Page 36 – The Pulse of Football

Mar

2026

Preview: Newcastle take on LaLiga leaders Barcelona in Round of 16

Home form hasn’t been Newcastle’s friend this season quite as much as usual but they’ll need to pull out a big performance to prolong their European campaign as one of the favourites, Barcelona, visit St. James’ Park.

By Karl Matchett

Often winning two-legged ties rely on doing the business at home, but the two clubs couldn’t have much more contrasting results in their own garden this term.

Home comforts

St. James’ Park has previously been a horrid place to go and especially when the stakes are high. But this season, the Magpies have won only just over 60% of their home matches in all competitions – for Barcelona it’s 95%, with 19 wins and one defeat in 20. Worse still for Newcastle, from games they’d reasonably classify as “big” – Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Chelsea and Barcelona – they’ve won just two of eight. Barca have actually won more away points in LaLiga than Newcastle have at home in the Premier League. On the night all those numbers might not matter, but it’s not the comforting surroundings for the first leg it might have been.

Learning lessons

It’s simplistic to point to an earlier meeting and say it shows who’ll win this time, but it’s worth taking some aspects of the early-season clash, when Barcelona beat Newcastle 2-1, as areas for improvement – for both sides.

Newcastle really struggled on that day with attacks down the flanks, Barca’s speed of progression and as the game wore on, the general grinding down of constant possession. Barcelona, for their part, perhaps took a while to get to grips with physicality that will doubtless be on show again and they also weren’t asked to deal with a mountainous striker, with Anthony Gordon leading the line. Will Eddie Howe this time roll the dice with Nick Woltemade to unsettle the Barca backline?

Recent form

Newcastle have lost three of their last five in all competitions, but in Europe have only lost once in their last nine since the opening game to this same opponent. Barcelona have won ten of the last 12 and four in a row.

Team news

Fabian Schär and Lewis Miley are sidelined for the hosts but it’s Bruno Guimarães who is the biggest miss, still a month away from a recall. Barcelona are without Frenkie de Jong and Gavi already, but the loss of Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde are new and problematic injuries at full-back.

Key player

Sven Botman hasn’t been at his best level this season but Newcastle need him to step up – not only to keep out Robert Lewandowski but to cover his left-back when Lamine Yamal comes flying inside. The Dutchman has won more aerial duels than only 40% of centre-backs in the Champions League this term, made more interceptions than 34% and more clearances than 49%. Simply put, that’s not enough against Europe’s elite – he needs a fast return to form as the attacks could be relentless.

Prediction

Goals for both teams seems a pretty safe bet and over two legs we’d back the Spanish side…but maybe Eddie Howe’s team can make a good fight of it first time out: Newcastle 2-2 Barcelona.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

Preview: Atlético Madrid and Spurs clash in the Champions League

The 16th-placed team in the Premier League continue their unlikely assault on the Champions League with a trip to Madrid to take on Atleti.

By Ian King

The Champions League may be a distraction for a Spurs team that is drifting towards the Championship

A conflation of bad results for Spurs in last week’s midweek fixtures has pushed them closer to the brink. Another embarrassing home defeat, this time at the hands of Crystal Palace, has, when coupled with a win for West Ham and an unlikely draw for Nottingham Forest at Manchester City, put them within a point of the relegation places, and with any further Tottenham wins this season looking like as a distant a prospect as they have at any other point over the last couple of months.

While the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League could have been worse for them, it could have been better, too. Atlético Madrid go into this game having won their last three matches in LaLiga, and having booked a place in the final of the Copa del Rey after beating Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-finals, though this came about as a result of a 4-0 win in the first leg being followed up by losing the return match 3-0.

These two teams have only played each other once competitively before, but this meeting came in a final

These two sides have only met each other once before in competitive football, but it was a highly consequential meeting. Spurs played Atlético Madrid in the European Cup Winners Cup final in Rotterdam on the 15th May 1963, and in beating them 5-1 – thanks to two goals each from Jimmy Greaves and Terry Dyson, as well as one from John White – they became the first English club to lift a major European trophy.

