Page 75 – The Pulse of Football

Sep

2025

Preview: Man City visit League One Huddersfield

Manchester City will be expected to take the game to Huddersfield Town after Sunday’s back-to-the-walls job away to Arsenal.

By Graham Ruthven

Firm favourites

Pep Guardiola didn’t look much like Pep Guardiola on Sunday. At least, his Manchester City didn’t play like a team of his, defending with their backs to the wall for much of the 1-1 draw away to Arsenal.

The ends would have justified the means had it not been for Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage time leveller, but City will be expected to take the game to Huddersfield Town in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie.

Having already knocked out Leicester City and Sunderland, Huddersfield are aiming to continue their giant-killing in this season’s Carabao Cup.

Lee Grant’s team have made a decent start to the season, winning five of their opening League One fixtures, although their current run of just one win from four games hints at a drop-off.

Guardiola could rotate his squad for the trip to the John Smith Stadium after two matches against Napoli and Arsenal in the last week, but City have such strength in depth that they remain firm favourites to make the next round.

Key players

Joe Taylor will likely start in attack for Huddersfield Town. While the 22-year-old hasn’t scored in his last two appearances, he has notched three goals in nine league outings this season.

Will Alves, Leo Castledine and Alfie May, who has a combined four goals and assists this season, could also be in line to start for the home team, giving Huddersfield creativity and attacking threat behind the central striker.

David Kasumu will partner Daniel Vost in the centre of the pitch, giving the pair arguably the toughest task of any two Huddersfield players. They will be key to ensuring the hosts aren’t overrun in midfield.

Guardiola could set up his Manchester City side in a number of different ways to make good use of his squad options. This makes it difficult to predict who could start for the visitors.

Savinho could use this as an opportunity to stake a claim for a more regular spot having been squeezed out of the team by Jérémy Doku and Phil Foden this season. Nico González might also get a chance from the start on Wednesday night.

Team news

Huddersfield are expected to be without Herbie Kane, Lynden Gooch and Jack Whatmough for the visit of Manchester City to the John Smith Stadium, although the trio could return from injury in the coming weeks.

Guardiola has a number of injuries to contend with. Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Mateo Kovačić and Omar Marmoush are all sidelined for City and will play no part in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie.

Erling Haaland could sit out after suffering a knock in the weekend draw against Arsenal while James Trafford could come back into the City lineup after recently losing his spot to Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The likes of Oscar Bobb, Gonzalez, Rico Lewis and Savinho could be among the rotation options given an opportunity to prove their worth from the start against the Terriers.

Prediction

Similarly to the other big Premier League teams that have entered the Carabao Cup at this stage, we’re expecting Pep Guardiola to make wholesale changes to his starting XI but we don’t see City slipping up here: Huddersfield Town 0-2 Man City.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Sep

2025

Preview: Arsenal visit League One side Port Vale

Arsenal fans seem split over a late weekend draw at home to Manchester City, but with a trophy high on the list of requirements perhaps Mikel Arteta can’t quite write off a midweek League Cup clash as a chance to simply rotate everybody.

By Karl Matchett

Mix and match for Arteta

The Gunners were again the biggest net spenders in the summer transfer window and the onus is on Arteta to now land significant silverware after spending a billion pounds on his rebuild. Sure, the north London side have come relatively close to prizes in position terms, but his cautiousness and pragmatism has ultimately blocked any legitimate title tilt so far. Right now, any trophy will do. As such, hosts Port Vale may not escape as easily as they might have done had the Gunners been five from five in the Premier League so far – though of course even a second-string XI would make for a tough evening for League One opponents.

The likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Christian Nørgaard have had limited minutes so far – the latter precisely one minute in Europe – but in the interests of finding top gear, Arteta might be well-served by keeping a number of starters involved. William Saliba is just back from injury, while the season-starting right flank of Ben White and Bukayo Saka could get much-needed game time and would be far from considered a backup duo. Add in Gabriel Martinelli starting after back-to-back goals as sub plus the temptation to let striker Victor Gyökeres plunder a few goals – no natural No. 9 alternative is fit – and it could well be an unusually strong visiting side which starts at Vale Park.

League Cup oddity

A slightly strange stat from the history of the second cup competition concerns Arsenal. They have, of course, won the FA Cup more times than any other club – 14. Yet in the League Cup it’s another matter entirely: they are level with Norwich and Wolves, and behind Leicester and Spurs, with just two wins ever – the last of which was more than three decades ago. It’s time, surely?!

