Page 54 – The Pulse of Football

Jan

2026

Preview: Bournemouth take on Spurs in a game both sides are desperate to win

Can Tottenham Hotspur overcome a struggling Bournemouth side to ease the growing pressure on Thomas Frank?

By Graham Ruthven

Tottenham troubles

Tottenham Hotspur’s home 1-1 draw against Sunderland followed a familiar pattern for Thomas Frank’s team this season, adding to the sense of frustration around the North London club.

After taking the lead, Spurs invited pressure on to themselves, making Sunderland’s second half equaliser an inevitability. It was another indicator of Frank’s failure to forge a team capable of playing on the front foot for 90 minutes.

Bournemouth are experiencing troubles of their own. The Cherries are without a win in their last 11 league games and have conceded 14 goals in their last five outings. Andoni Iraola must find a way to tighten things up.

Not so long ago, Frank and Iraola were both considered among the best managers in the Premier League. Now, they are under pressure to turn around the fortunes of their respective sides.

Key players

Ireola insists Antoine Semenyo will feature against Tottenham despite the Ghanaian being on the verge of a £65m transfer to Manchester City. Semenyo is Bournemouth’s top scorer this season and will be a threat in attacking transition should he play.

Evanilson found the back of the net against Arsenal on Saturday and will lead the line for Iraola’s team once more on Wednesday. Only Semenyo has a higher Expected Goals (xG) than the Brazilian forward this term.

Alex Scott and Marcus Tavernier will start in central midfield with Justin Kluivert ahead of them in a free role behind the forward line. Tavernier has created 26 chances in total this season, highlighting his creative threat.

Richarlison has scored seven goals in 20 league outings and is at his best when he is a chaos merchant in the opposition box. His erratic finishing, however, can be an issue.

As can Tottenham’s lack of creativity in possession. Archie Gray and João Palhinha are expected to start in central midfield – the pair have created just one Big Chance between them this season.

Xavi Simons could return for the visitors after seeing red against Liverpool. The Dutch international was starting to find his feet for Spurs before his suspension and has been missed in recent matches.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are top-level central defenders on their day, but have struggled to find their best form this season, like so many Tottenham Hotspur players.

Team news

Tyler Adams is still sidelined through injury for Bournemouth and will be a big miss in the centre of the pitch for the hosts on Wednesday. Ben Gannon-Doak and Veljko Milosavljević are also unavailable for the Cherries.

Tottenham’s injury list remains a lengthy one with James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma and Destiny Udogie all stuck in the treatment room.

Mohammed Kudus is a doubt after limping off with a knock against Sunderland. In better news for Spurs, as mentioned, Simons is back from a three-game suspension and is expected to come back into the starting lineup.

Prediction

For all the concern among Spurs supporters, their side remain the second best on the road in the Premier League this season, so with them, and Bournemouth desperate for a result, we’ll go for a draw. A scoreline that doesn’t really suit anyone: Bournemouth 1-1 Tottenham.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Chelsea visit neighbours Fulham before Rosenior appointment

Both Fulham and Chelsea snatched late equalisers to bag precious points in the previous round of fixtures. There isn’t any reason either shouldn’t be looking to go one better when they meet at Craven Cottage in midweek.

By Alex Roberts

It’s been a mental week for Chelsea, even by their standards. Enzo Maresca walked out after what appeared to be some major differences with the board only for under-21s boss Calum McFarlane to come in and pull off a tactical masterclass against none other than Pep Guardiola.

Liverpool looked set to secure the win in Fulham’s last game, only for Harrison Reed to rocket in a 97^th minute goal of the season contender. This West London derby should be pretty tasty.

Keeping Liam Rosenior’s seat warm

Liam Rosenior being appointed the next Chelsea manager is looking like nothing more than a formality, but he won’t be in charge for this one. McFarlane will get a second bite of the cherry in a must win game for the club.

McFarlane certainly deserves his flowers, though. This time last week, his pass didn’t even let him into Chelsea’s first team training complex, he turned up to the Etihad with a notebook that said ‘Academy Staff’ on the front.

