Page 40 – The Pulse of Football

Jan

2026

Preview: Chelsea meet West Ham in cross town rivalry

Not much feels routine around Chelsea these days, and though Champions League knockout football is assured and they’ve won four in a row, it still seems a home clash with London rivals struggling against relegation will be anything but straight-forward for them.

By Karl Matchett

The blues seem to lurch their way from one headline to the next, whether it’s the dissent in the dugout or the bloated squad causing problems. But now, Enzo Maresca has gone, Raheem Sterling too, Benoît Badiashile reintegrated and former boss Antonio Conte vanquished in Europe. Could it all settle down a bit?

Has Rosenior’s start been…good?

Chelsea fans are rarely agreeable on much, even with each other, and the appointment of Liam Rosenior was another example of that, with plenty appearing angered by it. But aside from the League Cup loss to Arsenal, results have been positive: five wins across three competitions. There remain rumblings over potential Cole Palmer discontent, but he came off the bench to nab two assists in Naples too.

The team remains far from perfect but with João Pedro and Enzo Fernández in decent form, they’ll be a threat against all defences – and back-to-back Premier League wins have them inside the top five again there. More to the point, they’ve a huge chance now to consolidate that run: their next four league fixtures are against four of the bottom five.

The whiff of a hint of a bit of a chance

Conceding a last-minute penalty to Morgan Gibbs-White and losing to Nottingham Forest felt like the end – the gap from 18th to 17th was seven points at that stage and West Ham were ten without a win. But football moves fast – that was only three weeks ago and since then Nuno’s side have managed an improbable three straight victories, one being in the FA Cup. It’s still a five-point gap to safety, and both Forest and Leeds above them have been in decent form themselves, but hope springs eternal in the battle at the bottom.

West Ham might look at their following game away to Burnley as a much more “must win” encounter than this one, but fixtures disappear fast and every match is a chance to pick up an unexpected point which might prove pivotal at season’s end.

Recent form

Despite Rosenior’s fine start as boss, Chelsea’s wider home league form is erratic – two wins from the last five and three wins in their last 11 in the league overall. West Ham’s three-match winning run is their best form all season.

Team news

Nothing new for either side with Chelsea having a lot of long term absentees, including Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Roméo Lavia.

The departure of Lucas Paquetá means West Ham need the new-look attack of Taty Castellanos and Pablo to click fast.

Key player

Enzo is an in-form everything man: above 91% of midfielders for shots, 92% for chances and 95% for goals, plus the best xG of a midfielder in the league this term.

Prediction

No three in a row for the Hammers, surely, though it feels as though the hosts still have an implosion or two in themselves: Chelsea 2-1 West Ham.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Arsenal look for improvement as they head north for Leeds test

Was the Manchester United result a one-off, or is the Premier League title race really significantly tightening? We’ll all have a better idea by the end of Arsenal’s trip to Leeds United.

By Ian King

With three straight Premier League matches without a win for Arsenal, the title race is starting to tighten again

Perhaps the key question facing Arsenal as they head to Elland Road for their match against Leeds United is how fleeting their current Premier League blip will turn out to be. They’ve now gone three consecutive League matches without a win, and their home defeat to Manchester United last weekend was their first of the season at The Emirates in any competition. They bounced back from this result in the Champions League during the week, but their 3-2 win against Kairat Almaty was a little tighter than might have been expected.

Leeds United have become the Premier League’s draw specialists over the last couple of months. They’ve only lost one of their last ten games in the League, but six of those have been draws, including a 1-1 draw at Everton last week. With the gap between them and the dotted line near the foot of the table now standing at six points, they’re edging their way towards safety, but they’re not quite there yet.

Leeds United haven’t beaten Arsenal in any competition in almost 23 years

Look away now, Leeds United fans, because your team’s record in this fixture is abysmal. Leeds haven’t beaten Arsenal in any competition since May 2003, with Arsenal having won 13 of their last 15 meetings and two draws, the last of which came in November 2020.

Last season, the Gunners won the corresponding fixture 1-0 at Elland Road, while they won 5-0 at The Emirates in August when they met earlier this season.

This match could centre on two injury-prone strikers with points to prove

With nine goals in 21 games this season, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been a revelation for Leeds this season overall, offering up a demonstration of what he’s capable of when not sidelined by the injuries that plagued his time with Everton and leading for calls for his return to the England squad ahead of the summer’s World Cup. But he’s had a bit of a dip in form recently and he’s now gone three Premier League games without a goal, so this weekend would be an ideal time to get himself back on song.

*Calvert-Lewin’s unique shot map from Premier League games this season*

With a goal against Kairat Almaty being his first of the season, Kai Havertz has staked a claim for more game time in the Premier League. Having missed the first half of the season through injury, Havertz is another player with a point to prove. He’s been available for selection since the end of December, and now it’s time for the German international to demonstrate to Mikel Arteta that his return really adds another string to their bow ahead of the championship run-in.

