Page 73 – The Pulse of Football

Sep

2025

Preview: Inter Miami start home run against Chicago

Inter Miami enter a run of three home games when they face Chicago Fire on Tuesday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

By James Nalton

Lionel Messi’s side still have a chance of topping the overall table in MLS and retaining their Supporters’ Shield title, but they have made things more difficult by not winning as expected in Toronto at the weekend.

This will be Inter Miami’s seventh game in 18 days as they continue to play catch-up both in terms of games played and, they hope, points earned.

This game itself is one that was rearranged due to Miami’s participation in the Leagues Cup final at the end of August.

Philadelphia did what Inter Miami couldn’t

Just when it looked like Inter Miami were on a run that could see them challenge for the Supporters’ Shield, they failed to capitalise in a game that, on paper, should have been an easy win.

Tadeo Allende scored the only goal in a 1-1 draw in Canada on Saturday, as Miami stumbled on their charge to the top of the table.

While Javier Mascherano’s side failed to get the win against a Toronto FC team that are stuck down in the lower end of the Eastern Conference, league leaders Philadelphia Union had no such problems against similar opposition.

The Union dispatched bottom-of-the-table DC United 6-0 in the capital on Saturday night.

Miami’s game against DC United in August also finished 1-1, and this failure to get maximum points against these two struggling teams could be the difference come the end of the season.

Messi’s run ends

As Inter Miami’s winning run ended, so did Messi’s run of goals and assists in consecutive games.

A Messi goal usually means a Miami win. He has scored in 16 MLS games for his club this season, and they have won 13 of those.

On the other hand, in the 14 games in which Messi hasn’t scored, including those in which he didn’t feature at all, Miami only won three times.

It is not a surprise that the form of Messi and the results of Inter Miami are so closely intertwined.

This is why, if they do win the Supporters’ Shield, it is almost certain that Messi will also be named the league’s MVP.

Going into this game against Chicago, both of these things remain in the balance.

Opposition watch: Chicago Fire

Chicago would secure postseason qualification with a win against Inter Miami, so they have plenty to play for themselves.

They will be trying to ignore the noise around their high-profile opposition and concentrate on their own goals for the season. The focus on Miami could even be good for them, taking off some of the pressure.

The Fire are managed this season by former United States men’s national team boss Gregg Berhalter, and have improved under his watch.

Whatever happens in their last three games, 2025 will see their highest league finish in six seasons.

They also have some quality players on their books these days, including their top scorer, Hugo Cuypers, who has 17 goals this campaign, and 2025 signing Philip Zinckernagel.

Berhalter’s side have a game in hand over a New York Red Bulls side that are looking to add to a 15-season playoff streak, but still need two points to make sure of playoff qualification.

Prediction

Inter Miami to return to winning ways at home, meaning Chicago have to wait a little longer to secure their playoff spot.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

You can follow every MLS game live this season with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2025

Preview: Spurs go to Bodo/Glimt in upgraded rematch

Bodø/Glimt host Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Tuesday night as the Norwegian side look to take revenge after their Europa League defeat against the Premier League side last season.

By Matt Smith

Over two legs, Spurs defeated Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate, securing their place in the final of the competition. Despite being dominated in the possession in the second leg on Bodø/Glimt’s artificial turf, Tottenham secured a 2-0 victory on the road, before they beat Manchester United in the final.

Team news

Bodø/Glimt could be without Brede Moe and Daniel Bassi, who were both substituted in their cup match last time out. The duo were taken off in the first half, and it’s unclear whether they will be fit enough to make this one. Ulrik Saltnes remains sidelined for the home side.

Tottenham have a host of injury issues to contend with, as the likes of Randal Kolo Muani, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski remain on the treatment table.

Glimt formidable on their own turf

So far this season, with the Norwegian campaign already going on for a few months longer than the Premier League, Bodø/Glimt have won eight of their 11 games at home. During that time they’ve scored 34 goals, which is over three per match in the Eliteserien.

Kjetil Knutsen’s side like to dominate possession, with no team in their league having more of the ball this campaign. They’ve also scored more and conceded fewer than any other team, so Spurs will have to be at the top of their game, just like they were in last year’s Europa League semi-final.

Tottenham more resolute at the back

One thing Thomas Frank has done since arriving at the club to replace Ange Postecoglou is strengthen their defensive numbers. Spurs have conceded just 0.7 goals per game so far this season, with only Arsenal and Crystal Palace managing fewer.