He managed to galvanise a squad that by all accounts loved Maresca. Picking up a much-needed win over West London rivals Fulham would further cement his status as a cult hero for Chelsea, and who knows, give him some cred should another first team opportunity come knocking.

Harry Wilson is tearing it up

The now 28-year-old was a bit of a wonderkid at Liverpool, but after a bunch of loans, Wilson finally found his home at Fulham. Since joining back in 2021, he’s never been in the kind of form he is now.

Wilson scored the opener against his former club last time out, but his celebrations were muted as VAR checked to see if he was offside. He then RIGHTFULLY erupted once it was given, none of that ‘woke’ not celebrating against a former club nonsense.

*Harry Wilson’s shot map in the Premier League this season*

It was the latest in a run of really fine performances from the Welshman. Wilson now has eight goal contributions in his last ten Premier League games, which is already his best return for the club in England’s top flight. Adding one or two against Chelsea would be sweet.

Team news

Chelsea will be happy to have Moisés Caicedo back following his suspension against Man City, it’ll be another five yellow cards (or a red) before another one, so we’ll probably be talking about it again in a month or so.

Robert Sánchez (muscle) is still a doubt for this one after being forced to pull out of the City game shorty before kick-off. It’s the same for Wesley Fofana, who missed the draw due to an illness.

Marc Cucurella is also a doubt with a hamstring injury, but McFarlane will definitely be without Roméo Lavia (thigh), Dário Essugo (thigh), and Levi Colwill (ACL).

Fulham are going to miss their Nigerian trio Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze for a little longer following their 4-0 AFCON round of 16 win over Mozambique on Monday.

The Chelsea game will likely come too early for Kenny Tete (knock), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), and Josh King (knee), as they’re all expected to return over the next couple of weeks.

Rodrigo Muniz (hamstring) will definitely be out.

Prediction

Fulham are a good side, but they’re even better at home. There games are usually pretty tight, and with Chelsea’s current predicament, we’re going with a 1-1 draw.

(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

Danny Rohl’s Rangers revival could spark a title challenge

We’ve been here before, haven’t we? Rangers go on a poor run of form, sack the manager, appoint someone else who then begins in a positive manner.

By Ross Kilvington

For reference, you only need to go back and look at the opening few months of both Michael Beale and Phillippe Clement’s stints in charge of Rangers.

Both went on impressive winning runs, before their time in Glasgow was cut short due to poor results and performances.

Danny Röhl, on the contrary, didn’t exactly enjoy the best of starts when taking over from Russell Martin in October.

Indeed, he lost three of his opening five matches, including Europa League losses to Brann and Roma, with a League Cup semi-final loss to Celtic sandwiched in between.

Since a 3-0 win over Dundee on November 9, Rangers have lost just once in the Premiership – to league leaders Hearts – and this run culminated in a wonderful 3-1 win over Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday.

Comeback win over Celtic could prove to be a catalyst for Rangers

Prior to the second Old Firm clash of the Premiership season, Rangers had secured a single victory at Parkhead this decade.

After a dismal 45 minutes, it certainly appeared as though another defeat in enemy territory was on the cards.

A stunning solo effort from Yang Hyun-Jun gave the hosts the lead and it was one-way traffic as Rohl looked out of ideas.

Whatever was said at halftime clearly worked, as the Light Blues emerged with renewed vigour.

Thelo Aasgaard was brought off for Mohamed Diomande, who offered much more in the heart of the pitch as Röhl moved to a flat three in midfield.

Within four minutes of the restart, Nicolas Raskin drifted into the Celtic penalty area before setting up Youssef Chermiti to equalise.

Less than ten minutes later, Chermiti pounced on a mistake to race towards goal and score his second of the afternoon to give Rangers the lead. A lead which looked highly unlikely just 15 minutes prior.

Loanee Mikey Moore wrapped up all three points with a well taken effort just inside the penalty area and the result leaves Rangers level on points with their rivals in the league table.

Hearts still lead the way by six points, however, this result might well be the catalyst for Röhl and his men to continue building momentum.

If he continues to get the best out of some of his players, then a title challenge is very much on.