Both Leeds and Arsenal have players that they could welcome back for this match

William Saliba and Jurrien Timber were both rested for Arsenal’s final Champions League group match with minor knocks, but are expected to return for this match, while Arteta can also welcome back Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, both of whom were suspended in midweek. Arsenal’s main absentee will be 16-year-old Max Dowman, who’s picked up a knock to his ankle and will likely be missing until the middle of February.

Daniel Farke could also have players that he may be able to welcome back from injury, with Gabriel Gudmundsson and Daniel James both potential returnees, although neither are certainties by any stretch of the imagination. But Jaka Bijol has a hamstring injury that will be keeping him out for a month, and Sebastiaan Bornauw is likely to continue to deputise for him.

Leeds are far from ideal opponents for Arsenal, following their Manchester United loss

So, will Arsenal’s home defeat against Manchester United turn out to be a pivotal moment in this season’s championship race or a mere footnote en route to a famous title win? A failure to win this match may leave them finishing the weekend with their lead at the top of the Premier League table cut still further unless they win, and if nothing else, Leeds United have proved themselves to be pretty resilient over the last couple of months.

There remain, of course, plenty of reasons to believe the former. With a 100% record in the Champions League group stage, Arsenal were already home and dry into the next round well before their midweek win, and it remains the case that everybody has been dropping points near the top of the Premier League since the start of the new year, while their record against Leeds spanning back more than twenty years is about as good as it could be.

But Leeds have played with a bit of steel in their backbone over the last couple of months, and this isn’t the ideal time for Arsenal to be playing a team who have become difficult to beat since last autumn. Leeds still have work to do in order to secure their Premier League status at the end of this season, and both Manchester City and Aston Villa are still snapping at Arsenal’s heels.

Three matches without a win isn’t a ‘crisis’, but Arsenal need to get back to winning ways in the Premier League. This weekend, though, might not be that time. I’m going for a 1-1 draw in this one, and for the nerves to still be jangling by the time that Manchester City take on their North London rivals Spurs the following day.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Ethan Nwaneri: Loan spell at Marseille could be catalyst for bright Arsenal future

“At 17 years old, to be in a position like he is in at one of the biggest clubs in Europe, I think sums up really well the level that he has.”

By Ross Kilvington

Those words were uttered by Mikel Arteta in November 2024 before a Premier League match against Newcastle. The player in focus? A certain Ethan Nwaneri.

The teenager had made his debut for Arsenal during the 2023/24 campaign, before enjoying a breakthrough last season.

He made 37 appearances for the Gunners, registering 11 goal contributions in the process. It appeared as though he was going to be the next big thing to emerge from the Hale End academy.

Why then, is Nwaneri spending the second half of the season on loan at Marseille?

*Nwaneri’s player traits compared against similar players in top 5 leagues*

Ethan Nwaneri had the world at his feet last season

Arsenal may have finished the season trophyless, but there was no doubt that the emergence of a player like Nwaneri ensured a bright future for the club.

Looking to make a similar impression in the first team that Bukayo Saka did when he burst onto the scene in 2019/20, Nwaneri shone last term.

The 18-year-old either operated on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder under Arteta last season, particularly impressing in the Premier League.

When compared to his peers in the top flight, Nwaneri ranked in the top 13% for goals per 90 (0.4), while also showcasing his wonderful dribbling abilities by ranking in the top 3% for dribbles per 90 (3.75) last season.

*Nwaneri’s possession stats per 90 in the Premier League last season*

In the Champions League, he again ranked highly across a range of metrics. Nwaneri was in the top 10% for successful dribbles, the top 5% for successful crosses and in the top 4% for goals per 90.

While he was fighting for a place in the starting XI, it was evident that the teenage sensation was someone Arteta could rely on.

If 2024/25 was his breakthrough, then surely 2025/26 was when Nwaneri would take his game to new heights?

Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite gone to plan. He made just six appearances in the Premier League, with his sole goal coming against Brighton during an EFL Cup game back in October.

Of course, Arteta found it difficult to shoehorn him into a winning team, but it felt like Nwaneri’s spark – which was omnipresent last term – was beginning to wane.

As such, a temporary move away from the Emirates looked to be the most logical option for the teenager, who signed a new deal during the summer that will run through until 2030.

“Talented players need to have minutes and Ethan in this case wasn’t having enough minutes,” admitted Arteta and Nwaneri subsequently joined Marseille until the end of the campaign.

After just one match, the move already looks like an exciting one for the Englishman.