The north London club have also scored 1.8 goals per game, but their results have been inconsistent, winning three, drawing two, and losing one in the Premier League so far this campaign. Frank’s side are on a run of two draws in a row in the league.

Richarlison flourishing thanks to injuries

Richarlison has been given a rare run of games in the Tottenham side this season, with Kolo Muani and Solanke both suffering injury problems. It’s paid off for the Brazilian forward, who has produced four goals and assists combined in the Premier League, more than any other Tottenham player.

The former Everton man is likely to lead the line, considering Mathys Tel hasn’t been registered and Kolo Muani and Solanke are sidelined, and it could be an ideal opportunity for him to continue his goalscoring form and keep impressing Frank in front of goal.

Prediction

Despite Bodø/Glimt’s impressive form domestically, it’s difficult not to see a Tottenham win after the performances they produced against the Norwegian side last season.

We’re going for a 2-0 win away from home for the Premier League outfit.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Sep

2025

Preview: Chelsea welcome back a hero as Benfica visit in the Champions League

It’s past vs present at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday as now Benfica boss José Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge, hoping to get one up on his former side. Considering Chelsea’s recent form, it could have come at a better time or the legendary Portuguese coach.

By Alex Roberts

Enzo Maresca’s side suffered a second consecutive Premier League defeat with a 3-1 loss to Brighton on Saturday, and just like that, the good work done during the summer’s Club World Cup was forgotten.

Benfica are so far undefeated under Mourinho, with two wins and one draw in their three games together. Sitting third in Liga Portugal, just one point behind the top two (Porto and Sporting), they’ll now test their mettle on the continent.

Just keep eleven players on the pitch, lads

Chelsea were 1-0 up and relatively in control of the game against Brighton before Trevoh Chalobah was shown a straight red card for a last man challenge on Diego Gómez, thanks to a hospital pass from Andrey Santos.

In fact, four of Chelsea’s five defeats this calendar year have featured a red card for one of their players, Nicolas Jackson with two, Robert Sánchez with one, and now Chalobah with one. So, are they in crisis or are they just making some bad decisions?

Maresca has admitted that having to play with ten men is a learning curve for him, but their 3-1 defeat to Bayern in the previous round of fixtures was their only one of the five defeats without a red card. Keeping eleven on the pitch for this one will give Chelsea a better chance of getting something.

An unlikely circumstance

Ironically, Benfica beat Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe in the qualifiers to earn a place in this season’s Champions League league phase, and their 3-2 defeat to Azerbaijani Qarabağ in the previous round was the game that sealed Bruno Lage’s fate.

Benfica were 2-0 up after just 16 minutes before it all went to hell, such a result that Mourinho simply wouldn’t tolerate. He took charge of just 10 Benfica games back in 2000 when he first started his managerial career but never had the chance to lead them out in Europe’s most prestigious club tournament.

Now, he will manage his first Champions League game against the club that he still calls home. As far as footballing narratives go, it couldn’t have worked out better for one of the most iconic coaches in the history of the game.

Team news

Chalobah’s red card against Brighton won’t have any effect on the game here and he is likely to retain his position at centre-back simply due to the lack of options Chelsea currently have in that position. Facundo Buonanotte is also available again after being unable to face his parent club.

Chelsea are still missing talismanic playmaker Cole Palmer due to his ongoing groin problem, with Levi Colwill (knee), Liam Delap (thigh), Dário Essugo (thigh), Tosin Adarabioyo (calf) and Wesley Fofana (head) all also ruled out.

Benfica are also far from full strength, with Manu Silva and Alexander Bah still recovering from ACL injuries, while winger Bruma faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines and may not return until 2026 due to a ruptured Achilles.

Gianluca Prestianni is also away representing Argentina at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

Prediction

Sometimes, it’s hard to ignore fate. This has a classic 1-0 Mourinho smash and grab written all over it.

(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.

Sep

2025

Preview: Madrid are in Kazakhstan for Kairat test

A derby hammering didn’t make for pretty viewing for Real Madrid fans or new boss Xabi Alonso, but Los Blancos will be hoping for a routine return to winning ways in the Champions League midweek.