Zero to hero

“£8m down the drain, Chermiti scores again” was chanted by the vibrant away end at Parkhead following his exploits against the defending champions.

Prior to the Old Firm clash, however, the former Everton man had scored just twice for the Gers after signing in an £8m move during the summer.

While the result against Celtic might prove to be a real turning point in their bid for a 56^th league title, might Chermiti’s two-goal salvo kickstart his Rangers career?

Over the festive period, his performances were improving. He registered five shots in the 1-0 win over Hibs while linking up well with those around him.

A late goal against Hearts was nothing more than a consolation and he then went on to grab an assist against St Mirren in the last match of 2026.

He certainly looked clinical against Celtic, taking his second goal especially well and it will surely give him a major confidence boost heading into the next few games.

If Röhl can get this type of display out of a player who, by all accounts, looked finished as a Rangers player a few weeks ago, just think of others in the squad who will look to kick on now.

A change in midfield could be the way forward

Aasgaard registered zero shots against Celtic, succeeding with a single dribble and was even booked during the opening 45 minutes when deployed in a number ten role.

Diomande replaced him and Röhl shifted to a flat midfield three of him, Raskin and Connor Barron.

It worked beautifully in the second half, with the trio being involved in the first and third goals as they linked together superbly.

Will the second half performance at Parkhead convince Röhl that a flat midfield three is the way forward? It is certainly an option.

Barron has been given a new lease of life under the German and his defensive attributes allow others to have free reign in the final third.

Indeed, the Scot averages six ball recoveries in the Premiership this season, along with averaging 2.87 tackles and 1.15 interceptions per match.

Impressive stats to say the least. With Aasgaard being miles off it since joining the club, having Barron operating alongside Raskin and Diomande could well be the change that sees Rangers turn the screw and emerge as title contenders.

This looked a distant dream a few weeks ago, but Röhl has steadied the ship and then some, no doubt about that.

A double header against a managerless Aberdeen is the next challenge. On Tuesday, the Gers play host to the Dons, before travelling to the North East on Sunday afternoon (weather permitting).

Six points from six would be the perfect follow up to that excellent win at Parkhead. With league matches against Dundee and Kilmarnock coming up after that Aberdeen double-header, Röhl will be licking his lips as the prospect of winning seven Premiership matches in succession.

Football eh? It’s a funny old game.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Managerless Chelsea head to Manchester City

Where to start with this one? Man City host managerless Chelsea (at the time of writing) in the first game of the post-Enzo Maresca era as Pep Guardiola’s side hope to keep league leading Arsenal within touching distance.

By Alex Roberts

Chelsea’s frustrating 2-2 draw with Bournemouth was ultimately Maresca’s final game at the club. Results haven’t been great, one win in seven Premier League games is damning, but its clear other factors have been at play.

As for City, a pretty exciting 0-0 draw with Sunderland last time out, ending an eight-game winning run across all competitions leaves them five points off Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

New year, same circus

Maresca became the first manager in Premier League history to be sacked, or leave by mutual consent, depending on who you ask, on New Year’s Day. Not the best way to start 2026 but a fat cheque will have likely smoothed things over.

It’s just the latest in a long line of confusing decisions made by the club’s sporting directors and ownership. Yes, it was a poor end to 2025, but reports are suggesting that this wasn’t necessarily due to footballing reasons, but more because Maresca was less willing to be a yes man led by those who face zero accountability.

There have also been reports that Maresca was in talks with Man City over eventually taking over from Guardiola, so maybe Chelsea decided to pull the trigger before he jumped ship. Under-21s boss Calum McFarlane will be keeping the seat warm for Liam Rosenior in this one.

Rayan Cherki lighting it up

Getting back to the stuff that happens on the pitch, Rayan Cherki is starting to look like the Kevin de Bruyne replacement Man City replaced him to be. He was good in the Sunderland draw, but incredible in the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Playing off the right, Cherki’s goal and assist will get all the headlines, and rightfully so, but his overall performance shouldn’t go overlooked. He created the most chances in the game (3), completed two successful dribbles, and won five ground duels.

He now has two goals and seven assists in his 14 Premier League games, only nine of which have been from the first whistle. Comparisons with Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz feel a little insulting at this point.