Nwaneri has started off with a bang at Marseille

Marseille are challenging for the Champions League places in Ligue 1 this season and under Roberto de Zerbi, the club offer plenty of opportunities for young talent.

Current Arsenal defender William Saliba spent a season on loan at the club during the 2021/22 campaign, winning Ligue 1’s young player of the year award in the process.

Arteta will be hoping Nwaneri can replicate that success, especially after an incredibly bright start by the 18-year-old.

Taking on league leaders Lens last weekend, Marseille scored in the third minute thanks to Amine Gouiri before Nwaneri then doubled his new side’s advantage with a well taken effort just 13 minutes in to his debut.

*The shot map for Nwaneri’s debut goal for Marseille*

Receiving the ball just inside his own half, the teen powered his way towards goal, getting the better of one defender before unleashing a left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the Lens’ goal from just outside the penalty area.

It was a run that was so often seen at Arsenal last season and this goal could certainly give him plenty of confidence to crack on between now and the end of the season.

Not only did he open his account for the French side, but Nwaneri succeeded with all three of his dribble attempts during the game and played five passes into the final third.

He also won four of his seven ground duels during his 58 minutes on the pitch and there is no doubt De Zerbi has signed someone who could help Marseille add their name to the current two-horse title race being played out between Lens and PSG, the only sides above them in the Ligue 1 table.

The youngster was unleashed in his preferred number ten role, operating just behind Gouiri and this could play to his strengths.

Often at Arsenal, the 18-year-old was switched between the right wing and as an attacking midfielder, especially during the 2024/25 campaign.

The future is bright for Nwaneri at Arsenal, that much is certain. A loan spell at this stage of his career could perhaps be a blessing in disguise, allowing him to get the vital game time that shows Arteta why he deserves more chances back in London next season.

Given his wonderful start on the French Riveria, Arteta will be paying close attention to his progress between now and May.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Ligue 1 with FotMob this season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jan

2026

FotMob Profile: Antoine Semenyo’s flying start at Manchester City

Antoine Semenyo has hit the ground running for Manchester City and could play a big role in the rest of the Premier League title race.

By Graham Ruthven

Before Antoine Semenyo had even played a game for Manchester City, Pep Guardiola was thanking him. “All I can say is thank you to him,” said the City boss after the Ghanaian’s £65m switch to the Etihad Stadium from Bournemouth was confirmed. Guardiola now has even more reason to be grateful for Semenyo’s decision.

In just four games for his new team, Semenyo has registered four goal contributions. Dropped straight into the Manchester City lineup, the 26-year-old has given Guardiola a different dimension to utilise. With Semenyo in the team, City’s forward line has become even more formidable.

*Semenyo’s outstanding 2025/26 season overview so far*

“He uses both feet unbelievably. He can play as a striker too, with his pace,” said Guardiola at Semenyo’s first press conference as a City player. This was a precursor to the instant impact his new winger would make. Semenyo is indeed two-footed. He’s quick. And he can play as a striker. Guardiola knew what he was getting.

Semenyo’s performance against Wolves on Saturday was his best in a Manchester City shirt to date. Deployed on the right side with Rayan Cherki on the left and Omar Marmoush through the middle, the Premier League’s bottom side simply couldn’t handle the level of creativity and attacking threat that came at them.

No City player registered more shots against Wolves than Semenyo. He was a threat coming inside off the wing. He was a handful combining with teammates in the middle to create overloads. He was determined to get into the final third at every possible opportunity to trouble the Wolves backline.

*Semenyo’s player traits compared against similar players in top 5 leagues*

Some wondered if Semenyo might be used as a depth option by Guardiola. Manchester City already boast a number of top-level attacking figures and so it wasn’t immediately clear how their latest signing would fit in. However, just a few weeks into his City career, Semenyo looks right at home.

Guardiola has historically had a difficult relationship with wingers. Jack Grealish, for instance, arrived at Manchester City for a Premier League-record fee as a swashbuckling maverick. By the time he departed on loan for Everton last summer, he had been moulded into a system player more likely to recycle possession than dribble at a defender.

That Guardiola welcomed Semenyo with open arms suggests the Catalan coach has changed his outlook on what wingers can offer his team. It became clear last season that City needed to add invention to their team in the attacking third, a realisation that led to the addition of Rayan Cherki and Tijani Reijnders.

Manchester City are still in the middle of a rebuild. They have spent over £500m on new players in the last three transfer windows, but their inconsistent form this season has highlighted the process that is still taking place. Most expect Guardiola’s team to fall short in the title race.

Nonetheless, there has been a clear increase in the level of talent at the Etihad Stadium in recent times. Cherki is growing in his influence on the ball. Phil Foden looks more like his old self again. Reijnders has filled the void left by Kevin De Bruyne by giving Manchester City more dynamism through the centre of the pitch.

