Page 45 – The Pulse of Football

Jan

2026

Igor Thiago: The Brazilian Premier League record breaker

When you think of Brazilian strikers, a particular profile springs to mind depending on your age.

You’ll either think of Romario, Ronaldo and Adriano, players with pace, power, trickery and ruthless finishing ability, or you’ll think of Roberto Firmino and those who have followed him, like Gabriel Jesus, the false-nine type attackers who offer more than just output.

Despite the differing profiles, they do share particular traits. In their own distinct ways, they bring joy to football.

Seeing Ronaldo burst past opponents and slalom his way out of what looked like a dead end before slowing time down to pick out a finish was incredible to watch. It was remarkable to see a player operate with such power only to then adopt a deftness to his approach in the blink of an eye. Similarly, it was just as remarkable to see Firmino switch from full on pressing machine, fuelled by the desire to regain possession and control, to someone who would nonchalantly execute a flick into the path of a teammate to bypass a defensive line.

Check out the latest Brazil squad and the centre-forwards fall into one of the two categories. Matheus Cunha, João Pedro and, to an extent, Richarlison, fall into the Firmino category. The likes of Endrick and Vítor Roque fall into the Ronaldo category.

There might soon be a third category for Brazilian forwards though and it’ll be named after Igor Thiago.

*Thiago’s traits compared to strikers in Europe’s Big 5 leagues*

The 6’3″ forward has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this term and has 16 goals to his name already. He’s already broken the record for most goals in a single English top-flight campaign by a Brazilian, surpassing the 15 scored by Firmino, Gabriel Martinelli and Cunha.

With 17 matches remaining, Thiago is going to be eyeing up more goals to really cement himself as the most productive Brazilian attacker in Premier League history. Ironic really as the 24-year-old couldn’t be further removed from your traditional Brazilian forward.

He isn’t full of tricks. He’s not necessarily quick. He is powerful but in the same way that most tall attackers are. If you watched him play without knowing his nationality, you’d be forgiven for thinking he was a traditional, old-school British striker. Someone like Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He’s got good feet for a big man, he’s good in the air, and he’s a physical presence.

Thiago isn’t there to put in a show. He isn’t looking to wow fans. He’s there to put the ball into the back of the net. The No. 9 is all business. It might explain his unique rise to the top.

The centre-forward started out at Cruzeiro but was signed by Ludogorets Razgrad in 2022. His goals for the club caught the eye of Belgian side Club Brugge and he moved there in June 2023, with Ludogorets Razgrad selling him for a Bulgarian record.

He was involved in more record deals less than 12 months later when Brentford paid a club record fee for him. It was also a club record sale for the Belgian side.

Eyebrows would’ve been raised when the Bees signed off on a £30million deal for a forward who had scored goals in Bulgaria and Belgium. However, everyone should’ve known what Brentford were doing. They got it right with Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. If they’re moving for a striker, they would’ve done their homework.

A knee injury in his first pre-season game for the club meant his first full campaign for the club was a bit of a write-off. He was supposed to replace Toney as the main man but had to watch on from the sidelines as Wissa and Mbeumo scored a lot of goals for the Bees.

After the sales of Wissa, Mbeumo, club captain Christian Nørgaard and the loss of manager Thomas Frank in the summer, many tipped Brentford for a relegation battle. Yet here we are in January and the Bees are fifth in the table, two points behind reigning champions Liverpool.

Key to their surprise success this season has been Thiago.

The Brazilian forward has scored 46% of the goals for Brentford and he’s been involved in 17 of the 35 they’ve scored. The No. 9 has found the back of the net against Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United this term. He also scored a hat-trick against Everton and followed that up with a double in the win over Sunderland.

Thiago has been ruthless for Keith Andrews’ side. Only Haaland (20) has more goals than the Brentford man and the City forward is the only player in the Premier League to boast more goal involvements too (24 to 17).

*Thiago’s Premier League shot map this season*

What is even more impressive is how sustainable it all looks for Thiago, despite playing in a team that is considered inferior by most.

He’s taken 50 shots, a number only Haaland can better. He’s split his efforts well, too, with 23 via his right foot, 18 via his left and nine headers. The one big takeaway from his shot map this term is how he just seems to be in the right place at the right time. That isn’t luck either, that’s by design.