Recent form

After a poor start to the season Port Vale have won four of their last six, including away at Birmingham in the last round of this competition. Arsenal have won four of their six so far this term in all competitions, losing only to Liverpool.

Team news

Port Vale are likely to keep the back three setup but Darren Moore may make a few changes in personnel. Ronan Curtis will hope to start after scoring the winner off the bench at the weekend. As well as the above-named players, teenager Max Dowman and backup keeper Kepa will hope to feature for Arsenal. Noni Madueke picked up a weekend injury.

Key player

If he starts, then Bukayo Saka is obviously the best player on the pitch. But in 45 minutes against Man City, Eberechi Eze showed why he should be Arsenal’s master key this term. He tops the squad stats for xA per 90, big chances created, shots per 90 and actual assists. Play him!

Prediction

No chance Arsenal fall at the first hurdle surely: Port Vale 0-3 Arsenal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Sep

2025

Gravenberch is adapting to a leading role at Liverpool

Ryan Gravenberch has been a driving force for Liverpool this season in a way that evokes the memory of a former club captain.

By Graham Ruthven

The difference in Sunday’s Merseyside Derby scoreline was only a single goal. On the pitch, though, it was Ryan Gravenberch. Not only did the Dutchman open the scoring for Liverpool, he was a commanding presence throughout, lending a hand to all areas of the 2-1 win over Everton.

This was completely in line with the impressive start to the season made by Gravenberch. Even as Liverpool have struggled to find their best form, relying on a series of late winners to win games, the 23-year-old has been a standout performer. He might currently be the best player in the Premier League.

Gravenberch certainly has the makings of Liverpool’s best central midfielder since Steven Gerrard. The Dutchman drove the Anfield side forward from deep in the way Gerrard did for the best part of two decades, even finding the back of the net as the former Liverpool captain did 186 times over the course of his career in red.

Gerrard was Liverpool’s do-everything man for the big occasion and Gravenberch has earned himself a similar reputation over the last two seasons. No player embodies the still fledgling Slot era on Merseyside better than Gravenberch who has thrived under the former Feyenoord boss.

In an alternate universe, Gravenberch lost his place in Slot’s midfield to Martin Zubimendi last year. The Spanish international was close to joining Liverpool before performing a U-turn to remain at Real Sociedad for another season, leaving Slot without the natural number six many believed he required to make his possession-orientated approach work.

When the move for Zubimendi collapsed, Slot remoulded Gravenberch. Having been signed by Jürgen Klopp to perform an attack-minded role, the Dutch coach saw his compatriot for what he could offer Liverpool on both sides of the ball. Few could have envisaged the player Gravenberch would become.

*Gravenberch leads the average ratings for Liverpool*

Of the Liverpool players to have played more than 200 minutes in the Premier League this season, nobody has averaged more tackles per 90 minutes (2.0) than Gravenberch. No midfielder has averaged more accurate passes per 90 minutes (55.8) than the Dutchman who has also contributed three goals and assists in just four games.

No other midfielder in the Premier League has the skill set of Gravenberch who can carry the ball, pass it and shoot it. The 23-year-old likes to get in between the lines and surge forward into the opposition box, like he did for his goal against Everton, but also provides the back four with protection.

Liverpool’s midfield unit has been the subject of much discussion over the years, even going back to the Klopp days when many believed the likes of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner were weak links relative to the strength of the rest of the lineup, particularly the forward line.

Now, Liverpool boast the most adaptable, adjustable Swiss Army knife of a midfield in the Premier League. It’s not just Gravenberch who can do everything, it’s Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai who all rotate and share responsibilities. The three players are all on the same wavelength.

The same can’t be said of every area of Liverpool’s team this season. Indeed, the Reds have been vulnerable in matches against Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Atlético Madrid with opponents having more joy against the Liverpool backline than might have been expected.

In Gravenberch, though, the defending Premier League champions have someone who can lead them to their next cycle as a team. “I think this is the evolution of a team,” said Slot, addressing Gravenberch’s changing role. “You constantly try to do different things. You try to keep what’s really good but other teams try to adjust to us as well, so we need to constantly evolve.