Semenyo, however, may be the most exhilarating thing about City right now. Everything looks so easy for him. His control of the ball is instant. He’s fast, but deceptively so. Semenyo at half-pace is still quicker than the majority of Premier League defenders. He frequently brushes past them as if they aren’t even there.

*Semenyo is in the 94th percentile for successful dribbles in the Premier League*

With Jérémy Doku on one wing and Semenyo on the other, Manchester City can stretch opponents across the pitch to create space in the middle. It was bad enough when defenders had to worry about one natural dribbler driving at them with the ball at their feet – now City have two of them.

Another tactical approach available to Guardiola is the deployment of Cherki and Foden as dual number 10s. Both players are most effective in the half spaces between the lines and Guardiola has more than once emboldened them in this formation by sending his full backs high and wide to maintain width.

At Bournemouth, Semenyo was clearly ready for the next step in his career. He was good enough to play for a team targeting the game’s biggest prizes and his £65m release clause was attractive enough to spark a scramble among some of the Premier League’s most ambitious clubs.

Manchester City won that scramble ahead of many of their rivals including Liverpool and Manchester United and are now showing why they were so desperate to land him. Semenyo is the perfect Guardiola winger. He could be the player who elevates City’s reconstruction to the next level.

(Images from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

FotMob Profile: Lyon are thriving after avoiding administrative relegation

Ahead of the season, there was a lot of doom and gloom surrounding Lyon. Serious financial mismanagement meant they faced an enforced administrative demotion to Ligue 2, which was eventually overruled.

By Alex Roberts

Now? Everything’s looking alright, actually.

Let’s rewind a little. It all started with John Textor, Crystal Palace fans know him well. An incredibly wealthy American businessman and entrepreneur who bought a 77.4% majority stake in the French club through his Eagle Football Holdings group.

As it turns out, Textor hasn’t been the saviour many heralded him to be. He still owns the club, but their overturned relegation forced him to take a backseat as fans made their feelings known that they would no longer abide by the American.

On June 24^th, The DNCG, a French football authority, sanctioned Lyon and relegated them due to financial issues. The club of course appealed the decision, Michele Kang took over as president, and a few weeks later it was overturned.

The main issue was a hefty debt of €541 million owed by the club and a massively inflated wage bill without much cash flow. To earn their place back in Ligue 1, Lyon needed a cash injection of €100m and to bring another €100m to serve as a guarantee for the next two years.

Lyon pulled it off. Aging high earners like Alexandre Lacazette, Saïd Benrahma, and Nemanja Matić were all shipped out, while sales of Rayan Cherki to Man city for around €35 million and Georges Mikautadze to Villareal for €30 million certainly played their part.

Of course, players had to be brought in to replace those that had left, but Lyon made sure to spend shrewdly with the only deal reaching double figures being that of Tyler Morton, who joined from Liverpool for €10 million.

With a backdrop of all these issues, Lyon kicked their Ligue 1 campaign off with a trip to Lens. When the final whistle blew on their 1-0 win, coming courtesy of a goal from Mikautadze before he was sold, Lyon were top of the table… until Monaco beat Le Havre 3-1 a few hours later.

Paulo Fonseca ended up with a solid squad once the transfer window closed, even if it’s some way off the Juninho, Fred and Jeremy Toulalan sides from the 2000s. Not much was expected of them, although anything was better than relegation.

Fonseca took the job in early 2025, blissfully unaware that it would all get a little precarious a few months later. The Portuguese manager proved he can do it in France with Lille, and he’s proven to be an inspired appointment. The Textor regime hasn’t got a lot correct, they nailed it with this.

He could have easily left and probably walked into another job at an elite European club, or perhaps in Saudi Arabia or Brazil, but he didn’t, instead he stayed at the club and is arguably the main reason Lyon have been able to turn things around so effectively.

With 30 wins, four draws, and 13 defeats from his 47 games at the club, Fonseca is a manager that likes to play on the front foot, centring his play around a high-intensity, possession-based system designed for positional fluidity, quick ball circulation, and baiting opposition presses.

One of Fonseca’s best assets as a manager is his ability to get the best out of the players he has at his disposal. On paper, last summer was a fine if slightly uninspiring incoming transfer window, what really matter is on the pitch, though.

This time last season, Morton was hoping and praying for a chance under Arne Slot, now, he looks like one of Ligue 1’s most complete midfielders. He’s a fantastic passer, completing 750 at a success rate of 87.8%, 60 accurate long balls at a rate of 69.8%, and creating 22 chances.

Morton isn’t the only one. Pavel Šulc, a Czech attacking midfielder/striker signed from Viktoria Plzeň may well be the signing of the Ligue 1 season with nine goals and two assists from his 17 games, only ten of which have been starts.