There’s been nothing to suggest that the Atleti head coach’s son is a nepo baby

Few Spurs players emerged from their recent Crystal Palace humbling with much credit in the bank, but one of those who did was Archie Gray. Gray has seen more football this season than we might have expected on account of his team’s injury crisis, but his performance against Palace was at least one from somebody who was trying. It’s not much, but praise for this dysfunctional bunch of players has been thin on the ground for a while.

Otherwise, one Spurs player who does know this team is Conor Gallagher, who was an Atleti player until his (arguably ill-advised) transfer to Spurs in the January transfer window and who has been cleared to play in this match. We shall see, whether that familiarity ends up being a help or a hindrance against his former club.

There’s likely to be a familiar name among the Atleti team for this match. Right midfielder Giuliano Simeone is indeed the son of manager Diego but, with three goals and five assists in 24 appearances for them this season, of which twenty have been starts, there’s no indication that he’s a nepo baby. The 23-year-old has earned his place in their first eleven.

No match at the weekend meant no further opportunities for Spurs players to injure themselves

At least a free weekend minimised the likelihood of Spurs picking up any more injuries. Cristian Romero will return to the back four following his latest silly suspension, while Djed Spence and Radu Dragusin could also be fit to return, with both having returned to training. Micky Van de Ven will start, because his red card against Palace doesn’t mean a suspension in the Champions League.

Otherwise, they remain where they were, with Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski all still out.

Atlético Madrid’s big absentee is likely to be Rodrigo Mendoza, who was replaced at half-time during their 3-2 weekend win against Real Sociedad. It’s not all bad news for them, though, with reports that Pablo Barrios could be ready to return following a month-long absence, although he may only be fit for the bench for this first leg.

Spurs’ dismal run of form has to end some time

For Spurs and Igor Tudor, the Crystal Palace match felt like a litmus test which all concerned failed badly. A midweek Premier League match against a mid-table team felt like a test of how mentally ready they are for the end of the season and, not for the first time in recent weeks, they were found desperately wanting.

And while the Champions League has been their happy place so far this season, we’re into the last 16 now and the games are only going to get tougher and tougher. Atlético got through their play-off match against Club Brugge without too many major issues, and while they won’t be launching a title challenge this season – they’re 13 points behind leaders Barcelona – their Champions League position for next season is, with an 11-point gap between themselves and fifth-placed Real Betis, already almost assured.

Atleti are perennial qualifiers, and although they’ve not got past the quarter-finals since 2016/17, they are highly experienced in this competition. And while Spurs could yet finish this season by somehow contriving to find a way of becoming the champions of Europe while getting relegated from the Premier League at the same time, practically nobody really believes that this has any chance whatsoever of realistically coming to pass, especially given that the draw may require them to get past Atleti, Barcelona and Arsenal just to get to the final.

If binning off the Champions League was an option that could preserve Spurs’ Premier League place for another season, they’d probably take it, but there are two primary reasons why this won’t happen. Firstly, they have too many injuries to be able to do anything other than throw whoever is available onto the pitch and hope for the best. And secondly, getting knocked out at this stage probably wouldn’t make much difference anyway, since they’ve been so far off the pace in the Premier League since the new year.

Stranger things have happened, but it’s difficult to imagine them getting any further in this competition, although Atleti were beaten by two Premier League sides – Liverpool and Arsenal – in the megagroup stage. As such, I’m predicting a 2-0 win for the Madrileños in this first leg. Just enough to keep the vaguest feeling of hope alive for Spurs ahead of the second leg.

(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: Liverpool go back to Galatasaray as Round of 16 gets underway

For the second time this season, Galatasaray welcome Liverpool to Istanbul for a Champions League clash. This time around though, there’s a lot more at stake.

By Sam McGuire

The story so far

Galatasaray top their domestic league with a four point advantage over rivals Fenerbahçe. In their last outing, they claimed a 1-0 win over Beşiktaş with Victor Osimhen netting the winner towards the end of the first half.