“And apart from that, we have different players now than we had last season, so sometimes you adjust a little bit also by the quality of the players you have now compared to the ones we had last season. I wouldn’t say [he has] freedom but he has the moments that he can help the attack – but that has a lot to do with the way the other team presses. He has a bit more freedom.”

Liverpool’s next cycle is still a work-in-progress. Florian Wirtz has yet to find his best form after joining from Bayer Leverkusen while Alexander Isak is still being introduced slowly fresh from a Premier League-record switch from Newcastle. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are also still acclimatising to their new surroundings.

Gravenberch’s role could change again as Liverpool evolve over the coming seasons, but for the time being he is setting the tone for another Premier League title challenge from midfield. There will be many more moments, and performances, like the one the Dutchman produced against Everton.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game 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

Can Jose Mourinho rekindle his magic one last time at Benfica?

September 23, 2000 – 25 years to the day – Benfica lost 1-0 to Boavista. The away side would go on to win a maiden Portuguese title that season, but that isn’t why this result is notable.

By Ross Kilvington

That game was José Mourinho’s first ever competitive match in the dugout after making strides at Porto and Barcelona, first as a translator and then assistant manager, under his mentor, Sir Bobby Robson.

At first glance, that explosive 11-game stint at the Eagles didn’t exactly herald the new messiah. Indeed, he won just five matches before stepping down in December 2000, believing that new president, Manuel Vilarinho, wanted another coach.

A quarter of a century on, Mourinho has a chance to right the wrongs after returning to manage Benfica, signing a two-year contract with his first club.

Is this his last chance to sprinkle that old Mourinho magic as he approaches the Indian summer of his career? Or will his second stint spell end as acrimoniously as his first?

With the ‘Special One’, you just never know what you are going to get.

Benfica need a winner in charge

Bruno Lage was sacked following Benfica’s failure to beat Qarabağ in the Champions League. They currently sit second in the top flight, already five points behind Porto, although the club do have a game in hand.

President Rui Costa stated in the aftermath of the decision that a “Benfica coach’s profile must be that of a winner”.

Enter Mourinho. Appointed last Thursday, he had just two days to prepare for a clash against AVS Futebol SAD and everything went to plan in what turned out to be a straightforward 3-0 victory.

Goals from Vangelis Pavlidis, Georgiy Sudakov and Franjo Ivanović – three of Benfica’s attacking quartet – ensured it was a positive homecoming for the 62-year-old.

This win also meant Mourinho extended his run of winning his first competitive game in charge of a new side. You have to go back to 2010, when his Real Madrid side drew 0-0 against Mallorca for the last time he failed to secure victory.

With six league titles, two Champions League trophies and a plethora of domestic cup successes, Mourino undoubtedly has the profile of a “winner” that Costa dearly wanted.

Now, he must build on his first victory by steering Benfica to their first domestic title since the 2022/23 campaign.

Why Mourinho and Benfica could be a perfect match

Mourinho’s league win ratio in his last role at Fenerbahce was 71.1%, which was the third-highest of his career to date. It proved that he still had the nous to coach at the highest level, despite the fact he hasn’t won a league title since 2015.

*Mourinho’s recent career history expressed as win percentages (includes all competitions)*

Of course, there have been a few trophies since. With Manchester United, Mourinho won the EFL Cup and Europa League. in 2022, he guided AS Roma to the inaugural edition of the Conference League, becoming the first manger to win Champions League, UEFA Cup/Europa League and European Conference League trophies.

Porto, who he managed between 2002-2004, currently lead the way in the Liga Portugal after six games, but there is no doubt that Benfica have a squad that can challenge for the title.

Against AVS, Mourinho lined up with a 4-2-3-1 system which worked extremely well. Pavlidis led the line superbly, notching his fourth goal of the season, while the likes of Ivanović, Sudakov and Fredrik Aursnes offered plenty of support.

While this system certainly appeared aggressive and attacking against the bottom side in the top flight, Mourinho’s traditional pragmatism will likely come into play over the next few weeks.

At the heart of his defence, veteran Nicolás Otamendi and young sensation Antonio Silva have the basis to form a magnificent partnership for the 62-year-old.

Indeed, the duo weren’t dribbled past against AVS, while also combining for 16 clearances, nine recoveries and three tackles throughout the match.

Add in midfielders such as Enzo Barrenechea, Richard Rios, Manu Silva and Leandro Barreiro – all aged 25 or younger – and it is clear that this could be a team who simply need the right manager to guide them towards trophies.