By Karl Matchett

A chasm between them

It is in pretty much every way the game with the biggest gaps of the league phase, from financial to geographical – it’s far closer and quicker for the Spanish side to get to most of Africa and plenty of Asia, than it is for them to travel to the eastern side of Kazakhstan, where hosts Kairat Almaty are based. Even a small part of China is closer than this trip – but at the end of it will be a club whose record signing for €1m was made more than half a decade ago. Real Madrid spent ten times as much just to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold a month early from his Liverpool contract, let alone the other €150m spent on squad additions this past summer. As for Champions League history, this is Kairat’s first time in the competition proper – Real have won it 15 times.

Defensive concerns

Still, in 90 minutes anything can happen, as they say. In the last European 90 minutes, no surprises emerged as Kairat went to Sporting and were hammered 4-1, though they held out resolutely until almost half time. Real Madrid will hope that a similar approach of relentless attacking will pave the way to success, because they have a host of defensive injuries right now – two left-backs in the XI looks likely, and Xabi Alonso could even revert to his three-man defensive line given both right-backs are missing too. One name to note from Kairat Almaty will look to exploit that weakness: 17-year-old striker Dastan Satpaev is off to Chelsea next summer and has 11 league goals this season – we profiled him a while back – here.

Recent form

The Kazakh side sit second in their domestic league and have won their last three, though widen it to all competitions and it’s three wins from seven – though that factors in two draws with Celtic and an eventual shootout win to reach the league phase in Europe. Real Madrid’s humiliation at Atlético over the weekend leaves them one point off Barcelona in LaLiga, having won seven straight prior to that beating.

Team news

Élder Santana and João Paulo are out long-term for Kairat, with Alexandr Zarutskiy a doubt.

For Real, Dani Carvajal misses a month, Trent Alexander-Arnold is still missing, Éder Militão is a new injury absence and both Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger remain sidelined. David Alaba has only played ten minutes this season but might be needed here.

Key player

On the assumption Kylian Mbappé is double-marked more often than not, Arda Güler has been a strong performer with three goals and three assists this term. In LaLiga so far it’s 3.8 chances created per 90, as well as 2 shots. He’s in the top 2% of attacking midfielders for chance creation over the past year.

Prediction

Real Madrid will simply have too much in attack even if the balance in the side isn’t there: Kairat Almaty 0-3 Real Madrid.

(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.

Sep

2025

Preview: Liverpool visit unbeaten Turkish league leaders Galatasaray

Just days after suffering their first defeat of the season, Liverpool travel to Istanbul to take on Turkish champions Galatasaray in what is expected to be a hostile environment.

By Sam McGuire

The story so far

The match sees the Premier League leaders take on the Süper Lig leaders.

Liverpool had been perfect this term across all competitions prior to their trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon. Despite netting an 87th minute equaliser against Crystal Palace, the Reds lost the game, conceding in the seventh minute of injury time.

How they bounce back from this will be interesting.

Perhaps surprisingly, the Premier League champions haven’t played that well this season despite winning eight of nine. Likely caused by the squad overhaul this summer, the Reds are going to have to start putting in controlled, composed showings sooner rather than later. They aren’t going to be able to coast in the Turkish capital.

Galatasaray, meanwhile, have been perfect in the league, taking 21 points from seven matches. They’ve scored 19 goals and conceded just twice. Domestically, they are utterly dominant. However, in their single Champions League game this term, they were humbled by Eintracht Frankfurt, losing 5-1 in one of the shock scorelines of round one.

Recent form

For the Turkish side, results haven’t necessarily told the entire story.

For example, they lost 5-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt but the Expected Goals total for that game was 1.21 to 1.09 in favour of the Bundesliga club. Galatasaray even took the lead in what was quite an even game.

Then, in their last league outing against Alanyaspor, a game Galatasaray claimed a 1-0 win in, Okan Buruk’s side gave up chances with an xG value of 2.11. In reality, they would’ve been lucky to claim a draw, let alone snatch a win.

Liverpool haven’t been great though. Following the 4-2 win over Bournemouth on the opening day, Arne Slot’s men eked out seven odd-goal wins on the bounce before finally losing to Palace. They kept finding ways to win, even if performances didn’t warrant the three points.

Key Players

For Liverpool, it’ll be Mohamed Salah. The 33-year-old single-handedly tormented Atlético Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield, having six shots, creating three chances and finishing with an xG involvement of 2.1. He’s struggled in the league but Europe is a different proposition entirely.

*Galatasaray’s top scorers in the Süper Lig*

For the hosts, all eyes will be on whether or not Victor Osimhen is deemed fit enough to start following an ankle injury. If he’s not, his deputy, Mauro Icardi, will be the one to watch. He’s the top scorer in the Turkish league this term with five.