Of his 50 efforts, just two have come from outside of the penalty area. It goes some way to explaining why his underlying numbers are as incredible as they are. Thiago has an Expected Goals per 90 average of 0.64. His xG on Target per 90 average, a metric that highlights finishing and shot placement, is 0.74. So, in a nutshell, he’s adding value to his shots and that is no doubt why his goal return on a per 90 basis is 0.82. He’s getting high value opportunities and adding value to them. That is a recipe for goals. It’s why, if nothing changes between now and the end of the season, he’s destined to score more goals.

Thiago isn’t flashy. He’s just a hard worker who puts the team first and wants to score goals. He isn’t a Firmino or a Gabriel Jesus, but he’s proving to be just as effective in his own way.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: The Arbeloa era starts at Albacete for Real Madrid

LaLiga 2 side Albacete host Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey Round of 16, facing each other for the first time since 2005. Albacete have been out of LaLiga ever since that year, and currently sit 17th in Spain’s second tier.

By Matt Smith

Madrid have reached the final of this competition twice in the last three years, winning it once in that period against Osasuna back in 2023. The Spanish giants will play their first game under the tutelage of Álvaro Arbeloa, following Xabi Alonso’s exit this week.

Team news

Albacete should have a strong squad to choose from, with no injury problems occurring after their game against Real Sociedad B last time out. They could name a similar side to the one that defeated LaLiga outfit Celta Vigo in the last round of the competition.

For Real Madrid, Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Brahim Díaz, and Ferland Mendy all remain out for the away side. Antonio Rüdiger and Federico Valverde are doubts after their Super Cup fixture in Saudi Arabia last week, while Madrid could make a host of changes after a busy period.

Albacete struggling in LaLiga 2

Albacete are enduring a difficult season in the second tier, sitting just above the relegation zone. Defensively, Alberto González’s side have had their struggles, conceding 32.6 xG this term, with only two teams conceding more in the league.

Although they managed to get past Celta in the previous round, it took a 93rd-minute equaliser before winning on penalties. Albacete conceded 18 shots that day, totalling an xG of 2.49, meaning they’ll have to tighten up as they face one of the best sides in Europe this week.

Barcelona clash was terminal for Alonso

Real Madrid started to pick up a bit of form in recent weeks, but it was the defeat against Barcelona that saw Alonso relieved of his duties. Madrid have been chasing Barcelona in LaLiga for most of the season, and as they sit four points behind in the race for the title, the loss in Saudi Arabia was the final straw.

Madrid are now entering a new era under Arbeloa, who was previously managing Real Madrid Castilla. It’s unclear how long he’s going to be in charge, but the former Liverpool defender will be in the dugout against Albacete.

The full return of Mbappé?

Kylian Mbappé made his first appearance of 2026 against Barcelona last time out, coming off the bench to play 14 minutes upon his return from injury. To get the French forward up to speed ahead of LaLiga action this weekend, we could see Arbeloa give him a run-out from the start to build up his fitness.

*Mbappé’s shot map in LaLiga this season*

Mbappé is enjoying a phenomenal season in front of goal, scoring a whopping 18 times from 18 starts in LaLiga. Albacete will be hoping he’s not fit enough to start, but if he is, he’s undoubtedly the player to watch ahead of this game.

Prediction

Real Madrid should have too much for the side from LaLiga 2. We’re going for a comfortable 3-0 victory in Arbeloa’s first game in charge.

(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.

Jan

2026

Brahim Diaz best exemplifies modern Moroccan football

Moroccan football is on the come up like no other nation. Heavy investment in infrastructure and a large diaspora across Europe mean exciting times are ahead, and no one personifies this new era more than Brahim Díaz.

By Alex Roberts

Hosting this year’s AFCON is just the beginning. Morocco have been given the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside their Mediterranean neighbours Spain and Portugal.

What’s happening off the pitch mirrors what it is happening on it. Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final back in 2022 and are now on course to win AFCON as many expected.

If they do, they’ll have Díaz to thank. A bit part player in a Real Madrid side filled with attacking superstars, the versatile winger has had to bide his time to earn a leading role, and he’s found it with Morocco.

It’s hard to get ahead of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, or even Jude Bellingham in the Spanish capital, but Díaz has been severely underutilised at Real Madrid. Under Carlo Ancelotti, he had 18 goals and 14 assists in his 96 games, most of which were off the bench.

That’s a return that most forwards in world football would be happy with, but under the now sacked Xabi Alonso, chances were even harder to come by. Díaz has started just three of his 12 LaLiga games, providing two assists.

Díaz, as his surname may suggest, represented Spain at youth level while coming up through the ranks at Malaga and then Man City. He even made an appearance for the first team back in 2021, scoring in a friendly against Lithuania.