In the Turkish league, they are by far the best team. They’ve scored the most goals and conceded the fewest. They have the highest FotMob rating (7.2), average the most possession (61.4%), have the highest Expected Goals total and the third lowest Expected Goals Conceded.

In the Champions League, however, it’s been a different story. They won three of their first four in Europe but then managed to claim just a single win across their last six in the competition. Fortunately for them, it was an emphatic 5-2 victory over Juventus in the first-leg of the Play-Off clash. It meant their 3-2 loss in Turin didn’t really matter.

Galatasaray followed up impressive back-to-back wins over Liverpool and surprise package Bodø/Glimt with losses against Royal Union St.Gilloise and Monaco. Okan Buruk’s men will need to be at their best on Tuesday evening to cause yet another upset against the reigning Premier League champions, even if the Reds haven’t been at their best this term.

Liverpool are into the next round of the FA Cup following a 3-0 win over Wolves on Friday. They’re sixth in the Premier League due to their inconsistent showings this season but have been fairly consistent in Europe.

Arne Slot’s side won six of their eight group games, claiming pivotal wins over Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Inter and Marseille. Despite their erratic form, Liverpool have lost just three of their previous 23 across all competitions.

*The two sides met back in the League Phase*

Key Players

Florian Wirtz appeared off of the bench against Wolves in the FA Cup. Without him in their starting XI, the Reds have looked a little lost in attack. His return should be a huge boost for the team, especially in Europe. He might not start but he’ll definitely get an opportunity on Tuesday, expect him to make the most of whatever minutes he does manage to get.

Victor Osimhen, perhaps surprisingly, isn’t Galatasaray’s top scorer in the league this season. Mauro Icardi (13) leads the way. However, the former Napoli poacher is the biggest threat for the Turkish giants and he was signed to be the match-winner in these situations. Believed to be a one-time target for the Reds, he’ll want another goal against them.

Team News

The hosts appear to have a fully fit and available squad for this clash against Liverpool. The visitors, meanwhile, are without Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni. Wirtz’s return following his back injury is a boost though.

Prediction

We’re going to go with a 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening. Neither side will want to head into the second leg with a defeat to their name.

(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

The MLS Wrap: NYC take extreme approach to defending corners as Messi attracts record crowd

All the latest from MLS as Matchday 3 gave us innovations, Lionel Messi’s 998th career goals, and another promising showing from new import Timo Werner.

By James Nalton

Have New York City solved a corner conundrum?

Thanks to the prevalence of set pieces in the English Premier League this season, much of the recent discourse has focused on that part of the game and how to solve the problems it has created for defending teams.

Some have gone as far as suggesting changes to the laws to counteract this new apparent set-piece cheat code, but, as is often the case, the answer lies within the game as it is, without the need for altering things.

Whether that is through referees applying the existing laws properly at set-pieces, or by teams changing the way they approach defending such situations, there are possible solutions for those confident enough to try them.

*NYCFC’s corner set up, as seen from the press box (image via James Nalton)*

Many teams will have tried certain things in training in an attempt to better defend set-pieces, but none have been as bold as New York City FC.

We’ve occasionally seen, now and in the past, teams leaving one or two players on the halfway line, forcing the team in attack at the set-piece to leave some of their own defenders back to mark them.

NYCFC has taken this to the extreme, leaving half of its outfield players outside the box.

Pascal Jansen’s side trialed this new approach in pre-season and put it into practice in their early games in the 2026 MLS regular season.

They leave three players on the halfway line (one on each wing and another central) and two in midfield, not too far from their own penalty area, but certainly not in a defensive position on the edge of it.

This leaves five outfield players plus the goalkeeper in the box defending the set piece. In theory, it leaves more space for the ‘keeper to come out and claim the cross, while it also gives the team attacking the set piece the question of whether to mark all five of the players outside the box, or risk being caught on the counter-attack from the corner.

It’s too early to say whether this is a success, but there has probably been more upside than downside from this tactic for New York City so far.

Messi attracts record crowd in Baltimore

Lionel Messi may travel around the United States and Canada with his Inter Miami team, but it rarely feels like he is playing an away game.