Team News

“We’ll assess his pain and physical condition before thinking about the next match [vs Liverpool].” The words of the Galatasaray manager following Osimhen’s 10 minute cameo off of the bench against Alanyaspor. The likelihood is that the one-time Liverpool transfer target will start on the bench against the Premier League champions.

Other than that, the Turkish champions have a fully fit squad. The Reds, however, are without Giovanni Leoni following his ACL injury against Southampton. Slot will also want to manage the minutes of his key players with a game against Chelsea on the horizon.

Prediction

We’re going to go with a narrow 2-1 win for Liverpool.

(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.

Sep

2025

Preview: Barcelona face Real Sociedad at the Estadi Olimpic

Barcelona and Real Sociedad go head-to-head on Sunday evening, as Hansi Flick’s side look to continue their unbeaten run in LaLiga this season on their own turf.

By Matt Smith

La Real’s first victory of the season came earlier this week, beating Mallorca, while Barcelona beat Real Oviedo on Thursday.

In this fixture last season, which was the previous meeting between the two sides, Barcelona secured an emphatic 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad. Four different goalscorers found the back of the net that day – Gerard Martín, Marc Casadó, Ronald Araújo, and Robert Lewandowski.

Team news

Barcelona have a host of injury troubles heading into this game, with Marc-André ter Stegen, Gavi, and Fermín López all ruled out. Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde are doubts, so there’s a chance they also miss out.

For the away side, Yangel Herrera and Orri Óskarsson are both sidelined, while Aritz Elustondo, who was sent off in the previous meeting, is a doubt.

Barcelona ruthless in front of goal

It’s been an exciting start to the season from an attacking perspective for Barcelona, scoring a whopping 3.2 goals per game, more than any other side in LaLiga. They’ve created 13.9 expected goals, while producing eight shots on target per match.

Flick’s side have also looked solid defensively, conceding just 0.7 goals per game. Flick will be disappointed not to have won all six games after throwing away a lead against Rayo Vallecano, but they’re in a strong position to continue their fine form.

Real Sociedad struggling in front of goal

La Real haven’t been scoring as freely as they would have liked, finding the back of the net just six times since the start of the season. They’ve created 8.6 expected goals and created 14 big chances, but getting the ball over the line has been a problem this term.

Sergio Francisco’s side’s first victory only came earlier this week, losing three of their opening five games before that. They’ll be hoping that’s the catalyst to kickstart their campaign, but it doesn’t get much more difficult than Barcelona away from home up next for La Real.

Rashford the not-so-secret weapon

Marcus Rashford has begun settling in at Barcelona, and he’s looking somewhat back to his best in the last few weeks. The England international has provided four goal contributions in four games for his new club, and with Lamine Yamal injured of late, there’s been more pressure on him to deliver in the final third.

If Yamal is still on the treatment table against Real Sociedad, then Rashford could be the man Flick turns to for some creativity and a goalscoring threat. If he continues his excellent form, La Real will have to be careful.

Prediction

Considering Barcelona are unbeaten and have won both of their home games in LaLiga this season, scoring nine goals without even conceding, it’s hard not to see a convincing win for Flick’s side.

We’re going for a 3-0 victory to Barcelona.

(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.

Sep

2025

Preview: Arsenal go to St. James’ Park for Newcastle showdown

Newcastle will be aiming to continue their recent dominance over Arsenal when the two teams clash on Sunday afternoon.

By Ross Kilvington

Both teams taking their time to warm up

While this match promises to be an excellent way to end the weekend, both teams are still searching for their best football.

Newcastle finally sealed their first Premier League victory of the season last week with a 1-0 win against Wolves.

The Magpies, however, have found the back of the net just three times across the first five matchdays of the league campaign.

Indeed, Eddie Howe’s men became just the second club in top flight history to record goalless draws in their opening three away matches.

Arsenal began the season convincingly with wins over Manchester United and Leeds, scoring six goals without reply.

Defeat to Liverpool and a draw against Man City since then sees the Gunners sit five points behind the Anfield side.

Key players

Howe signed Nick Woltemade as a replacement for Alexander Isak and it looks as though the German could become a fans favourite on Tyneside.

He scored the winner in the clash against Wolves with a trademark header and the supporters will expect plenty more of those in the months ahead.