Next up for Mourinho is a home clash against Rio Ave on Tuesday evening, marking his first ever match at the Estadio da Luz, which wasn’t even built during his maiden spell with the club.

All eyes, however, will be on the blockbuster clash against Chelsea in the Champions League next week, now even more seismic considering who is in the dugout. Mourinho’s ascent towards greatness began at Porto, but it was at Stamford Bridge where his legacy was cemented.

Three Premier League titles, three League Cups and an FA Cup were won across two spells with the Blues.

Don’t be surprised if there is a little emotion in the air next Tuesday as the two clubs meet in London.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all the games from the Liga Portugal 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: Real Madrid head to Levante in midweek round

Levante and Real Madrid go head-to-head at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia on Tuesday night in La Liga, as Xabi Alonso’s side look to continue their perfect record.

By Matt Smith

It’s been a while since the two sides met, with their last game against each other coming back in 2022, where Madrid secured a comfortable 6-0 victory. Vinícius Júnior scored a hat-trick that night, while Ferland Mendy, Karim Benzema, and Rodrygo also found the back of the net.

Team news

Levante should have no fresh injury concerns heading into this difficult clash with LaLiga leaders Madrid. Etta Eyong, who is the danger man for the home side, is likely to play in a front two with Iván Romero.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is the latest player to join Real Madrid’s injury list, and he’s set for at least a month on the treatment table. Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy are also sidelined, but Dean Huijsen could return to the XI after his suspension.

Anti-possession but plenty of chances

Levante aren’t a side known for having plenty of the ball, and in fact, they’ve averaged just 37.4% possession in LaLiga this season. Despite their lack of the ball, this hasn’t strictly meant Levante are a defensive team, creating 7.3 expected goals this term, the seventh highest in the league.

Julián Calero’s side are happy to sit deep and absorb the pressure, with only Real Oviedo winning the ball back in the final third fewer times than Levante per 90. Considering the quality of the opposition, their game plan will likely stay the same against Madrid.

Perfection for Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid are yet to lose in the league this season, winning all five of their opening games of the campaign. Although they haven’t created a host of big chances in comparison to their peers towards the top of the table, Alonso’s men have been clinical in front of goal.

From 13 big chances, Madrid have scored 10, five fewer big chances than their opponents Levante. A victory could see them go five points clear if results go their way during this midweek round.

Eyong vs. Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé enjoying an impressive start to the 2025/2026 season won’t come as a shock to many, but the surprise package of the campaign so far has been Etta Eyong of Levante. The 21-year-old striker has provided six goals and assists this season, level with Mbappé.

Interestingly, Eyong has produced six goal contributions from just 2.1 xG and xA combined, so it will be intriguing to see if he can maintain this level of performance. Eyong and Mbappé are the two players to keep an eye on heading into this game – who will still the headlines?

Prediction

Madrid will back themselves to continue their perfect start to the season, despite Levante’s impressive displays this term.

We’re going for a 3-1 win for Alonso’s side, with Mbappé to steal the show.

(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: Chelsea travel to League One Lincoln

Chelsea will be looking to put their recent troubles behind them after a chaotic 2-1 defeat to Ruben Amorim’s underperforming Manchester United at the weekend, as they aim for a strong showing against third tier side Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.

By Alex Roberts

Michael Skubala’s side can draw confidence from one of the competition’s greatest upsets in the previous round, when their arch-rivals Grimsby Town stunned United, and considering their own form, a similar shock is very much a possibility here.

Lincoln head into the tie unbeaten in 10 games, fresh from a 3-1 win over Luton that lifted them to third in League One. The Imps can also take heart from their strong home form, with five wins and two draws in their last seven at the LNER Stadium.

A rare chance for rotation

Unlike last season, Chelsea won’t be able to field two entirely different starting elevens if they want to make any progress in Europe and with the pressure building in the Premier League, key players such as Moisés Caicedo and Marc Cucurella are gonna be busy boys.

No matter who they decide to play, Enzo Maresca’s side should be winning this one fairly comfortably, but it offers those on the fringes an opportunity to make a statement.

Alejandro Garnacho was an unused substitute against United, though not through any fault of his own, while Jamie Gittens, still finding his feet back in England, could also be in contention.