After that though, his phone failed to ring and with the likelihood of a recall minimal, Díaz decided to switch allegiances in 2024. Since, then, he has been an absolute revelation for Morocco, with 13 goals in his 20 appearances.

*Díaz’s tournament shot map, AFCON 2025*

AFCON 2025 is Díaz’s first major international tournament, and it’s fair to say he’s relishing the pressure that comes with being the main attacking force for arguably the continent’s best side right now.

Since the start of the tournament, Díaz has become the first Moroccan to score in four consecutive AFCON game, and even managed to go one better, scoring the opener in their 2-0 quarter final win over Cameroon.

Díaz has been far and away the player of the tournament so far. His five goals make him the current top goal scorer, although Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah aren’t too far behind with four a piece.

He’s been remarkably clinical, with his five goals coming from just 15 shots, eight of which have been on target, and a non-penalty xG of 1.98. Everything Díaz touches at the moment is turning to gold, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t putting in the hard work.

Díaz has been a consistent presser for Walid Regragui, winning 27 duels, making 14 recoveries, winning possession in the final third four times, and being dribbled past just once. He’s also let a nasty side out here and there, committing eight fouls.

What we all really want to talk about though are his goals, so let’s start at the beginning. Under the rain in Rabbat, the hosts got the tournament underway against little Comoros. Díaz was involved right away, winning a penalty after just ten minutes, only for Soufiane Rahimi to shoot right at ‘keeper Yannick Pandor.

The two sides went into the break with the score at 0-0. Morocco were desperate for someone to take the game by the scruff of the neck and avoid a potentially devastating defeat, or even a draw, in front of their own expectant fans.

Díaz did just that, scoring the opener in the 55^th minute following some fantastic work from Man United’s Noussair Mazraoui out on the right wing. Of course, Ayoub El Kaabi’s absurd bicycle kick rightfully got all of the headlines.

Next up were Mali, and this one didn’t quite go as planned for Morocco. Díaz did what he does best to win his side their penalty, beating three defenders, with Nathan Gassama seemingly trying to swat the ball away with his hand, Díaz stepped up, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way to open the scoring.

The game against Mali ended in a 1-1 draw. Frustrated, Morocco went on to absolutely batter Zambia, with Díaz scoring yet again. He was a little fortunate with this one, Abde Ezzalzouli’s cutback was clearly intended for El Kaabi, but he completely missed it. The striker made up for it with ANOTHER bicycle kick in the 50^th minute, though.

Morocco faced Tanzania in their first game of 2026, and it was New year, same Díaz. Regragui’s side dominated, but really struggled to break down the opposition defence, until, you guessed, Díaz was the man of the moment.

Received the ball from Achraf Hakimi, he showed that star quality and close control that have been trademarks of his campaign so far, Díaz struck from a tight angle, catching Hussein Masalanga completely off guard, leaving him with nothing to do other than deflect the ball into the goal.ya Touré. That feels good.”

Díaz was subbed off in that game with a slight knock, but he wasn’t about to miss the quarters against one of Africa’s bonafide big boys, Cameroon. As Morocco’s corner was swung in, Cameroon captain Nouhou Tolo let Díaz get ahead of him, allowing the tiny winger to nudge the ball into the net with his thigh.

Next up are the other favourites, Nigeria. Unlike all of their other games so far, Morocco won’t be able to play on the front foot quite as much and may have to take their chances on the counter. Don’t be surprised if Díaz makes it six from six.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Chelsea and Arsenal clash in Carabao Cup semifinal, first leg

We’re down to the final four Carabao Cup challengers. Man City and holders Newcastle will have played their first leg, now Chelsea host Arsenal as both sides attempt to lay down a marker and put one foot in the final.

By Alex Roberts

Enzo Maresca’s last win as Chelsea manager was their unconvincing 3-1 victory over Cardiff to get them to the semis. A lot has happened since then, and now Liam Rosenior is the man tasked with taking the Blues one step further.

Arsenal needed an own goal from Maxence Lacroix and then penalties to get past Crystal Palace in their quarter final, with the Frenchman missing the deciding spot kick. Still, Mikel Arteta’s side head into the Chelsea game as favourites.

Who do Arsenal play up top?

In mid-January, we’re starting to run out of reasons regarding why Viktor Gyökeres isn’t banging them in like many Arsenal fans had hoped. There are those that knew it wouldn’t work out, but the last time he scored from open play was against Burnley in early November. That’s not great.