Sandro Tonali is continuing to prove his worth to Howe with several superb performances to begin the season. The Italian ranks in the top 12% for both successful passes (224) and chances created (7) when compared to players in his position.

Viktor Gyökeres has scored three times for the Gunners since his summer move from Sporting, but Mikel Arteta will certainly be looking for an improved output as the season progresses.

Elsewhere, new signings Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze have settled in well at the Emirates, registering five goals between them so far. The duo will be key to unlocking a stubborn Newcastle defence.

Team news

Newcastle will be without Fabian Schär after he suffered a head injury against Barcelona last week.

Summer signings Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa are also absent due to injury, although Anthony Gordon returns after serving a suspension.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will be missing Noni Madueke, who is out for around six weeks. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Piero Hincapié wont be available for selection.

In more positive news, Martin Ødegaard could be set to return to the starting XI after missing the previous three games due to a shoulder issues.

Prediction

Newcastle won three of the four matches they played against Arsenal last season, but the Gunners start this one as slight favourites.

Howe’s misfiring attack is worrying and he will be hoping Woltemade can make a huge difference in this area, using his unpredictability and towering frame to cause chaos in the opposition penalty area.

It will be a tight affair on Tyneside this Sunday, but Arsenal should have more than enough to seal their fourth Premier League victory of the season.

I’m going for a narrow 1-0 win for the visitors.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all the games from the Premier 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.

Sep

2025

Preview: Tottenham Hotspur welcome Wolves in the Premier League

By Ross Kilvington

Spurs will be looking to reinforce their Champions League credentials when they welcome Wolves to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening.

Tottenham look vibrant under Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank has enjoyed an excellent start to his reign in North London. After four years establishing Brentford as Premier League regulars, the Dane finally got his big move in the summer.

So far, Spurs have won three of their five league matches, including a solid 2-0 victory over Manchester City and they occupy third place in the table.

Frank even secured Spurs’ first Champions League win since November 2022 with a 1-0 triumph against Villarreal.

Wolves, on the other hand, are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table. With zero wins and 12 goals conceded, a clash against Spurs is the last thing they want to face.

Solace may be found in the EFL Cup. Vítor Pereira’s side dismantled Everton 2-0 in the third round. Now, this type of performance must be displayed in the top flight.

Key players

Under Frank, Spurs’ goals have come from several different sources. Richarlison was on the bench for the 3-0 win over Doncaster in the Carabao Cup, but he should return to the starting XI this weekend.

With three goals in seven matches, the Brazilian could be a key fixture under Frank.

Summer signing Xavi Simons has yet to get on the scoresheet, but he has registered an assist. Elsewhere, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Bergvall have also contributed effectively in the final third, recording six assists between them.

Pereira must end their winless drought in the Premier League sooner rather than later and this could influence his team selection.

Tolu Arokodare came off the bench against Everton in midweek and scored the clincher in the 2-0 victory. Jørgen Strand Larsen may not have a league goal to his name this term, but he did net twice against West Ham in the Carabao Cup last month.

Tenacious midfielder João Gomes will likely return to the starting XI against Spurs. The Brazilian ranks in the top 10% for both tackles (14) and duels won (34) in the top flight this season.

Team news

Randal Kolo Muani missed the cup clash with Doncaster with a minor injury and he could be missing from the clash against Wolves.

Ben Davies may also miss out, while long-term absentees include Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Drăgușin and James Maddison.

Only one player is a doubt for Wolves. Andre was taken off against Everton, but it looks as though his problem is a minor one. It remains to be seen whether he will recover in time for Saturday.

Prediction

Spurs’ early season form shows that they are a different animal under Frank compared to Ange Postecoglou. Last season saw the Old Gold win 4-2 at Molineux while also securing a share of the spoils away from home.

Saturday will be a much harder task given the North Londoners’ form of late. Expect the home side to emerge victorious this time: Spurs 3-1 Wolves.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all the games from the Premier 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.

Sep

2025

Preview: Palace and Liverpool meet again

Welcome to part two of three meetings in two-and-a-half months between two of last season’s trophy winners – who are also the Premier League’s last remaining unbeaten sides this term.

By Karl Matchett

Crystal Palace and Liverpool opened the 2025/26 season when they met in the Community Shield – a part of preseason in truth, but a Wembley silverware addition for the south east London club all the same after they won on penalties. In October, they’ll meet again in the League Cup. And first, on Saturday, they lock horns in the Premier League.