Domestically, Lyon can’t really complain. At the time of writing, they’re in fourth with 36 points from their 19 games, just two off arch-rivals Marseille with a four-game winning run under their belt.

It’s on the continent Lyon are really shining, though. Once their administrative relegation was overturned, the club were free to compete in the Europa League, unfortunately it meant that Crystal Palace would be demoted to the Conference League after a degree of alleged interference from Nottingham Forest.

Heading into the final game of the league phase, Lyon are top, level on points with favourites Aston Villa (18) with six wins and one defeat from their seven games. The only difference is that Lyon have scored more goals, 14 compared to Villa’s 11.

Admittedly, they’ve not had the toughest run of fixtures, but a side can only beat those in front of them, and that’s what Lyon have done. They’re dominating games with an average of 63.5% possession, have the joint most clean sheets (5), and the joint fewest goals conceded per match (0.4).

If it wasn’t for some truly remarkable and ultimately pointless Harry Maguire heroics last season, Lyon would have made it to the Europa League final and would have probably gotten the better of Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham.

There has been a lot of change for Lyon since then, notably they don’t have Cherki running the show anymore, but Fonseca has adapted, and they look like genuine contenders to lift the trophy once again.

Lyon’s last game is against one of the best attacking sides in the league phase, PAOK Thessaloniki. The Greek side have created the most big chances (28), and have the highest xG (15.7).

It’s been one hell of a year to be a Lyon fan. Not so long ago, the world was turned upside down, but now, the club once known as the best run in France appear to have turned it around.

It would be remiss of us not to mention Endrick. The Brazilian wonderkid has hit the ground running at Lyon with four goals and one assist in his three games.

Lyon were missing a prolific goal scorer, and although they’ve not been able to register him for the Europa League so far, he can certainly be the lad that fires them to Champions League qualification once all is said and done.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Ligue 1 on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings, where available. Download the free app here.

Jan

2026

Estevao: Ready to shine under Rosenior

Estêvão was held back by Enzo Maresca, but could be unleashed by Liam Rosenior as Chelsea’s most exciting attacking talent.

By Graham Ruthven

There was no catching Estêvão. Gifted the ball just inside the Crystal Palace half, the Chelsea winger still had plenty to do to find the back of the net. There was 40 yards for him to make up and an opposition defender to hold off. Yet Estêvão had no trouble converting to put Chelsea 1-0 up and on course for a valuable win.

Estêvão also set up João Pedro for Chelsea’s second goal at Selhurst Park, shining throughout for Liam Rosenior’s resurgent team who have now won four of the five matches they have played since the managerial change. The Brazilian’s talent has never been more obvious than it was on Sunday.

One wonders what Enzo Maresca thought of Estevao’s performance against Palace. While the Italian coach was always publicly glowing about the teenager’s potential, he undeniably held him back for much of the first half of the season. This was a source of frustration for many Chelsea supporters.

Injury and illness also played a part in Estêvão starting just eight Premier League games, but Maresca was careful not to throw the teenager in at the deep end. This was admirable in a sense and might have helped Estêvão acclimatise to his new surroundings after joining from Palmeiras last summer. In another sense, though, it limited Chelsea’s attack.

Chelsea have spent the best part of £400m on new attackers in the last two seasons. Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens, Pedro and Estêvão all arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer in an attempt to supercharge the potency of the Blues’ forward line. Those new signings, however, have all endured challenges at various points of the season.

The Stamford Bridge club’s model is designed to attract some of the most talented youngsters in the global game. Chelsea had the youngest squad in the Premier League last season and Estêvão is the wonderkid currently at the club with the biggest upside. He has the makings of a superstar.

“He’s a player with special abilities, special talent,” said Rosenior when asked about Estêvão’s sparkling performance against Palace. “He’s been ill, and every time he’s been on the pitch so far with me, I think he’s been outstanding. But I feel if you watch that goal, what makes me so happy is all 11 men are back behind the ball. That’s why he gets the space.”

No Premier League teenager has registered more goal contributions across all competitions than Estêvão this season. The Brazilian has tallied 24 successful dribbles over the course of the 2025/26 campaign so far and has earned a reputation for being single-minded in his determination to get into the opposition box at every possible opportunity.

Chelsea need more forward thrust in the final third. It was a common complaint of Maresca’s approach that the Blues didn’t do enough to force the issue against low defensive blocks, too often choosing to recycle possession when something out of the ordinary was required to break through.

This is where Estêvão could meaningfully move the needle. The teenager only has one thought on his mind whenever he receives the ball – make something happen. He did that more than once against Crystal Palace on Sunday and will be expected to produce on a regular basis to continue his development.