Gabriel Jesus, back from a devastating ACL injury, has come off the bench for Gyökeres in four of their last five games across all competitions, and has contributed much more. Not only has he scored, he just looks up to pace with his fellow Arsenal players, while the Sweden international looks clunky and slow.

To make matters worse for Gyökeres, Kai Havertz is also back from his long-term injury. Arteta certainly has some decisions to make; does he drop the man signed to score goals but isn’t in favour of a potentially regressive move? We’ll see.

A different kind of beast

Chelsea looked really good in Liam Rosenior’s first game in charge, the huge caveat being it was against Championship Charlton. Still, he became the first manager since Antonio Conte back in 2016 to win his first competitive game.

We could already see Rosenior had set his tactical blueprint in motion. Jorrel Hato was playing as a number ten in possession, having his best game in a Chelsea shirt and opening the scoring with a wonderful volley.

There was even a couple of moments in which we saw Filip Jörgensen, Chelsea’s ‘keeper for the night, playing higher up the field, a trademark of Rosenior’s time at Strasbourg. Arsenal are a much better side than Charlton, though, so let’s see how the new manager does here.

Team news

Surprise, surprise, Moisés Caicedo has managed to find a way to get himself suspended for this one. Single yellow cards are usually wiped out at the quarters, but since the midfielder picked one up against Cardiff, he’s out.

Marc Cucurella will serve the second game of his three-game suspension for the red card picked up in the 2-1 defeat to Fulham. It’s been the story of Chelsea’s season so far.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Rosenior admitted that Reece James, Cole Palmer, and Malo Gusto were left out due to fitness concerns. Palmer remains a doubt but the other two could feature.

Dário Essugo returned to the Chelsea squad for the first time since August, but Roméo Lavia (thigh) and Levi Colwill (ACL) are still nowhere to be seen.

As for Arsenal, as we mention Havertz is back and could play against his former club. Although we’d be surprised to see him start so soon after coming back from such a serious injury.

Their defensive injury crisis isn’t as bad as it was this time last month. Riccardo Calafiori (muscle), Piero Hincapié (hamstring), and Cristhian Mosquera (ankle) are all on the verge of returning, but this one is likely a little too soon.

Wonderkid Max Dowman (ankle) won’t be seen until early February.

Prediction

Rosenior was somewhat fortunate to have a game against Charlton as his first, it’s almost as if it was planned that way! Arsenal are steps above everyone on else in England at the moment, though, so we’re going with a 2-0 win for the visitors.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals Preview: Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria and Morocco are the final four

All four teams that remain in contention for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title will strongly back themselves to go the distance, setting us up for two blockbuster semi-finals.

By Neel Shelat

🇸🇳 Senegal vs Egypt 🇪🇬

A repeat of the 2021 AFCON final sees Senegal take on Egypt, with the record champions out to avenge not only their penalty shoot-out defeat in Cameroon but also their heartbreak in the subsequent World Cup qualification play-off.

Interestingly, the majority of the Egyptian XI that started the second leg of that tie in 2022 also took to the field from the off in their last match — the high-octane quarter-final against the Ivory Coast. Their experience certainly proved valuable as they expertly saw out a lead against the energetic Elephants, but it was the Pharaohs’ clinical finishing that really made the difference.

Omar Marmoush got his side off to a perfect start by converting the first attempt of the match just four minutes in. As expected, Hossam Hassan’s side then prioritised preserving their lead, ceding quite a bit of possession and territory. Crucially, their second shot of the match also went in as centre back Rami Rabia headed home a corner just after the half-hour mark. The Ivorians did pull one back before the break, but an incisive move just after it restored the two-goal margin. An outside-of-the-foot assist from Emam Ashour to Mohamed Salah was the highlight in what would prove to be the decisive third goal.

Egypt’s defensive discipline and ability to hold on to a lead are unquestionable, so the key to their success will be their sharpness at the other end. If Salah, Marmoush and Ashour can once again produce such a high level of cutting-edge attacking play, they will be almost unstoppable.

Senegal will obviously want to challenge that notion, and they will need to show the best of their ability to control matches if they are to progress. The Lions of Teranga have the highest possession average among the teams that remain in contention, while also placing second for both goals scored and conceded.

Their quarter-final against Mali wasn’t quite as entertaining as Egypt’s, as they won by a lone goal against ten men. Pape Thiaw likely would not have been entirely pleased with the way his team managed that game, so his players will need to step up on this big occasion. The 44-year-old coach will certainly hope that his conservative midfield selections help his side keep a lid on proceedings, but perhaps his most interesting decision will come up front since he left Nicolas Jackson on the bench last time around.