This was the case once again against DC United this weekend, who moved their home game against Messi’s Miami to the larger M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore to accommodate the extra demand for tickets Messi’s presence can bring.

There were loud cheers when he scored Inter Miami’s second goal in a 2-1 win, as 72,026 spectators filled the stadium which is home to the Baltimore Ravens NFL team.

*Shot map for Lionel Messi’s 998th career goal*

It was a record crowd for a competitive game for DC United, which is quite significant since, as one of the original MLS teams, they have been playing since 1996. It was also a record crowd for the M&T Bank Stadium, with the stated attendance outdoing any Ravens match.

The Messi effect continues in MLS, and Inter Miami have now won two in a row after that early hiccup against LAFC.

Biel enjoys Charlotte FC’s advantage

Having suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to LA Galaxy last week, and drawn with a so far underwhelming St Louis City side on opening day, Dean Smith’s Charlotte FC hadn’t enjoyed the best start to the new season.

That all changed this weekend against Austin, who had Guilherme Biro sent off in the 25th minute for standing on the leg of Idan Toklomati, even though it looked accidental.

Charlotte conceded shortly after, but dominated the game from then on, with Pep Biel leading the attack with two goals and 13 touches in the opposition box. His second goal to make it 3-1 was one of the goals of the round, powered in with his left foot from outside the area following great work from Luca de la Torre.

The performance in the dominant display against ten men makes him the player of Matchday 3 per the FotMob ratings.

Timo Werner and the Earthquakes

Not just a good potential band name, but a successful MLS pairing that spices up the league.

Werner joining the Earthquakes raised a few eyebrows. It wasn’t the obvious choice of MLS team for such a high-profile player, but with experienced American coach Bruce Arena at the helm, and Arena personally visiting Werner in Germany to present his vision for the team, a plan, and a transfer came together.

San Jose have not qualified for the playoffs proper since 2020 (they went out in the wildcard round in 2023) and have not won a playoff tie since 2010. This is not a team to which players will go from Europe for a safe option with a surefire chance of success.

But the Earthquakes are a historic team with a proper American soccer name (none of this United or City malarkey), and they could promise their new star a regular, key role.

Performing such a role to help a previously underperforming team to some kind of success can be a more attractive proposition to certain players than slotting into an already successful team.

Werner has hit the ground running. The running has never been an issue for the German, though, but he is already contributing to goals, too.

He came off the bench to assist one on his debut against Atlanta last week, and played the entire second half in Philadelphia against the defending Supporters’ Shield winners this week, playing a telling pass to set up the only goal of the game.

So far, it’s a good match, and the Earthquakes are one of only four teams to boast three wins from three at the start of the new season.

(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: Chelsea out to thwart Wrexham’s FA Cup dream

Wrexham host Premier League giants in the FA Cup in arguably the biggest game in their recent history. Will the celebrity backed ‘fairytale’ continue, or will they be hit with a very harsh dose of reality?

By Alex Roberts

Phil Parkinson’s side are on a terrific run of form. Sitting in sixth, four points above former Premier League side Southampton in the race for the play-offs and unbeaten five across all competitions, all that celebrity investment is paying off.

Chelsea are the undeniable favourites heading into this one, even if form often gets thrown out of the window in the FA Cup. Buoyed by their 4-1 win over Aston Villa in their previous fixture, they’ll want to progress and maybe even lift the trophy.

Phil Parkinson has a history

For Chelsea fans, when asked about their club’s worst ever results, the 4-2 FA Cup defeat to Bradford all the way back in 2014/15 would come up several times over. The man in charge of Bradford that day? Now Wrexham manager Parkinson.

José Mourinho and his relatively star-studded side were 2-0 up in the 38^th minute before Jon Stead scored in the 41^st. Still, Chelsea were comfortable heading into half-time, only to completely collapse in the second.

Whether Parkinson can pull off one of the competition’s big upsets AGAIN, is the big question. The Racecourse is far from a Premier League ground, if the home fans make it hostile, and the grass isn’t as pristine as Chelsea are used to, anything could happen.