Fellow summer signing Jorrel Hato may be handed only his second start since arriving from Ajax, with highly rated midfielder Andrey Santos a candidate to cover for Caicedo. Meanwhile, Marc Guiu could feature for the first time since his loan spell at Sunderland was cut short.

Lincoln’s last line of defence

One of the biggest reasons behind Lincoln’s impressive start to the season is the form of towering goalkeeper George Wickens. Standing at 6’6”, not only is he built like a shed, he has the reflexes to frustrate any opposing striker.

Wickens ranks second in League One for saves per 90 minutes with 3.1, while his 75.7% save rate places him third. He has kept three clean sheets and conceded nine goals across his nine league appearances.

Lincoln aren’t a side that dominate possession, in fact they have the lowest average in the league with 37.2%, so Chelsea will have complete territorial control of this game. Wickens already has 116 successful long balls, so he is likely to be one of their biggest outlets.

One thing is for certain, he’s going to have plenty of chances to be a hero.

Team news

Lincoln will be without Jack Moylan as he recovers from an ankle injury, while Dom Jefferies remains a doubt with a hip problem. That could see Oscar Thorn and Francis Okoronkwo join Freddie Draper in attack. Wolves loanee Dexter Lembikisa is still waiting for his debut, so Lewis Montsma may start at right-back.

Chelsea, meanwhile, face a lengthy absentee list. Robert Sánchez is suspended after his red card against United, meaning Filip Jorgensen should start in goal. Duo Roméo Lavia and Benoît Badiashile are not yet ready to return.

Long-term absentees Liam Delap and Levi Colwill remain sidelined, while Cole Palmer faces a late fitness test on a groin issue.

Prediction

It’s hard to imagine anything other than a Chelsea win in this one, but Lincoln have it in them to do some damage. We’re going with a 4-1 win for the Premier League side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Sep

2025

Preview: League Cup action for Liverpool against Southampton

Liverpool are looking to extend their 100% record into a third competition this term as they host Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening. The 2024/25 beaten finalists will be hoping for another good run in this competition while giving an opportunity to squad players to pick up minutes.

By Sam McGuire

The story so far

Liverpool made it six wins from six across all competitions on Saturday afternoon as they claimed a 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby. The Reds have a five point lead at the summit of the Premier League and have the highest FotMob rating in the English top-flight (7.13).

Arne Slot’s side are averaging the most goals in the league (2.2) and have the highest possession average (63%).

The Premier League champions are focused on retaining their crown while challenging for the Champions League but the Carabao Cup could prove to be valuable to this squad as it allows Slot to give players some much needed minutes.

Southampton, meanwhile, are adapting to life in England’s second tier under a new manager in Will Still.

The Saints have just one win in the Championship, that arrived in the season opener against Wrexham, and find themselves 19th. In fact, only four teams have a lower FotMob rating (6.7) this term.

Recent form

For Liverpool, it’s been a results based season so far. Performances haven’t been great but they’ve managed to eke out a win in all six of their outings. The Reds tend to start well, take a commanding lead and then allow the opposition back into it.

Slot’s side have given up a 2-0 lead on three occasions already and were almost pegged back by Everton on Saturday, eventually doing enough to see out the win. With squad players getting a chance on Tuesday, expect a more focused showing.

The Saints are currently winless in three and have failed to win four of their last five across all competitions. Without wins over Northampton and Norwich in the Carabao Cup, their season would look a lot worse.

However, performances have been better than results suggest. For example, Still’s side rank second for Expected Goals (11.5) but have found the back of the net on just seven occasions. With better finishing, the narrative around their season would be completely different. Perhaps a win at Anfield would be a much needed confidence boost.

Key Players

It’s hard to single out key players when the starting XIs are unknown. We know that Liverpool are going to make wholesale changes to their team with Slot looking to give key players a rest. Still might see this game as a chance to give his first-team an opportunity to impress. Alternatively, he might want to focus on the Championship, with results needing to improve ASAP, meaning players are rested.

However, if Ryan Manning starts for the Saints, he’ll be key. The left-back is currently the team’s leading scorer in the league and he’s started brightly under the new regime at St Mary’s.

Team News

Following the derby on Saturday afternoon, Slot confirmed he would be resting five of the key first-teamers for the Reds.

“The ones that played three times 90 [minutes] are Virgil [Van Dijk], Ibou [Konate], Mo [Salah], Ryan [Gravenberch] and Dom [Szoboszlai] – the ones that are used to this intensity and this level. And again they showed up really good. I can tell you now you won’t be seeing them on Tuesday.”