The 2021 champions won’t mind a cagey affair either and might even carry a psychological edge into a potential penalty shoot-out, having twice overcome Egypt in such situations recently. A tight and tense contest is to be expected.

🇳🇬 Nigeria vs Morocco 🇲🇦

Nigeria vs. Morocco would have been a fitting final, as the hosts take on the side that is being widely regarded as the best team at the tournament so far.

The Super Eagles made their case effectively indisputable in the quarter-final stage as they utterly dominated against an Algerian side that was the only other team to have won each of the first four matches. Opposition head coach Vladimir Petković was honest in his post-match press conference, admitting, “Nigeria deserved to win this match. They were better than us. It was difficult to get into this match… We were hit left and right.”

*Momentum chart and top stats from Nigeria’s win over Algeria*

Éric Chelle’s side totally bossed proceedings as they didn’t even face a shot for 80 minutes, while the three-pronged threat of Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen proved too hot to handle. More encouragingly yet, they found vital contributions from other sources too. Algeria particularly looked to close down the spaces in midfield and limit the creative influence of Alex Iwobi, so Nigeria were forced to go down the wings more than they might have preferred. That was no problem, though, as both full-backs put in excellent shifts, with Bruno Onyemachi providing the assist for the opener with a precise cross aimed towards Osimhen.

In Morocco, though, the three-time champions will now face a different sort of opponent — one that will not be afraid to go toe-to-toe. The Atlas Lions already tamed an exciting attacking outfit in their 2-0 win over Cameroon in the quarter-final, but they too will know that this will be a much tougher challenge.

Brahim Díaz opened the scoring yet again in that game, extending his scoring streak to five matches. That means he has already broken his nation’s record for most goals at one AFCON edition on his tournament debut. Another strike in the semi-final will surely start cementing his legendary status.

The absence of Nigerian captain Wilfred Ndidi — who is suspended for this match after being booked in both previous games — may prove beneficial for Díaz, who likes to drift inside from his starting position on the right wing. However, back-up defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika is a solid player in his own right, so he could play a crucial role for his side as long as he rises to the occasion.

Of course, the atmosphere in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will be quite something to witness and experience. This will be Morocco’s first AFCON semi-final since 2004, but that is no tangible achievement. Walid Regragui’s side are looking to become the first team to lift the coveted trophy on home soil in almost two decades, and their fans won’t settle for anything less.

The quarter-finals already produced some of the highest-quality action in the Africa Cup of Nations’ storied history, but the tournament could well go to another level yet on Wednesday night.

(Images via IMAGO)

You can follow the Africa Cup of Nations on FotMob – with deep stats and players ratings. Download the free app here.

Jan

2026

Preview: Newcastle and Man City for first leg of Carabao Cup semifinal

Can Newcastle United continue their Carabao Cup defence against the club that has won it more than any other in the last 10 years?

By Graham Ruthven

Defending champs

Last season’s Carabao Cup triumph was such a landmark moment in Newcastle United’s modern history and the Magpies are within touching distance of repeating the feat.

In the way of Eddie Howe’s team, however, is Manchester City who haven’t lost a domestic game since their last visit to St James’ Park all the way back in November. Pep Guardiola’s side are a formidable force.

This was clear as City put 10 goals past Exeter City in their last outing, flexing their muscle in the FA Cup third round even as Guardiola rested several first team figures.

Newcastle had a more gruelling experience against Bournemouth on Saturday. Even though the Magpies made it through, 120 minutes and a penalty shootout might not have been the ideal preparation for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final.

St James’ Park has a habit of electrifying big games and Tuesday’s final four clash has the potential to be one of the most memorable matches of the season.

Key players

By most metrics, Bruno Guimarães has been Newcastle United’s best player this season. Indeed, the Brazilian midfielder has registered more goals and assists than any of his teammates.

Newcastle will need Guimarães, as well as Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, to be at their best to prevent Manchester City from controlling the match in the centre of the pitch.

Nick Woltemade could be in line to start as Newcastle’s number nine having registered an assist in his last two games, although Yoane Wissa could be favoured as more of a conventional penalty box poacher.

Harvey Barnes has bagged a brace in each of his last two outings and has given Newcastle a different dimension in the final third, making up for Anthony Gordon’s recent underperformance.