A last chance at silverware?

With the Premier League looking like it’s heading to the Emirates, and the Champions League just as unlikely, although Chelsea have been there before, the FA Cup could be their final chance to lift a trophy this season, if you don’t count the Club World Cup.

Of course, a top five finish will be the priority, especially considering the record financial losses Chelsea recently just posted, but for the fans, if they’re in a tournament, no matter what it is, they want to win it.

Chelsea certainly have the players to do it, João Pedro is in top form, you can never rule Cole Palmer out, and Reece James may be the most well rounded defender in the country. Wrexham is a relatively kind draw, a couple more, and they’ll be among the favourites.

Team news

We’re expecting plenty of rotation for Chelsea here. The likes of Liam Delap, Andrey Santos, and Mamadou Sarr, among others should get chances to make an impression heading into the latter stages of the season.

Liam Rosenior has confirmed that Estêvão (hamstring) isn’t quite ready to make a return, with Jamie Gittens (muscle) also close but not close enough. Dário Essugo (muscle), and Levi Colwill (ACL) are both out, while Wesley Fofana (knock) is a doubt.

We may get a glimpse of Roméo Lavia, who hasn’t started a game for Chelsea since October.

As for Wrexham, they’re without Matty James (toe), Liberato Cacace (hamstring), Thomas O’Connor (hamstring) and Ben Sheaf (knee), as well as long-term absentees Aaron James (knee) and Lewis Brunt (thigh).

Prediction

Chelsea have really turned the screw against lower league opposition under Rosenior so far, they comfortably beat Hull, and we think they’ll do the same thing here. 3-1 Chelsea.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

Preview: Newcastle United meet familiar foes Man City in the FA Cup

It feels like Groundhog Day this weekend as Newcastle take on Manchester City for the fifth time this season.

By Ross Kilvington

The clubs have met twice in the Premier League, while they also faced off in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup earlier this year.

Newcastle have won just one of the four matches, with City emerging victorious on the other three occasions.

This time, the clubs meet for a spot in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Newcastle can take confidence from win against Man United

William Osula produced a moment of magic against Man United in midweek, scoring a stunning goal in the dying minutes to seal a 2-1 victory.

Newcastle battled hard for the entire second-half with just ten men and the win could prove to be a catalyst for Eddie Howe’s side over the coming weeks.

Although the Magpies are into the last 16 of the Champions League, the FA Cup remains their most realistic chance of winning silverware this season.

They will have to improve on their recent record against City. Since the start of 2020, the two clubs have met 18 times across all competitions. Newcastle have claimed just two wins during that time, with City winning 14 matches.

Pep Guardiola’s men won 2-0 the last time these sides met in the FA Cup, securing progress to the semi-finals two years ago.

Man City still chasing four trophies this season

City remain in contention for another Premier League title, are already into the EFL Cup final, and face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.

A win against Newcastle will see the club into the last eight of the FA Cup. The last time City failed to reach the final of this competition was back in 2022.

It appears as though Guardiola has gotten his players peaking at precisely the right time, although the club did drop points against Nottingham Forest in midweek.

Nevertheless, the hunt for a stunning quadruple is still on ahead of this cup clash at St James’ Park on Saturday evening.

Team news

Howe will still be without Bruno Guimarães, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schär, while Lewis Miley wont be ready for another week or so.

Jacob Ramsey is suspended, although Nick Woltemade and Tino Livramento could be ready to play after recent injuries.

For City, both Mateo Kovačić and Joško Gvardiol remain long-term absentees and it could be late next month before the duo get back to full fitness.

Nico O’Reilly came off against Leeds last weekend and subsequently missed the clash against Forest.

It remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to start against Newcastle on Saturday.

Prediction

Both sides enter this match in slightly different moods. Newcastle will be on a high after that last minute winner against Man United, while City will be desperate to return to winning ways after dropping points against Forest.

As such, this could certainly be an intriguing tie, with plenty at stake for both clubs.