Team news

Maresca is gone, but there are still a few things we can say for certain with Chelsea. Moisés Caicedo is once again suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, even if it was harsh.

Jorrel Hato (discomfort), and Marc Cucurella (hamstring) are both out, leaving Chelsea without a natural left-back. Levi Colwill (ACL), Dário Essugo (thigh), and Roméo Lavia (thigh) are also out.

Don’t expect too many changes from Guardiola. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït Nouri are both away at AFCON, while Mateo Kovačić (ankle), John Stones (muscle), and Oscar Bobb (muscle) are both also out. Savinho is a doubt.

Prediction

This isn’t going to be a good day for Chelsea fans. No manager, little confidence, and with Caicedo out, we expect City to put in a BIG BOY performance and teach the visitors a lesson. So, 4-1 to City.

(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: High-flying Sunderland visit struggling Spurs

After playing out two very different goalless draws on New Year’s Day, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland meet for their second fixture of 2026.

By Neel Shelat

Tottenham’s desperate search for goals

Tottenham Hotspur have scored just two goals in their last four matches, both of which came from corner kicks. Frankly, they have not been creating much else, as their combined open play xG tally from those games is as low as 1.9.

The absence of many key forwards and creators has not helped Spurs’ case. Xavi Simons remains suspended for this match after receiving a straight red card against Liverpool, so his side are left without any recognised attacking midfielders as both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are sidelined with long-term injuries. Lucas Bergvall’s groin issue further limits the midfield, while Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie are also missed going forward.

Even so, the appalling lack of attacking intent or any semblance of creative ideas cannot simply be justified by injuries. Fans are growing increasingly frustrated with Thomas Frank – particularly after their first goalless draw in 137 league matches – so a much-improved performance at home will be critical.

Sunderland seeking first win over Spurs since 2010

Sunderland preserved their status as one of just two Premier League sides to be unbeaten at home this season with a mightily spirited performance against Manchester City, all while making do without six of their African players, namely DR Congo duo Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki, Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traoré, Moroccan winger Chemsdine Talbi, Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra, and experienced Mozambican defender Reinildo.

All of their respective teams have advanced to the knockouts, so the Black Cats will have to contend without them for the next couple of games at least. Nevertheless, with just one defeat in their last seven games, they will back themselves to end a run of 16 games without a win against Tottenham.

Key players

Sunderland will be keen to win the midfield battle in this match, and they will be counting on the quality of Granit Xhaka to make the difference both with and without the ball. His forward passing will surely benefit Enzo Le Fée, who has looked quite lively in recent games but is without a goal or assist in five.

Spurs, meanwhile, may well look down their right wing to get some attacking inspiration. Pedro Porro is one of the precious few creative passers in the side at the moment, although a significant proportion of his threat comes from dead-ball deliveries. Mohammed Kudus has not put together a good run of form since his summer transfer, but a month-long goal involvement drought in the league is a new low.

Both strikers will also have an important role to play in terms of making the most out of likely limited service. Brian Brobbey has shown excellent work rate in recent matches but only has two goals and nine shots in 14 league appearances, while Richarlison will be keen to get the goals to show for a long-awaited string of consecutive appearances.

Prediction

A quiet affair is to be expected between two teams that are clearly prioritising defence first, particularly as Sunderland play away from home. A low-key draw or a one-goal victory are the most likely outcomes.

(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: Real meets Real as Betis travel to Madrid

Real Madrid host Real Betis as Xabi Alonso’s side aim to close the gap on league leaders Barcelona, but they’ll be forced to try and do so without one of their star men, Kylian Mbappé.

By Matt Smith

Betis are on a charge to try and reach Champions League qualification, but it doesn’t get much tougher than Madrid away from home.

In this fixture last season, Madrid secured a 2-0 victory on their own turf, and it was the aforementioned Mbappé who stole the headlines, scoring a second-half brace. That is the only win that Madrid have recorded in their last five meetings with Betis.

Team news

Éder Militão and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain out for the home side, and they’re joined on the treatment table by Mbappé, who suffered a knee injury this week, which could keep him out for the remainder of the month. Brahim Díaz is at AFCON, while Dani Carvajal is a doubt.