Erling Haaland should start again despite blanking in the 45 minutes of the FA Cup thumping of Exeter City that he played over the weekend. Phil Foden was rested and should be fresh for the visit to the North East.

Rodri started only his second match of the last three months against Exeter, although Nico González could come back into the midfield unit with the Ballon d’Or still recovering from a long-term injury.

Antoine Semenyo might be in line for a start after making his Manchester City debut on Saturday. The winger contributed a goal and an assist, highlighting the quality he will bring to his new team.

Team news

Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles and William Osula are expected to miss out through injury for Newcastle while Anthony Elanga is also struggling with a knock.

Tino Livramento was withdrawn with an injury against Bournemouth, meaning Lewis Hall could start on the left side of the back four with Lewis Miley operating at right back.

Joško Gvardiol is sidelined until the end of the season with Ruben Días also unavailable for Manchester City. The duo’s absence will stretch City’s depth at the back, meaning Max Alleyne could start again.

Mateo Kovačić, Savinho, John Stones and Oscar Bobb are also injured at the moment for Guardiola’s team.

Prediction

With their hard-fought trophy on the line, a vibrant home atmosphere behind them, and the confidence that stems from having already beaten City this season, we think the Magpies will have a lead to take with them to Manchester for next month’s second leg: Newcastle 2-1 Man City.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jan

2026

Preview: Liverpool host Barnsley in FA Cup tie with some unwelcome history

Liverpool will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the 2008 clash as they welcome Barnsley to Anfield in the FA Cup.

By Sam McGuire

The two sides faced off 18 years ago in the fifth round, with Rafael Benitez at the helm, and his weakened starting XI exited the cup thanks to a stoppage time winner for the Tykes.

With pressure still on Arne Slot, he’ll not want a similar result here.

The story so far

It has been a real Jekyll and Hyde campaign for Liverpool so far. They went from winning every single match across every single competition to losing nine of 12 and plummeting to mid-table. They’re currently on a 10-match unbeaten run and find themselves in fourth position in the Premier League, but performances have been underwhelming and the manager is being scrutinised.

Barnsley have also blown hot and cold this season.

Conor Hourihane’s men are 17th in League One having won eight, lost eight and drawn five this term. They’ve scored 33 across their 21 matches this term and conceded the same number. They have one win in their last seven league outings but have looked decent in the FA Cup, beating York City and Peterborough to reach this stage of the competition.

Key Players

We don’t yet know how Liverpool intend to line-up for this clash. With so many injuries to contend with, it is unlikely that Slot will go with a strong XI for this game. However, the Dutchman isn’t really in a position to name a weakened team and risk being knocked out of the cup, at home, in the third round. Perhaps Rio Ngumoha will find himself in the starting XI. If he does, it’s a chance for him to impress and potentially earn a few more minutes in the Premier League.

For Barnsley, the main man this season has been Davis Keillor-Dunn. The 28-year-old has 11 goals and an assist in League One. He has a goals per 90 average of 0.55 in the league and tops the Barnsley charts for Expected Goals this season with 7.7. He’s the primary threat for the Tykes.

Team News

Liverpool are without a host of names right now due to injuries. Giovanni Leoni is set to miss the entire campaign following an ACL injury he sustained in the Carabao Cup clash against Southampton. Alexander Isak has a broken leg and is set to be out for a couple of months still. Wataru Endo is only just on his way back from a stint on the sidelines so might not be risked. Stefan Bajčetić isn’t expected to return to the first-team fold until the end of the month and Hugo Ekitike might be rested following a fitness issue. Mohamed Salah is set to miss the match due to his involvement with Egypt at AFCON.

Barnsley are set to be without captain Luca Connell following his red card against Wigan Athletic in their last outing.

Prediction

The Reds simply cannot afford a loss here, so we’re going with a narrow win. It’ll be 1-0 or 2-1.

(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: Barcelona face Real Madrid in Clásico showdown for Supercopa in Saudi Arabia

For the fourth time in as many years, Barcelona are taking on Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.

By Neel Shelat

Small margins in Supercopa head-to-head

This is the 12th season in which Barcelona are facing Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España. The old format of the competition used to have a two-legged final, so this will be their 19th meeting in the competition.

Los Blancos have the upper hand in terms of head-to-head results in the Supercopa with 10 wins and a couple of draws, but Barcelona are the most successful side in the competition’s history with 15 titles — two more than their rivals. They have been alternating wins in recent years, so Hansi Flick’s side will have to break the trend if they are to extend their overall lead.