Due to their greater strength in depth, City should secure progress into the quarter-finals for the eighth season in a row.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

Preview: Barcelona visit Athletic Club to continue their title charge

Barcelona’s lead at the top of LaLiga’s standings grew to four points last weekend. As we enter the final third of the season, their sights are set on claiming their 29th Spanish top-flight title.

By Neel Shelat

Athletic Club’s uncharacteristic lack of clean sheets

Athletic Club have developed a reputation of being quite tough to break down in Ernesto Valverde’s second stint at the club. They ended the 2024/25 season with the fewest goals conceded in the league with just 29 – 10 fewer than the champions.

This term, though, the Basque side haven’t been quite so disciplined at the back with 36 goals let in already. They enter this match on a streak of 16 games across all competitions without a clean sheet, stretching back to before the festive break.

Even so, Athletic Club’s underlying numbers still suggest they don’t give up too many chances as they have the second-lowest xG conceded tally in the division. They shipped five goals to Barcelona in their most recent Super Cup meeting, though, so they’ll certainly have to bring their A game to this fixture.

Barcelona’s dominant head-to-head record

Barcelona’s big win in the Super Cup semi-final was hardly an outlier; they also won the league reverse fixture 4-0 in November. The Blaugrana have scored 14 unanswered goals in their last four meetings with Athletic, and are on a five-match head-to-head winning streak.

Valverde notably got one up on his former employers in the 2023/24 Copa del Rey semi-final, but Athletic Club have lost 10 and drawn the other two of these sides’ last 12 La Liga meetings.

Team news

Athletic Club have been missing star forward Nico Williams for the last month or so due to a groin injury, and will have to continue to make do without him for a few more weeks at least. Striker Maroan Sannadi has been out since October. Beñat Prados and Unai Eguiliz have been effectively absent throughout the season due to cruciate ligament injuries, as has defender Yeray Álvarez due to a failed doping test and subsequent suspension.

Barcelona’s absentees for this match include defenders Andreas Christensen and Jules Koundé as well as midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Gavi. Youngsters Toni Fernández and Jofre Torrents will also be unavailable due to injury issues.

Key players

Athletic Club have struggled for attacking production in Nico Williams’ absence. Older brother Iñaki only has a couple of goals and assists to his name so far, but this would be a great occasion to add to his tally. Those at the back are sure to get a sterner test, though, so the likes of Aymeric Laporte and Unai Simón will need to step up and deliver.

Pedri is in line to make his first league start in over a month after returning from injury. Hansi Flick will be delighted to see his return, as Barcelona’s midfield has looked significantly less solid in his absence. Lamine Yamal remains in imperious form after scoring his first senior hat-trick last weekend to take his tally to 15 goal involvements in his last 14 appearances. Fellow teenager Pau Cubarsí will have to continue marshalling the back line.

Prediction

Barcelona should be backed to register another comfortable multi-goal victory.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Mar

2026

Preview: Arsenal head to League One Mansfield Town in the FA Cup

Arsenal might have their sights set on a league and Champions League double, but progress in the FA Cup – the only trophy Mikel Arteta has actually won so far – is also an expectation as the Gunners head to League One side Mansfield.

By Karl Matchett

If there were any nerves around Arsenal’s title run-in, midweek results have helped. A win at Brighton coupled with Nottingham Forest’s comeback draw against Manchester City gives Arteta’s team a seven-point cushion with eight to play, albeit having played a fixture more than their title rivals.

Minutes matter with titles on the line

Those points and a four-day gap to their next encounter should allow focus without fear on domestic cup matters – but the big question will be over how many changes to make.

Rotation is key for Arteta for two reasons. Firstly, he needs to give his must-start players a rest for big upcoming games – so Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhães, Bukayo Saka and a few others should sit out. But the other side of the coin is that squad players will undoubtedly be required in the run-in, so need to be kept in rhythm too. Many a trophy bid has been squandered because that second group of players was simply not up to speed – or locked in mentally – when called upon in the final months.

Chances of a cupset?