So we’re expecting to see a completely different Liverpool team. Giorgio Mamardashvili might get the nod in goal and Giovanni Leoni could get a start for 2023/24 Carabao Cup winners at centre-back. Expect to see Rio Ngumoha in attack too.

For Southampton, everything is a bit of an unknown. All we do know, right now, is that Samuel Edozie and Welington are both ruled out with injuries.

Prediction

Liverpool are perfect this season and I expect their six wins from six to turn into seven wins from seven. It might not be as straightforward as some expect though and a sixth odd goal victory could be on the cards. We’re going with a 2-1 win for the hosts.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Sep

2025

Preview: Barcelona looking for home comforts against Getafe

Reigning LaLiga champions Barcelona face an early-season test when Getafe head to town on Sunday after already causing more than one surprise this term and sitting in the top four.

By Karl Matchett

Home away from home

The revamped Camp Nou inches closer to reopening, but the Catalan club have confirmed they still won’t be there even for the Champions League clash with PSG in October. That game will be played at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc, where they’ve featured the past couple of campaigns while renovation work takes place. Last time out in LaLiga, though, it was the Estadi Johan Cruyff which hosted the thrashing of Valencia – in front of fewer than 6,000 people, and that’s the case again for this fixture.

Quite aside from the loss of revenue and noise while they wait to move back into the Camp Nou, it can’t be the most settling experience for the players to ultimately switch between three venues, one of which is their reserves’ ground. No harm done last time out, but it doesn’t help to “make” an occasion, either – which may be a factor after the midweek cauldron playing in Europe at St. James’ Park.

Rotations start to kick in

Hansi Flick’s dual focus starts now, which means like most other top clubs, we’ll start to see rotation become more of a factor. In run-of-the-mill league fixtures like this, it’s what can level the playing field for the smaller sides a little – though strength in depth is of course skewed towards bigger clubs too. Barca soon face a run of Sociedad, PSG and Sevilla before the international break, so the big question is of whether to remove one or two star faces for this fixture, or away to Real Oviedo midweek.

Recent form

Barca drew at Rayo but have otherwise won four times this term, including that 6-0 win over Valencia in their only home game in any competition so far. Getafe won’t be cowed by that alone, having won three and lost one to sit sixth after Saturday’s games. However, that one defeat did come against…Valencia. Football rarely works in mathematical splendour, but don’t totally rule out a 9-0…

Team news

Alejandro Balde remains sidelined and the trio of Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí are big doubts. Juanmi is the only Getafe concern but with Adrián Liso an early-season revelation in attack – three goals and woodwork struck once in his four games so far – they’ll think they can threaten Barca with their 3-5-2.

Key player

Ferran Torres might get the nod to start again after a brace against Valencia – his 2.9 xG tally is second in LaLiga only to Kylian Mbappé so far and he’s top for non-penalty xG. That said, he’s also top of LaLiga for big chances missed (6 in just four games!) so finding his clinical edge is a must, if he wants to stay in the side now that Robert Lewandowski is available again.

Prediction

Barcelona won’t have it all their own way but it’s always hard to see them not outscoring opponents, especially with Lewandowski’s return to fitness. Barcelona 3-1 Getafe.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Sep

2025

Preview: Arsenal meet City in battle of main contenders

Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City will face off early on in the season in a match that could well set the tone for the coming months.

By Neel Shelat

Manchester City must prove their title credentials

Liverpool emerged as convincing champions at the end of last season’s Premier League title race, with Arsenal falling well short while Manchester City were surprisingly not even involved for the most part. All three teams have invested heavily in this transfer window in a bid to go again, building up hopes of an incredibly exciting three-way title race.

However, Pep Guardiola’s side do not seem to have solved all of their issues from last season. They definitely are not short of attacking quality, but their midfield remains very reliant on Rodri to provide balance, while the defence has not always looked solid. There seem to be some tactical issues in the way they press in particular, which have cost them two league defeats already this term. The ten-time English champions need to put together a convincing performance here if they are to be considered serious contenders.

Arsenal’s impressive head-to-head run

Arsenal have managed to avoid defeat in their last five meetings with Manchester City, marking their longest unbeaten head-to-head streak against these opponents since the twilight of Arsène Wenger’s tenure in 2016.