A crucial fixture for under-pressure Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso’s position as Real Madrid head coach has been particularly precarious over the last month or so, with almost weekly reports emphasising that his future depends on the outcome of the subsequent match. So, while Super Cups aren’t often seen as too big a deal by such successful sides, this is set to be a critical match for the 44-year-old head coach.

Real Madrid have won their last five matches across all competitions, but their performances haven’t been overly convincing. For instance, they needed a fairly late winner to get the better of Alavés, while third-tier CF Talavera gave them a real scare in the cup. They also only just managed to hold on to the win in the Super Cup semi-final to advance to this match.

Team news

The big news ahead of this match is that Kylian Mbappé — who has yet to make an appearance in 2026 — has travelled to Saudi Arabia and will be available for selection. That means Real Madrid’s only confirmed absences are Éder Militão and Brahim Díaz, who is spearheading Morocco’s home AFCON campaign. However, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo all experienced some discomfort in the semi-final, so their statuses are uncertain.

Barcelona’s defensive depth remains depleted owing to the unavailability of Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araújo. Marc-André ter Stegen was a part of their Super Cup squad but suffered an injury scare in training, while Gavi has a good few weeks of rehab left before he can make his return.

Team News

Lamine Yamal was benched for the semi-final, but he will surely get the opportunity to add to his tally of three goals and two assists against Real Madrid from the off, while Fermín López will be keen to add to his tally of five goal involvements in 2026. Joan García’s goal-saving contributions could well be a decisive factor in this match.

With the fitness of his fellow forwards uncertain, this is a great opportunity for Vinícius Júnior to step up and deliver, especially as uncertainty about his future grows. Aurélien Tchouaméni will need to bring his A game to support a potentially depleted defence, while Thibaut Courtois may need to produce a few big saves too.

Prediction

Barcelona took their winning-streak to nine games with a 5-0 semi-final victory, so they should be backed to come away with the trophy.

(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.

Jan

2026

Preview: Fletcher’s United take on Brighton in all-Premier League clash

It’s a repeat of the 1983 final and the 2023 semi-final at Old Trafford on Sunday as Manchester United take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup Third Round.

By Ian King

Manchester United’s history has already been repeating itself in 2026

If the definition of insanity truly is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, then Manchester United have tumbled head-first into one of their periodic insane spells again. With Ruben Amorim having gone, Darren Fletcher in temporary charge of the team, and rumours that Ole Gunnar Solskjær could be putting on his driving gloves to assume control of the wheel again until the end of the season, this all feels like a story that we’ve heard several times before.

Successive draws against the teams currently placed 16th, 19th and 20th in the Premier League hasn’t been the fresh start since Christmas that United fans will have been hoping for. Brighton, meanwhile, continue to disappoint, but only slightly. They’ve been draw specialists of late too, having tied four of their last seven Premier League matches.

Brighton are still looking for appropriate revenge for 1983

There is, of course, FA Cup history between these two. Three years ago, they drew 0-0 in the semi-final before United won 7-6 on penalty kicks. But the big one came 43 years ago. In 1983, Brighton made it all the way to their first – and still only – FA Cup final despite getting relegated from the First Division, and would probably have won it had Gordon Smith not missed a one-on-one with the United goalkeeper Gary Bailey in the last minute. Suitably chastened, United won the replay 4-0.

Brighton’s recent record against United is a bit better. They’ve won six of their last nine, including a Premier League double against them last season. However, when the two teams last met in October, two Bryan Mbeumo goals helped United to a 4-2 win at Old Trafford.

Benjamin Šeško and Danny Welbeck may go into this match with somewhat different points to prove

It took him a while to get there, but one of the few highlights for Manchester United fans from their team’s 2-2 draw at Burnley in the week was Benjamin Šeško getting involved by scoring twice, doubling his tally of Premier League goals for the season. It would be a bit soon to say that this makes his £74 million transfer a success, but it’s a start.

Brighton’s last six Premier League goals have all been scored by six different players, which goes to show that they may remain a threat, even if Fabian Hürzeler decides to rest a few for this particular match. Brighton have also picked up 18 yellow cards in their last four league matches, so changes could be essential.

But Danny Welbeck might be expected to start against his former club, having gone as far as leading to calls for an England recall with his form over the last few months of 2025. That form has tailed off a little again of late – he’s only scored one in his last eight – but who better an opponent to get back on track against than the hometown team who let you go more than a decade ago?