It’s not hard to paint the scale of difference between these sides, even without the league differences. Mansfield’s record signing is about £200,000 for Will Evans two years ago; Arsenal have at least six players who earn more than that amount every single week. In 2024/25, Mansfield had an estimated total annual income of £9.5m; the Gunners spent over 150% of that amount – £15m – on Christian Nørgaard, who has played 56 league minutes all year.

In short, the financial gulf is far wider than might typically be the case against a third-tier side who perhaps have been up to the Championship previously – this is, after all the first time the Stags have been at this level of the pyramid since 2002/03, having spent time in the Conference before more than a decade back in League Two. Nigel Clough has them on the up, but this is akin to asking your local corner shop to offer a better range of products than one of London’s biggest shopping malls.

Recent form

The hosts can’t point to recent form or home form as reason for optimism – it’s one win in the last ten in all competitions, while only one club (rock bottom Port Vale) have fewer than their six home wins in League One. Arsenal have won eight of their last ten in all competitions and three in a row.

Team news

Luke Bolton is a doubt for Mansfield after coming off in midweek and Baily Cargill is injured, but otherwise their squad looks in good shape.

For Arsenal, Myles Lewis-Skelly is suspended, with both Martin Ødegaard and Ben White doubtful.

Key player

Noni Madueke is a match-winner at any level – in Premier League terms he’s among the top 15% of players for crosses, successful dribbles, big chances created, and expected assists per 90.

Prediction

No big shock in this fixture unless there’s an early red card or similar: Mansfield 0-3 Arsenal.

(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

Folarin Balogun: Peaking at the right time with career-defining World Cup on the horizon

Just months before the 2026 World Cup, USA international striker Folarin Balogun is finding form for club and country.

By Graham Ruthven

Folarin Balogun knows how to score against Paris Saint-Germain. He’s done it twice already this season and has a track record of giving the Parc des Princes outfit problems over the course of his Ligue 1 career, even going back to his Reims days. The American can continue the trend in the French capital when the two sides meet on Friday.

Balogun is currently in a rich vein of form. The 24-year-old has scored four goals in his last four games in all competitions, going some way to fulfilling the potential that persuaded Monaco to pay €40m for him two-and-a-half years ago. Balogun is peaking at the right time, certainly from the perspective of his national team.

The USA desperately lacked a top-level striker at the 2022 World Cup. Three different centre forwards (Jesus Ferreira, Josh Sargent and Haji Wright) started their four matches in Qatar, highlighting the lack of faith in any of the options in that position. This is why Balogun’s decision in 2023 to play for the USA over England and Nigeria was such a big deal.

At the time, Balogun was widely considered one of the best young attackers in Europe’s Big Five leagues. This was a notion supported by his breakout 2022/23 season on loan at Reims from Arsenal which saw Balogun score 21 times in just 37 league appearances. Some Arsenal fans wanted him to stay in North London.

Instead, Balogun moved to Monaco. The principality club made the American their second-most expensive transfer since Radamel Falcao and James Rodríguez’s statement signing in 2013, landing Balogun when clubs in the Premier League and Serie A had also been interested.

*Balogun’s player traits comparison, hampered by his long injury layoff*

Injury, however, stopped Balogun from building any sort of momentum in his first two seasons at the Stade Louis II. The Brooklyn-born, London-raised striker missed no fewer than 44 matches in the treatment room, leading some to place doubt on the €40m price tag paid by Monaco.

Balogun was missing for so long that Monaco had to enter the market to sign a striker or two that could play in his absence. Another Arsenal academy graduate Mika Biereth arrived from Sturm Graz and hit the ground running, scoring an incredible 13 goals in his first 15 league games.

Finally fit again, Balogun has re-established himself as Monaco’s first-choice centre forward, scoring 12 goals in all competitions. The 24-year-old is excellent in quick transition, giving Monaco an effective outlet in open space behind the opposition defence. This has always been Balogun’s biggest strength.

However, his all-round game is also improving. Only Maghnes Akliouche (seven) has created more Big Chances for Monaco this season than Balogun (six) who is also averaging more touches per 90 compared to last season. As a focal point, the American is proving himself even as Monaco have struggled at times.