For Betis, former-Madrid man Isco should be the only player missing due to injury, but they will be without a trio of stars due to AFCON. Sofyan Amrabat, Cédric Bakambu, and Abde Ezzalzouli are all unavailable.

Madrid not quite clinical enough

Labelling Madrid not clinical enough might sound crazy, with the Spanish giants scoring 36 goals already this season, but they are having to compete with one of the best sides in Europe in Barcelona. Xabi Alonso’s men have created 42.4 expected goals, more than any other team, but they’ve scored 15 goals fewer than Barcelona.

They’ve now got to deal with the loss of Mbappé. The French international has been their primary source of goals this season, finding the back of the net a whopping 18 times in LaLiga already. Madrid’s next top goalscorer is Vinícius Júnior with just five.

Betis the draw specialists

Sixth placed Betis have to start finding a way of turning draws into wins in LaLiga if they want to mount a serious charge for the Champions League places. They’ve drawn as many games as they’ve won this season, and six of their seven stalemates have come away from home.

It’s clearly the way they set up on the road that has prevented them from picking up more victories, but they have to start taking a few more risks away from home. Maybe Real Madrid isn’t the game you want to start trying that, but it could be the difference between them getting top four or not in the long run.

Time for Vinícius to make a statement

It’s been a disappointing season for Vinícius by his standards, and it’s now the perfect time for him to step up to the plate. Mbappé’s injury places more pressure on the shoulders of the Brazilian forward to produce in the final third, something which he’s struggled to do of late.

Vinícius has failed to score in his previous 10 LaLiga matches, producing just one assist during that time. There’s no better time for him to turn things around, and Alonso is going to need him to if they’re going to pick up results without one of their star men.

Prediction

An Mbappé-less Madrid should still have enough to beat Betis at home. We’re going for a narrow 2-1 home victory.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Form teams Fulham and Liverpool clash at the Cottage

Liverpool travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon looking to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions to nine. They face a Fulham side who find themselves sitting in fifth in the form table having feasted over the festive period with three wins and a draw across their last five.

By Sam McGuire

The story so far

The 2025/26 campaign has been a topsy turvy one for the Premier League champions. They started with five wins from five in the Premier League before a run of six defeats in seven had people questioning Arne Slot’s future at the club.

However, the Reds are now unbeaten in seven domestic matches and found themselves in fourth position ahead of Saturday’s results in the English top flight. Only three teams have racked up more points than Liverpool over the last five games and while it might not have been too pretty, the Reds have found a way to win football matches again. For now at least.

Fulham, meanwhile, started the season with just two wins in nine. It did, at one stage, appear as though Marco Silva’s side might be in trouble. They’ve managed to turn it around though with six wins from their last 10 in the Premier League.

Their home record is quietly impressive too. They’ve conceded 10 in nine but this number is skewed by the five they conceded in the 5-4 loss to Manchester City. Outside of that, their record is played eight, conceded five, won five and lost two.

The trip to Craven Cottage won’t be an easy one for the Reds, especially when you consider Liverpool’s struggles on their travels this term – played nine, won four, lost four.

Key Players

For the Premier League champions, the match-winner and difference-maker could well be Hugo Ekitike. He blanked against Leeds ending his run of six goal involvements across his last four matches, but he was, by far, Liverpool’s greatest threat, finishing with an Expected Goals total of 1.02.

For Fulham, it has to be Harry Wilson, doesn’t it? The 28-year-old has five goals and four assists in the Premier League this term and has three goals and an assist in his last seven top flight appearances. The former Liverpool player does have a goal against the Reds too. Maybe he’ll add to it on Sunday.

Team News

The hosts could have Kenny Tete back in their squad while Ryan Sessegnon could be risked after a hamstring injury. Rodrigo Muniz, however, is ruled out until February at the earliest. Other than those two doubts and one player definitely ruled out, Silva has a full squad to choose from.

