to have a busy afternoon.

As if the length of their treatment list wasn’t long enough already, Spurs players have now started injuring each other

Given Djed Spence’s reaction to Tudor following his substitution in Madrid, it’ll be interesting to see whether he starts, though the (for now) head coach might not have any choice. Micky Van de Ven is suspended for his sending off against Crystal Palace, while both Cristian Romero and João Palhinha could both be missing after their clash of heads in Madrid left Spurs with nine players on the pitch by the end of the match.

Otherwise, the injury list remains as it has for a while, with Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski all still out. There will be eleven players out in total for Spurs, if Romero and Palhinha don’t make it, and with both of them having suffered a degree of concussion, it’s unlikely that they will.

Liverpool have a couple of possible returns, though it remains unlikely that Alisson Becker or Federico Chiesa will be ready for this match. Both missed the midweek trip to Turkey. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo and Alexander Isak are all longer term absentees for the Reds.

The timing of this home visit from Doctor Tottenham couldn’t have been better for Liverpool

With another five goals conceded in the week, little reason to believe that the players want to play for Igor Tudor, form that’s in the gutter and that fabulously terrible historical record at Anfield, there is little reason to believe that Spurs can take anything from this match. If they do have a chance of staying up this season (and it’s not a foregone conclusion yet), that more likely comes with still-to-play home matches against Nottingham Forest and Leeds. Tudor will be in place for this match, but few believe that he will be for long after it.

*The bottom of the table prior to Saturday’s games*

Liverpool’s position is far from perfect. They also need a win. Arne Slot’s position is also at risk at the end of this season, and qualification for the Champions League is likely to be the minimum that will be expected of him. And it’s still within touch, although the conflagration of English clubs in the Champions League this week has lowered the odds of fourth place being the minimum target to get there for next season.

But although Liverpool have been stuttering all season, Spurs will arrive on Merseyside in such a ragged condition that an extremely comfortable home win feels like the only likely outcome from this match. Liverpool have such a wealth of attacking options that the very idea of their half-baked opponents being able to do anything much about it seems fanciful. I’m going to say 5-1 to Liverpool, and for the hapless Spurs head coach to be looking for another new job by Monday lunchtime.

(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.

Mar

2026

Preview: Top five rivals Man United and Aston Villa clash at Old Trafford

Goal difference is all that separates Manchester United and Aston Villa ahead of a crunch match in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

By Graham Ruthven

Top five race

Manchester United and Aston Villa will meet on Sunday with Champions League qualification potentially on the line. The outcome could have a big bearing on the race to finish in the top five.

Goal difference is all that’s between the two rivals in the Premier League table, making this weekend’s encounter a potentially season-defining fixture for both teams involved.

Not so long ago, Villa appeared all but certain to finish ahead of United. However, Unai Emery’s team have won just two of their last nine league matches while the Old Trafford outfit have won six of their eight games under Michael Carrick.

Manchester United’s unbeaten run ended with defeat to Newcastle United. They, however, have had the time since then to rest while Aston Villa played a testing match away to Lille in the Europa League on Thursday. Fatigue could be a factor.

Morgan Rogers bagged a brace in Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over United shortly before Christmas, but a lot has changed for both teams since then.

Key players

Benjamin Šeško’s scoring run came to an end at St James’ Park, but the Slovenian striker will be a threat against Aston Villa having found the back of the net seven times in his last nine outings.

Bruno Fernandes continues to be United’s primary creative force. Only Erling Haaland has charted more goal contributions than the Portuguese who has created more Big Chances than any other player in the Premier League.

Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo will give the home team balance in the centre of the pitch while Senne Lammens could be a key figure.

Rogers is Aston Villa’s top scorer in the league with the England international likely to be a danger to the Old Trafford hosts on Sunday. Rogers, like Fernandes, is also a creator having generated 10 Big Chances this season.

Ollie Watkins has started Villa’s last four matches in all competitions, but hasn’t found the back of the net in the league since scoring in a win away to Newcastle in late-January.

Ezri Konza and Pau Torres are averaging more blocks per 90 than any other two Aston Villa players. The centre back pairing might have to find top form against an in-form Manchester United forward line.

Team news

United are hoping to have Lisandro Martínez, Mason Mount and Noussair Mazraoui available again having been without the injured trio for a number of weeks.

Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs De Ligt, however, are long-term absentees and will miss out for the home team this weekend.

John McGinn made his return from injury off the bench in Aston Villa’s Europa League win away to Lille. This is clearly a boost for Emery’s team, although Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford could come too soon for the Scot to start.

Andrés García, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemens are still sidelined, leaving Villa short of options in centre midfield for the trip to the North West.

Prediction

Considering how heavily the momentum has shifted between these two top five rivals since they last met, we’re expecting a reverse result of the game we saw at Villa Park: Manchester United 2-1 Aston Villa.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Mar

2026

Preview: Madrid need a win to keep the pressure on Barca

The original kings of Europe Real Madrid already have one hefty-sized boot in the last eight of the Champions League, but this weekend is no less important as they start playing catchup in LaLiga.

By Karl Matchett

This weekend marks the start of the run-in for clubs in Spain’s top flight; after this round of matches it’s ten games left to achieve dreams, ambitions…or at least salvage a desperate campaign, for some. Real Madrid’s aim is, as always, to win the title – but four points adrift of Barcelona there is work to do. Opponents Elche, on the other hand, are already in full-on survival mode, just one point above the drop zone.