Capable of playing on either wing, Estêvão is two-footed. He is naturally fast and skilful. The epitome of a quintessential Brazilian winger in the mould of Vinícius Júnior or Neymar. It’s easy to see why Chelsea were so eager to pay a reported €34m to sign him not long after his breakthrough at Palmeiras.

Estêvão gets fans out of their seats. It is an inherently exhilarating experience to watch the 18-year-old in full flow, as he was for periods of the win over Crystal Palace. If Maresca-ball was dull, Estêvão might have been the antidote had the Italian trusted the young winger more thoroughly.

Withdrawn 16 minutes from the end against Palace, Estêvão received a standing ovation from the away support at Selhurst Park. He represents the brightest hopes and dreams of a fanbase that wants to believe it will see Chelsea challenge for the biggest prizes in the near future. Estêvão represents the best of Clearlake’s strategy when there is so much else that represents its worst.

*Estêvão’s first season at Chelsea summarised*

Rosenior’s Chelsea is still a work-in-progress. The 41-year-old has enjoyed a positive start to life at Stamford Bridge, but the true measure of his management will be taken in the output he is able to squeeze out of the group of players he inherited. There’s more to squeeze out of Estêvão than most.

(Images from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Kenan Yildiz: Juventus’ creative heartbeat, who is taking Italian football by storm

On Sunday, the reigning Serie A champions Napoli arrived at Allianz Stadium to face Juventus. The Partenopei’s title defence was dealt an almighty blow as they were crushed 3-0 by the Bianconeri, who were spearheaded by the magical Kenan Yıldız.

By Alex Connor

The silky playmaker was denied two first-half assists. Firstly, he teed up Khéphren Thuram, who crashed an effort against the post, before dribbling at the Napoli backline, attracting the attention of multiple defenders, and slipping in Francisco Conceição. Still, his teammate’s goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Alessandro Buongiorno.

Nevertheless, Yıldız would eventually receive his crowning moment. Deep into the second half, he doubled Juventus’ lead, courtesy of a composed and clinical finish, after Fabio Miretti pounced on Juan Jesus’ mistake. Filip Kostić added a late third to rub salt in the Napoli wounds, and Yıldız ended with that all-important second goal, two chances created, 89% pass accuracy, and three accurate long balls over 87 glorious minutes.

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti praised Yıldız with his post-match comments, describing the 20-year-old as “not a normal player” and an “alien.”

Yıldız now has eight Serie A goals and is the competition’s joint-second top scorer. He has already surpassed his best-ever tally in a single top-flight campaign, after finding the net nine times across the previous two Serie A seasons.

The youngster appears as either an attacking midfielder, winger or inside forward, and is equally effective on the left or in central areas. Yıldız isn’t the quickest, but compensates for it with his inventiveness, flair and technical ability.

Yıldız’s statistics underline that he is undoubtedly the creative heartbeat of Juventus’ attack, and one of Italian football’s most productive forces. Across his 21 Serie appearances this season, he ranks within the top 10% for goals scored, assists, chances created, successful crosses, successful dribbles, and touches in the opposition box. Yıldız doesn’t shy away from defensive work either, sitting in the highest 8% for duels won, with 97.

Initially, the Turkish International spent most of his youth career in his place of birth, Germany, playing for Bayern Munich, until his contract expired in 2022. He then joined Juventus and has been with the first team since making his Serie A debut in August 2023.

Later that year, in December, on his first Juventus start, Yıldız netted in a 2-1 victory over Frosinone to become the club’s youngest foreign goalscorer in Serie A, at just 18 years and 233 days. He also broke the same Juventus record in the Champions League when he scored against PSV Eindhoven in September 2024, eclipsing Alessandro Del Piero.

Yıldız has continued along the same path of blistering ascendency. After being awarded the Juventus number 10 shirt with a new contract in August 2024, he has blossomed with the added responsibility.

In 2025, the Yıldız was one of only two Serie A players (alongside Inter’s Francesco Pio Esposito) in the 25-man shortlist for the Golden Boy Award.

*Yıldız’ player traits compared with similar players in Europe’s top five leagues*

This new shirt number, versatility and ability to play off the striker mean that Yıldız has drawn some early and slightly generous comparisons to Juventus legend Del Piero. When asked about this, the 2006 World Cup winner said, “he likes it” because of how Yıldız “sacrifices himself a lot” and creates “beautiful goals.” He also says that Yıldız is becoming the “complete player.”

Juventus’ commanding victory over Napoli meant they moved within a point of their opponents but stay fifth. The Old Lady remains ten points behind league leaders Inter. After winning nine consecutive Serie A titles between 2011 and 2020, Juventus have had to watch their most bitter rivals (both Milan giants and Napoli) revel in Scudetto glory in recent years.