Both teams have AFCON absentees, but Brighton have a longer injury list

Bryan Mbeumo may have been the difference between Manchester United and Brighton in October, but he won’t be playing in this match. He’s still at AFCON, along with Amad and Noussair Mazraoui. Otherwise, the only United absentee for this match will be Matthijs de Ligt, who’s still recovering from a back injury and won’t be ready for this one.

Brighton only have Carlos Baleba on AFCON duties, but they do still have their fair share of injuries. Stefanos Tzimas, Adam Webster, Solly March and Mats Wieffer all be out injured, and there are also question marks hanging over the availability of Joel Weltman, Charalampos Kostoulas and Yankuba Minteh.

These two draw-loving clubs could be heading for a penalty shootout again

Brighton & Hove Albion will have looked on with envious eyes at their bitter rivals Crystal Palace winning their first ever major trophy by winning this very competition last May. But the problem Brighton have had this season is that they’ve been consistent, but in an inconsistent way. This is, as we’ve already seen this year, a team that can be held at home by Wolves and then go to Manchester City a week later and get an identical result.

Manchester United, meanwhile, broadly continue to defy rational analysis. Their latest plunge into the crisis pool came about as a result of infrastructural disputes rather than recent results, though the club’s institutional muddle-headedness is reflected that they’ve ended up in this sort of condition despite only having lost only one of their last nine Premier League matches.

But they’ve drawn five of those nine, and the combined record of these two teams makes another draw a fairly likely result. With United having only kept one clean sheet since the start of October and Brighton difficult to predict, this one could go all the way to a penalty shootout.

I’ll be a little rakish and go for a 3-3 draw, Brighton to win on penalties, and for there to be some extremely funny compilation videos of Manchester United YouTubers available for our delectation first thing on Monday morning.

(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.

Jan

2026

Preview: Arsenal travel to Pompey in FA Cup Third Round

It doesn’t get much tougher for Portsmouth as they reach the third round of the FA Cup, hosting Arsenal, the highest-ranked side in the whole of English football.

By Matt Smith

It’s the beginning of the Gunners’ FA Cup campaign, and they are searching for their 15th trophy in this competition, already winning it more than any other team.

Portsmouth and Arsenal met not too long ago in the FA Cup, going head-to-head back in 2020. Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory at Fratton Park that day, with a certain Bukayo Saka deployed at left-back.

*A throwback to the last time Arsenal played at Fratton Park*

Team news

Portsmouth have injuries. Coach John Mousinho recently confirmed that Mark Kosznovszky is set to be out for between nine and 12 months after suffering a serious knee injury. Hayden Matthews is also set for an extended period on the treatment table, joining Josh Murphy, Florian Bianchini, Callum Lang, Josh Knight, Connor Ogilvie, and Thomas Waddingham.

Mikel Arteta is set to be without defensive duo Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera, while Max Dowman remains on the sidelines. Piero Hincapié suffered an injury last time out against Liverpool, so he’s a doubt for this one.

Portsmouth struggling in the final third

Mousinho’s side find themselves sitting just outside of the Championship relegation zone, one point above 22nd-place Norwich City. Although they’ve picked up some form of late, they still need to show improvements in the final third.

Only Sheffield Wednesday have scored fewer goals in the league this season, and it’s been even more tricky in recent weeks without one of their star players. Murphy is currently on the sidelines due to injury, and he’ll be a huge miss this weekend, creating six assists this season, four more than any other Portsmouth player.

Rotation won’t matter for Arsenal

Arsenal’s squad depth this season has been taken to another level, and the Gunners are likely to rotate for this cup clash against a side in the division below. The drop-off in quality isn’t likely to impact them too much, as despite a few injuries, their depth is among the best in the league.

Against Liverpool last time out, Arteta brought on the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Eberechi Eze, even leaving Ben White and Mikel Merino on the bench. We could see a large amount of rotation from Arteta, but they should still field a side too strong for Portsmouth.

Eze’s time to shine

Eze has found game time hard to come by this season, struggling to make an impact after his summer move from Crystal Palace. A hat-trick against north London rivals Tottenham wasn’t enough for Arteta to make him a guaranteed starter, and he’ll be chomping at the bit to make an impact this weekend.

Everyone knows what Eze is capable of on his day, but he’s barely featured for the Gunners in recent weeks. Arteta is likely to hand him a start, and it’s up to him to show what he’s made of.

Prediction

A comfortable Arsenal win is expected here, and it’s difficult to see Portsmouth scoring with their struggles in front of goal. 3-0 Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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