This is a particularly impressive run given the fact that the Gunners were beaten in each of their eight previous meetings between 2020 and the end of the 2022/23 season.

Both sides missing injured stars

Both teams’ attacks will be in a somewhat reconfigured state due to the absences of a number of stars.

Arsenal will likely have to make do without both Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, who picked up injuries in the opening rounds of the season. Of course, they have been without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for longer, but their summer spending has ensured that they now have ample depth. The likes of Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres should get a great opportunity to shine in a headline clash.

Manchester City, meanwhile, will miss summer signings Rayan Cherki and Rayan Aït-Nouri as well as Omar Marmoush. They too have enough quality up front, with the likes of Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku looking lively in recent games in support of the inevitable Erling Haaland.

A unique tactical dynamic for Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has overseen his fair share of big games and then some in his illustrious career. His desire to establish as much control as possible has led him to make many big and extremely scrutinised decisions, which have yielded the full variety of outcomes. Now, though, his side seems to be the one looking to engage in more open games, while his former assistant Mikel Arteta has taken up the mantle of trying to contain proceedings as far as possible on such occasions. This new dynamic should make for a fascinating fixture.

Prediction

Many have called on Arsenal to show more attacking intent in big games, but they are unlikely to do so against a team with as much firepower as Manchester City. So, a more cagey game should be expected, perhaps decided by the lone goal.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Sep

2025

Preview: Inter Miami take on DC United

Inter Miami face DC United for the second time in the space of a month, with Lionel Messi and co. riding high after a convincing midweek win.

By James Nalton

Miami exacted revenge for the Leagues Cup final defeat with a win against Seattle Sounders on Tuesday, and will be hoping to ride this wave and put together an end-of-season run.

Such a run has been expected to be around the corner for some time, but has never arrived. Now is likely the last chance to put one together and make a push for the Supporters’ Shield.

The previous meeting with DC United, on August 23, resulted in a 1-1 draw. It was a disappointing result for Miami against the team currently second from bottom of the Eastern Conference.

As was the case against Seattle, they’ll be looking to put things right in the rematch.

Messi back in the goals

It is rare that Lionel Messi does not score in an MLS match, but he had failed to find the net in the previous game against Charlotte.

He also drew a blank in the Leagues Cup final against Seattle. He put that right in the teams’ MLS rematch last week, and it’s an ominous sign for this weekend’s opponents DC United.

Messi scored one in midweek, but could have had a few more, racking up an individual xG of 1.75.

He also managed to complete six dribbles in the game against Seattle, almost matching his season’s best in this regard, which came back in May when he completed seven take-ons against Orlando.

Messi seemed to be revelling in the all-round centre-forward role he was given in the absence of the suspended Luis Suárez.

Mascherano’s formation switch

Inter Miami’s improved performance against Seattle was partly driven by a change in formation.

Javier Mascherano hasn’t always been able to affect games positively with coaching changes and tactics, but he deserves credit for switching things up against Seattle.

Many formation graphics still showed Miami with a back four, but the reality was more like a back three of Gonzalo Luján, Maxi Falcon, and Noah Allen.

This allowed Jordi Alba to act as an attacking wing-back down the left, and Ian Fray to do the same on the right.

It certainly paid off, as shown by Alba’s heavy involvement in most of the good things Miami did, getting a goal and an assist.

Fray had chances to score himself, eventually finding the net with his team’s third goal from a corner.

Messi roamed around in front of and between Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende, with Sergio Busquets and Yannick Bright holding fort in midfield.

Tomas Aviles, Telasco Segovia, and Baltasar Rodríguez are all back in the running for a place in the team, but Mascherano must be tempted to stick with the lineup and formation that defeated Seattle.

Opposition watch: DC United

United have a new head coach in the shape of René Weiler, who had not been in the job long before facing Inter Miami the first time last month.

The team are unbeaten since Weiler entered the dugout, drawing three and managing to claim a victory against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.

There is nothing to play for other than pride, as DC United are now out of the race for a playoff spot.

Last season’s Golden Boot winner, Christian Benteke, hasn’t scored since July, and will be looking to put that right against a team that do give opponents chances.

Prediction

With Messi back in the lineup, having missed the previous meeting, and Inter Miami back at home in Fort Lauderdale, you can’t imagine anything other than an Inter Miami victory.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

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