The fans are accustomed to success and watching their teams boss Italian football. Former record goal scorer and club president Giampiero Boniperti coined the infamous, iconic motto: “Winning isn’t important, it’s the only thing that counts.” This trailblazing, driven mentality is woven into the club’s identity and has laid the foundations for its success.

The new era has involved a rebuild, since the departures of household names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. The squad which clinched the title in the 2019/20 season is virtually unrecognisable from the current crop. If Juventus are to return to the summit and dominate Italian football again, then Yıldız is the player to assemble around. Backed by frightening natural ability, his confidence, output and quality are all exponentially rising.

With Spalletti at the Juventus helm for the rest of the season, he can play a massive role in Yıldız’s development and mould him into one of the world’s most exciting attackers. When he was the title-winning Napoli manager in the 2022/23 season, the veteran coach astutely channelled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s brilliance. The Georgian winger bears a striking similarity to Yıldız. Both players boast close control and technical prowess, and love cutting inside.

The marquee attacker who bamboozles opponents and excites audiences is the face of the present and the symbol of the future. Yıldız is worth building the project around and could be the player to take Juventus back where they belongs.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Antonio Conte’s Napoli host Chelsea in crucial UCL decider

It’s the final day of the Champions League league phase and Chelsea head to beautiful Naples for one of the headline fixtures with a place in the top eight on the line. Will Liam Rosenior get the better of Antonio Conte?

By Alex Roberts

Chelsea were poor in their previous fixture against Pafos, needing a 78^th minute Moisés Caicedo header to get past the Cypriot side. They’re just about in the top eight, but anything short of a win here would likely see them drop out.

It could be worse. Napoli have been dreadful throughout their campaign so far and are on the brink of elimination altogether. Their 1-1 draw with FC København leaves them down in 25^th with just eight points from their seven games so far. Conte has a love/hate relationship with the Champions League.

Estêvão uh huh uh huh, I like it

Rosenior has come in and Estêvão has featured heavily in four of his five games at the helm, a slight increase on the minutes he was getting under Enzo Maresca. The young Brazilian was the best player on the pitch in their 3-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace.

He remains one of Chelsea’s best attacking threats despite not being a regular starter. In the Premier League, he has the most successful dribbles per 90 (3.2), most shots per 90 (3.2), and the highest xA per 90 (0.29). It’s not an exaggeration to say he’s the future of the club.

On the continent, Estêvão is Chelsea’s top Champions League scorer with three. He’s already shown what he’s capable of against the champions of Spain, there is no reason he can’t do the same against their Italian counterparts.

A little reunion

There are a few former Chelsea men currently plying their trade at Napoli. Billy Gilmour is out with a groin injury, so that leaves Conte and Romelu Lukaku available to rain of their former club’s potential parade.

Conte is still a hero at Chelsea, the last man to win the club a Premier League title before he was unceremoniously sacked by the previous regime. We’re sure the Stamford Bridge faithful are happy things like that don’t happen anymore…

Lukaku, on the other hand, burned every bridge he had at the club with a bewildering interview just a couple of months after joining in which he said he never wanted to leave Inter Milan. The striker has only just returned from injury, so he may not start, but if he does feature, the reception from Chelsea fans will certainly be hostile.

Team news

Both sides will be missing some big names here. The big question is whether Cole Palmer will feature or not. Rosenior has said he SHOULD be fine, but he said that ahead of the Palace game too, and he was nowhere to be seen.

Goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen is also a doubt for the visitors, while Levi Colwill (ACL) Tosin Adarabioyo (thigh), Roméo Lavia (thigh), and Dário Essugo (muscle) are all out.

Napoli have seen their bid to retain the Scudetto take a major hit due to the ongoing injuries they’re having. Vanja Milinković-Savić (thigh), Amir Rrahmani (muscle), Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (muscle), Gilmour (groin), Kevin de Bruyne (thigh), David Neres (hamstring), and Matteo Politano (thigh) all won’t be back for some time.

Prediction

Chelsea usually turn up when they need to, but despite Napoli’s poor form, they won’t be pushovers, so we’re going with a 2-1 win for the visitors.

(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.

Jan

2026

Preview: Liverpool welcome Qarabag to Anfield for final UCL matchday

Liverpool will be aiming to bounce back from defeat against Bournemouth at the weekend to seal a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League on Wednesday.

By Ross Kilvington

Their final opponents in the group stage this season are Qarabağ, who have already faced English opposition earlier this term, drawing with Chelsea back in November.

With both teams looking to finish the group stage on a positive note, this could be an interesting tie.

A realistic chance of silverware for Liverpool?

With a Premier League title defence all but over before Christmas, does the Champions League represent a realistic shot of silverware for Arne Slot?