Renewing rivalries

Oliver Glasner’s team are becoming a familiar foe for Arne Slot – this will in fact be three against Palace in just ten competitive games for the Reds, as the two faced off in the final league fixture last term. Both that game and the August Wembley meeting were draws, and with neither side giving up much ground in fixtures this season it could be another tense and tight match-up. Liverpool have won six games in a row by a single goal margin; Palace haven’t scored or conceded more than one in any home fixture this term. The odds are on it being another fiercely fought and close encounter and options from the bench could well be key.

Guéhi tug of war

At the centre of attention will be Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi, wanted by Liverpool in summer but denied a move at the last minute in the transfer window. With the Reds now down to three centre-backs there’s every chance a move is resurrected in January but for now the Eagles’ skipper remains in excellent form and intent on trying to stop the new most expensive British signing ever, with Alexander Isak set to make his first league start for the Reds.

It’s not only Guéhi in the spotlight though. Adam Wharton has been linked with Liverpool, Ismaïla Sarr has a personal history of scoring plenty against them (four so far) and Nathaniel Clyne played over 100 times as a Liverpool player.

Recent form

Palace have played nine matches in four competitions already this season and haven’t lost any – while Liverpool have won all seven of their competitive fixtures, following on from a draw and shootout loss in the Community Shield.

Team news

Several out for both teams, with Yeremy Pino a doubt and each of Chadi Riad, Walter Benítez and Cheick Doucouré missing for the hosts and Hugo Ekitike suspended for the Reds. Centre-back Giovanni Leoni is out for the season with an ACL tear.

Key player

Alexander Isak, is it?! The £125m man won’t be at top speed yet but over the past year he’s ahead of 85% of strikers around Europe’s top leagues for taking shots, 88% for creating chances and 94% for actually scoring. Taking a chance here might be key for the points in a tough game.

Prediction

Certainly the hosts have the capacity to trouble the champions but we’ll say only one unbeaten run comes to an end here: Palace 1-2 Liverpool.

(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.

Sep

2025

Preview: Manchester City host Burnley

Premier League title contenders Manchester City are playing catch up after a mixed start to the campaign.

By Neel Shelat

A crucial run of fixtures for Manchester City

We are five matches into the new Premier League season, but Manchester City have surprisingly still dropped points more often than not. Despite the late concession, last weekend’s draw with Arsenal was not such a disappointing result, but losses to Tottenham and Brighton have left them on the back foot compared to the other title contenders.

Pep Guardiola’s side are now entering a relatively easier stretch of matches starting this weekend. Brentford, Everton, Aston Villa and Bournemouth will be their subsequent opponents in the league, leading up to a huge clash against early leaders Liverpool in November. City simply have to pick up 15 points from their next five games if they are to avoid drifting too far from the title race again.

Red-hot Haaland hoping to lead City’s attack

Erling Haaland missed City’s midweek Carabao Cup match due to a minor back injury but is likely to return to the line-up for this game. He has been in unstoppable form this season having netted 12 times in his last six appearances for club and country, and last going goalless over a month ago in the loss to Spurs.

The Norwegian striker has an even greater goalscoring responsibility in the absence of the likes of Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki, so all eyes will be on him yet again.

*Haaland’s shot map, Premier League 2025/26*

Another resolute defensive showing needed for Burnley

Burnley have the lowest possession average in the Premier League so far this season at barely over 33%, but their defensive record is far from the worst. The match against Liverpool stands out as the Clarets saw less than 20% of the ball but resisted waves of pressure and restricted the defending champions in open play before being undone by a late red card and stoppage-time penalty.

Burnley will surely be similarly starved of the ball at the Etihad Stadium, so Scott Parker must have spent the week drilling his defence into being as solid as possible.

City’s dominant head-to-head record

Burnley might take a little encouragement from Manchester City’s recent inconsistency, but they certainly will not want to glance at their head-to-head record. The Clarets have lost each of their last 13 meetings across all competitions, with just two goals scored and a whopping 46 conceded!

Their fortunes have been even worse in Manchester as they got a result over a decade ago with a 2-2 draw in 2014, while their last away win against City was at Maine Road all the way back in 1963. The hosts would go on to get relegated that year, while Burnley finished in the top three.

Prediction

By all metrics, City are massive favourites in this game and should coast to a comfortable win, likely with Haaland on the scoresheet.

(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.