Home form is perfect…or nowhere

There’s not much margin for error in LaLiga if you want to win the title, such is the standard set by the big two over the past decades. By and large, with not much scope for dropped points across the season as a whole, you need to be near-faultless on home soil to set a platform for success – then away day fine margins can make the difference. Real Madrid have already slipped up more than generally allowed then, following two defeats at the Santiago Bernarbéu – one of which came this month against struggling Getafe.

Álvaro Arbeloa cannot take anything for granted, then, when it comes to hosting 17th-placed Elche – even after thrashing a club as strong and rich as Manchester City in midweek. Silverware is all about consistency, not one-off brilliance. It’s all well and good striding on when the challenge is greatest, but league titles are won and lost in these run-of-the-mill games. Stack the victories and you’ve got a chance; silly slip-ups at this time of year will quickly see your ambitions evaporate.

Time is a turning wheel

Fans of a certain vintage could be forgiven for thinking they have time-travelled if they tune in and hear about Argentinian midfielder Redondo getting on the ball at the Bernabéu. Elche’s Federico Redondo, who joined in summer and has just started to get a bit of involvement in recent weeks, is the son of former Real Madrid star Fernando Redondo – and the nephew of another ex-blanco, Santi Solari. Before joining Elche he played for Inter Miami with another Argentinian you may know of: Lionel Messi.

Recent form

Seven wins and two defeats for Real in the last nine since the shock loss to Benfica. No wins in 11 games this calendar year for Elche, though they’ve at least scrapped for four draws in that time.

Team news

The big misses for Real remain Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão and Álvaro Carreras.

Héctor Fort and John Donald remain doubtful for the visitors.

Key player

Arda Güler has started lots but may need an uptick in end product – just one assist and no goals from his last nine matches. He’s top 8% in LaLiga for xA though and top 7% for chances created so there should be more to come from him.

Prediction

Routine three points at home if at full strength but rotations could make it a closer encounter: Real Madrid 2-0 Elche.

(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.

Mar

2026

Preview: West Ham take on Man City, with Pep forced to watch from the stands

It’s a clash between the Premier League’s second-worst defence (54 conceded) and the joint-best attack (59 scored) at the London Stadium.

By Filip Mishov

Is Nuno the man to lead the Hammers to first league win against a Pep Guardiola-led City?

A flawless penalty shoot-out saw West Ham secure a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2016 and Nuno Espírito Santo‘s appointment has definitely inspired an upturn in form this calendar year. Apart from the away defeats to Liverpool and Chelsea, the Hammers are unbeaten against the rest of the Premier League since early January. However, despite their recent encouraging run (4W, 2D, 2L) in the top flight, Jarrod Bowen & co. still start the weekend in the relegation zone (18^th place) with the same number of points (28) as Nottingham Forest, but only three points away from the 15^th-placed Leeds United, offering survival hope to the Irons’ supporters.

Federico Valverde’s magical night at Estadio Bernabéu snapped Manchester City’s 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions, but still, the Cityzens are low-key enjoying a strong domestic season, with the fight for the Premier League title still very much on, plus the EFL Cup Final and an FA Cup quarterfinal to come. The quadruple dream took a hit in the week but isn’t entirely out of the realms of possibility just yet.

Furthermore, the 10-time English champions are on an impressive run in the top flight, suffering just one defeat – in the Manchester derby – since November last year. Also, the Sky Blues are yet to suffer a league defeat at the London Stadium with Bernardo Silva & co. recording seven wins and a couple of draws, and West Ham’s last league home victory over City dates back to 2014 at Boleyn Ground.

Key players

Mateus Fernandes is attracting interest from the leading Premier League clubs after impressing this season, as the Portuguese U21 international is developing into an all-round midfielder under his compatriot’s guidance. The talented 21-year-old is the squad’s highest-rated player (7.27) and is leading the side in terms of accurate passes per 90 (40), while closely following Jarrod Bowen (29) in chances created (28) and sitting third in tackles made per 90 (3), speaking volumes about his range as a player.

Antoine Semenyo has fit seamlessly in to the City side and the Ghanian has quickly established himself as one of the key players in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI. With that being said, the electric winger is averaging a FotMob rating of 7.24 since his move from Bournemouth, accompanied by five goals and an assist across eight league appearances. Only Igor Thiago (18) and Erling Haaland (22) have scored more league goals than Semenyo this season.

Team news

Pep Guardiola will serve a two-match touchline ban after getting six yellow cards this season, while Joško Gvardiol, Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovačić remain sidelined through injuries.

*Potential Man City XI made with the FotMob lineup builder*

Crysencio Summerville sustained a calf injury against Brentford and the in-form winger will miss a few matches in a big blow, and Lukasz Fabianski is also injured.

Prediction

West Ham could take a big step towards securing safety with a positive result against Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola boasts a supreme record against the Hammers, with the Spaniard leading the Cityzens to 18 wins in 21 matches across all competitions. Despite the Hammers’ form improved lately, I still believe that Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad lacks enough quality to stop the title-chasers City, and I expect another away win in London win 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, player ratings. Download the free app here.