The Anfield side did suffer defeats against Galatasaray and PSV Eindhoven earlier this season, yet they have claimed victories against Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

As such, their five wins in the competition have the club sitting fourth in the table, with only a point needed against Qarabağ to seal a top eight finish.

If so, they will avoid playing the likes of Bayern Munich, Arsenal, PSG, Real Madrid and potentially Barcelona, in the next round.

As good as an incentive as any for Slot and his men ahead of Wednesday evening.

Qarabağ could prove to be tricky opponents

The Azerbaijani side have adapted rather well to the Champions League this season. This is only the second time the club have qualified for the group stages of Europe’s elite competition, but they could seal a place in the knockout playoff round with a positive result at Anfield.

An opening night win over Benfica set the tone for Qarabağ, following it up with a victory over FC Copenhagen.

As mentioned, they drew with Chelsea, while a 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt has them sitting in 18^th place ahead of the last match.

Slot will have to pay particular attention to forward Camilo Durán and winger Leandro Andrade. The duo have scored four and three goals respectively in the competition this season.

The Reds have conceded in four of their seven games, something which Qarabağ will be keen to exploit.

Team news

Slot will definitely be without the services of Giovanni Leoni, Alexander Isak and Conor Bradley for this match, while Federico Chiesa could also be absent.

Joe Gomez suffered a head injury against Bournemouth and he could miss out also.

Brazilian midfielder Kady Borges will be missing for the away side, along with Ramil Sheydayev, who is ineligible.

Apart from that, Qarabağ have a fully fit squad to pick from as they look to progress.

Prediction

Liverpool have shown their class in Europe this term, dismantling Real Madrid and Inter, last years finalists, in straightforward fashion.

Another victory is certainly on the cards at Anfield, but Qarabağ should not be underestimated by any stretch of the imagination.

They have scored at least once in six of their first seven matches in the competition this term. Expect them to cause some trouble. In the end, however, Liverpool will seal all three points.

Liverpool 2-1 Qarabağ.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Barcelona need a result against FC København in final UCL round

Barcelona’s chaotic victory in their last Champions League match leaves them with a big chance of earning themselves a top-eight finish – but they still need a win in their last match to gatecrash the last 16 automatically.

By Karl Matchett

A heavy defeat against Chelsea and a disappointing draw at Club Brugge earlier in the competition means there’s still work to do for Hansi Flick’s side, though they will be overwhelming favourites to beat Danish opponents who are outside the playoff places ahead of the final game week.

Unfinished business?

While Barca might turn out to be too defensively uncertain to go the distance, the fans and players alike will both have hope as well as expectation that they can cause an upset or two along the way and end up European champions. For that to happen – aside from injuries being kinder than they have been – it’s likely that Robert Lewandowski will need to find his firing boots for one more big run of form for the Catalan club.

He’s the third-highest all-time goalscorer in the competition, behind only the big two, and the Pole has a goals per game ratio comparable to both. And yet, he might feel frustrated that his time in the competition hasn’t quite yielded the absolute success his goals might have warranted.

*Lewandowski has one goal in the UCL this season*

Lewandowski does have a winner’s medal, it’s true – but that came in 2020. There were no supporters in place as the quarters, semis and final were played behind closed doors in the aftermath of the pandemic, and Lewandowski didn’t net in the final either. He scored in both quarters and semis – yet they were mere footnotes bordering on irrelevant: an 82nd minute goal in Bayern’s extraordinary 8-2 win over Barcelona, ironically, before an even later goal in the 3-0 semi win over Lyon.

For a man who has been the go-to striker at Dortmund, Bayern and Barca, you’d expect more output in the biggest of games. Perhaps this year, with the expectation he’ll depart Camp Nou in the summer, it’s time for a glorious goodbye?

Recent form

A total of 11 wins and one defeat in their last 12 games across all competitions – the Spanish side are in-form and a point clear at the top of LaLiga domestically.

They are ninth in the league phase table heading into this Champions League game, but one of eight teams on 13 points – a win surely sees them into the top eight. København have won four of their last eight and are unbeaten in three in Europe. They’ve done well to amass eight points in truth but that may be the ceiling. They are 26th, though level on points with PSV in 22nd.

Team news

Frenkie de Jong is suspended, Gavi and Pedri are injured and Andreas Christensen is a long-term absentee.

For the visitors, Thomas Delaney, Kenay Myrie and Amir Richardson are all banned, while Magnus Mattsson is an injury doubt.

Key man

Fermín López has sparkled in Europe this term and will be a creative force in the absence of Gavi and Pedri, whether from No. 10 or deeper. He has five goals and two assists in the Champions League.

Prediction

No big surprises even though Kobenhavn will make a go of it: Barcelona 3-1 København.

(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.