Slot doesn’t have such luck. The Dutch tactician is without Alexander Isak due to a broken leg and Mohamed Salah is away at AFCON. Cody Gakpo could well start his first game in almost a month after making two sub appearances off of the bench recently having returned from injury. The Reds don’t have that many options in attack right now. Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo are still out while Giovanni Leoni isn’t expected to return this season.

Prediction

We’re going with a score draw for this one, 1-1.

(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: Manchester United cross the Pennines to face Leeds United

Elland Road has become one of the toughest venues for away teams to visit in the Premier League over the last month.

By Graham Ruthven

Rivalry reignited

Not so long ago, Leeds United appeared destined for an immediate return to the Championship. The Elland Road side were struggling for consistent form and Daniel Farke was fighting for his job.

Now, though, Leeds are on a six-game unbeaten run, sitting seven points clear of the bottom three following Thursday’s credible 0-0 draw away to Liverpool.

Sunday’s match is a big opportunity for Leeds to get the better of their fiercest rivals, particularly with the game taking place at Elland Road where Farke’s side have lost just twice this season.

Manchester United must bounce back from a disappointing home draw against Wolves which raised fresh questions over Ruben Amorim’s suitability as the club’s manager.

After success with a back four in games against Bournemouth and Newcastle, Amorim reverted to his favoured 3-4-3 shape to face the worst team in the Premier League and United subsequently struggled for attacking threat.

While Amorim’s immediate job security might not be at risk, another disappointing result against Leeds would seriously set back the notion that Manchester United are making progress under his stewardship.

Key players

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s incredible scoring run came to an end against Liverpool, marking the first time in six games that the centre forward had failed to find the back of the net.

Brenden Aaronson has thrived after Farke’s change to a new 3-5-2 shape with the American’s dribbling ability giving Leeds a different dimension in the attacking third.

*Aaronson’s possession numbers in the Premier League this season*

Anton Stach will be a big presence in the centre of the pitch for the home side. The German has created more chances than any other Leeds player this season and could be key on Sunday.

For Manchester United, it will largely fall on Matheus Cunha to provide a spark in the attacking third with Bruno Fernandes still injured and Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Benjamin Šeško registered more shots than any other player on the pitch in United’s 1-1 draw with Wolves. However, the Slovenian striker hasn’t found the back of the net since October.

Ayden Heaven has stepped up as an important defensive figure for Manchester United in recent weeks while Patrick Dorgu has offered a funnel into the final third on the right wing.

Team news

Daniel James and Sean Longstaff are both sidelined through injury for Leeds while Joe Rodon could return to action after missing the goalless draw against Liverpool on New Year’s Day.

Ethan Ampadu will miss Sunday’s match after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season at Anfield. The Welsh international will leave a big hole in the defensive line.

Fernandes is out of action for a number of weeks while Matthijs De Ligt, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo all struggling with knocks right now.

Amad and Mbeumo are on international duty with their respective national teams at AFCON with Moroccan right back Noussair Mazraoui also at the tournament. This leaves Manchester United depleted for the visit to Elland Road.

Prediction

The Yorkshire side are hard to beat at the moment, with Daniel Farke’s squad looking rejuvenated in the latter end of 2025. A win over their Lancashire rivals would be quite the statement of intent to start 2026: Leeds 2-1 Manchester United.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: In-form Espanyol welcome Barcelona in New Year Derby

Espanyol play host to Barcelona in LaLiga on Saturday evening in what promises to be a thriller considering the recent form of both clubs.

By Ross Kilvington

Following a short winter break, both teams will be looking to continue building momentum in the first match of 2026.

Espanyol eyeing first win over cross-city rivals since 2018

Espanyol have long been the ugly sister regarding football teams in Barcelona and they have not won against their rivals since January 2018.

That victory came in the Copa del Rey, with the club winning the first leg 1-0 at home. However, you have to stretch back to February 2009 for their last league victory over Barcelona, winning 2-1 in the same season that Pep Guardiola’s men won the treble.

Ahead of this highly anticipated clash, Espanyol are currently on a five-game winning streak in the Spanish top flight.

This run has seen them vaulted up to fifth in the league, just two points shy of fourth place.

They will pin their hopes on duo Edu Expósito and Pere Milla. The former has created 40 big chances in LaLiga this term, ranking him second out of every player, while the latter has scored six league goals.