Mauricio Pochettino is a fan. The USMNT head coach installed Balogun as his first-choice striker as soon as he was fit enough to feature in the second half of 2025, giving him a platform to catch the eye in encouraging friendly performances against South Korea, Japan, Ecuador, Australia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

“His work ethic is amazing in the way that he is always available in every single aspect of the game, with and without the ball,” said Pochettino after Balogun’s series of impactful performances while teammate Tim Weah highlighted how the forward “can change a game for us by sticking his foot into the action.”

Nobody can do for the USMNT what Balogun does. Pochettino needed someone with the physicality to attack open space. There was a desperate need for a centre forward who could create his own shot due to USA’s inability to create with the ball high up the pitch. Balogun ticks a lot of boxes.

“I’ve always said that I’m an unorthodox sort of striker, because naturally it wasn’t where I grew up playing, so I would always look to exploit spaces,” said Balogun when asked about his role for the US men’s national team. “It’s great with the players we have when they’re able to find me, and it gives me the confidence to keep making these runs, because I know they’re looking for me.”

Balogun has some competition for his starting spot at the World Cup. Ricardo Pepi continues to find the back of the net on a regular basis for PSV while Patrick Agyemang and Wright are on a hot streak in the Championship. The centre forward pool is certainly deeper now than it was for the 2022 World Cup.

No American striker, however, is currently operating at a higher level than Balogun. While Monaco have toiled at times this season, the American remains an important part of their project. There are a number of promising talents at the Stade Louis II and Balogun deserves to be mentioned to be among them.

(Images from IMAGO)

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Mar

2026

Preview: Real Madrid looking to avoid third straight defeat as they head to Celta

Celta Vigo host Real Madrid in LaLiga this evening as Álvaro Arbeloa’s side desperately attempts to rescue their title hopes after two successive defeats.

By Matt Smith

Madrid lost to Getafe at home last time out, following on from a 2-1 defeat away at Osasuna towards the end of February.

Tonight, they face a Celta Vigo side who secured a surprise 2-0 victory away in Madrid when these two sides met earlier in the season, with Williot Swedberg firing home both goals to give his side the three points.

Team news

Celta will see Borja Iglesias return to their squad after he missed their previous game through suspension. Marcos Alonso, Pablo Durán, and Carl Starfelt will be unavailable, however, due to injury.

As for Madrid, they suffered a crucial blow this week as it was confirmed Brazilian forward Rodrygo would be out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. He joins Kylian Mbappé, Dani Ceballos, David Alaba, Jude Bellingham, and Éder Militão on the treatment table.

Celta will want to replicate Getafe display

Madrid found things incredibly difficult earlier this week as they faced a defensive Getafe side. Celta Vigo will be hoping to replicate Getafe’s performance, sitting deep and staying compact defensively in order to frustrate Madrid.

Celta certainly have the tools to do it, conceding just 1.1 goals per game in LaLiga this season, which is only bettered by the top three in the table.

Madrid need to find some magic in attack

Although Madrid’s attacking numbers have been impressive this season in isolation, they are competing with one of the best sides in Europe when it comes to their final third production. Arbeloa’s side need to show more in attack, especially after their two recent defeats.

It’s not going to be easy without both Mbappé and Rodrygo, but Madrid simply need to be hitting the attacking numbers that we see Barcelona produce. No side has conceded fewer goals this season than Madrid, but it’s their attack that is letting them down in comparison to Barcelona.

It’s Vinícius Júnior’s time

Vinícius Júnior will have plenty of pressure on his shoulders heading into this game, with both Mbappé and Rodrygo unavailable. The Brazilian has been on form over the last few weeks after a disappointing period, and it’s crucial that he continues to step up.

Vinícius’ run of scoring five games in a row came to an end last time out, but teams are struggling to keep him quiet at the moment. The Madrid forward will be the player to watch in this one, with Arbeloa having minimal attacking options to choose from.

Prediction

It’s difficult to see Madrid losing three games on the bounce in LaLiga, and we’re predicting them to bounce back in this one. We’re going for a 2-0 victory to Real Madrid.

(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.