If those two perform well, Espanyol have a chance of ending their eight-year winless drought on Saturday.

Barcelona are on course to defend their LaLiga title

After losing two of their opening ten league matches, including a Clásico loss to Real Madrid, Barcelona have won eight on the bounce, the last seven all by at least a two goal margin.

Combined with Madrid’s dismal form, this superb run has seen them lead the table by four points heading into 2026.

Hansi Flick’s side have won their previous three matches against Espanyol and another win on Saturday will extend their advantage at the top of the table.

This would pile even more pressure on Madrid and Xabi Alonso as they bid to win consecutive LaLiga titles.

Lamine Yamal has scored five league goals and grabbed three assists since the start of November and he will be key in this intriguing match.

Team news

The home side will be without midfielder Charles Pickel, who is representing DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations and won’t be back for another few weeks.

Elsewhere, Ramon Terrats and Javi Puado are both missing due to injury.

Flick will be without the services of Gavi, Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araújo for the match against Espanyol.

Dani Olmo is a major doubt to a shoulder issue, although Pedri could return after missing the Villarreal clash due to a calf problem.

Prediction

Despite Barcelona’s recent dominance in this head-to-head, Espanyol enter the match in excellent form and they can certainly cause the away side plenty of problems.

Given the fact they will play a day before Madrid, this could prove to be a major incentive for Flick and his side.

As such, expect Barcelona to win a ninth successive LaLiga match to begin the New Year with a bang: Espanyol 1-3 Barcelona.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Arsenal set their sights on a meeting with Bournemouth

Bournemouth play host to an in-form Arsenal on Saturday evening in the Premier League as both teams play their first game of 2026.

By Ross Kilvington

Bournemouth are winless in ten top flight matches dating back to October 26, while Arsenal have won five of their previous six league games.

With Manchester City slipping up against Sunderland, the Gunners have a chance to stretch even further clear at the top of the table.

Andoni Iraola is enduring his toughest spell since taking over Bournemouth

After winning three of their opening five Premier League fixtures, the Cherries have won only twice since the start of October.

This has seen Iraola’s men plummet down the table as they enter this clash sitting 15^th, although nine points clear of relegation.

The manager will be pinning his hopes on holding on to Antoine Semenyo for long enough to start him in the game against the league leaders.

Semenyo has scored nine Premier League goals so far this season, including efforts against Liverpool and Manchester United.

Indeed, he has netted three goals in his previous four matches and Mikel Arteta must be wary of the threat he will pose on Saturday evening.

Do Arsenal have one hand on the Premier League title?

Arsenal benefitted massively on New Year’s Day as Sunderland held City to a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light.

This meant the Gunners head into their first match of 2026 four points clear at the top of the table.

Many believe the title is Arsenal’s to lose, especially after a stunning victory over Aston Villa earlier this week.

Villa had won 11 consecutive matches across all competitions – with Arsenal being one of their victims – but the Gunners scored four second-half goals to wrap up all three points at the Emirates.

That win was their fourth in a row in the top flight and means they begin 2026 with a healthy advantage at the top.

Arteta’s men are fighting on four fronts, which means his squad will be stretched even further over the next few months.

A win over the Cherries will be the ideal way to begin the new year, no doubt about that.

Team news

Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori remain doubts after missing the Villa clash in midweek.

Declan Rice could return to the side, while Gabriel Jesus may have put himself in the frame for a start against the Cherries.

Max Dowman is a definite absentee, as he is struggling with an ankle injury.

For the home side, Ben Gannon-Doak, Veljko Milosavljević and Tyler Adams will all be unavailable for the clash.

Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook might be ready, although they will have to undergo late fitness tests.

Prediction

Given the respective form of both teams, Arsenal enter this clash as firm favourites to claim all three points.

Bournemouth have shown plenty of fight in recent weeks, however, as evidenced by the 4-4 draw with Manchester United before Christmas and the 2-2 stalemate with Chelsea a few days ago.

Arsenal will continue to demonstrate their title credentials and should win this game fairly comfortably: Bournemouth 0-3 Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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