Preview

May

2026

Preview: Espanyol host a faltering Real Madrid in LaLiga

Espanyol welcome Real Madrid to the RCDE Stadium in LaLiga as they look to move closer to a place in the top half of the table.

By Ross Kilvington

Real Madrid could be trailing leaders Barcelona by a staggering 14 points when they take to the pitch on Sunday, thanks to their rivals playing 24 hours earlier.

If that happens, anything less than a win would see Hansi Flick’s side crowned champions.

*The table situation prior to Saturday’s games*

Real Madrid’s title aspirations are on the brink

Truth be told, Madrid have been faltering for a number of weeks now. Their only victory since March 22 came against Alavés last weekend.

Between the 3-2 victory over city rivals Atlético Madrid on the aforementioned date and now, Álvaro Arbeloa’s side have lost against Bayern Munich (twice) and Mallorca, while dropping points against Girona and Real Betis in La Liga.

Los Blancos will end the campaign without winning either the Spanish title or the Champions League trophy for the second consecutive season.

Where do they go from here? That remains anyone’s guess. One thing that looks certain, however, is that there will be a change of manager in the summer.

Arbeloa’s win percentage stands at 64% heading into the clash against Espanyol and a feeble exit from the Champions League wont have done his cause much good.

Remarkably, José Mourinho has been linked with a return to the Bernabéu in recent days.

Its win or bust for Arbeloa this Sunday, but whatever happens, it appears his future has already been decided.

Espanyol remain in contention for a top-half finish in La Liga

While it hasn’t exactly been the finest of seasons for Espanyol, winning just ten of their 33 league games thus far, they could still finish in the top-half.

Los Periquitos’ recent form has been poor though, failing to win any of their previous 16 matches in the Spanish top flight. A run that, incredibly, stretches back to December 2025.

Espanyol have won two of their last three home ties against Madrid dating back to October 2021. Given Arbeloa’s men are going through their own rut, it opens the door for the home side to secure a positive result on Sunday.

Team news

Espanyol manager Manolo González is only missing one player for this game and that is through suspension. Pol Lozano was sent off after receiving his second caution against Levante, just three minutes after entering the game.

For Madrid, Arbela has several first-team stars out injured. Indeed, Rodrygo and Éder Militão are both long-term absentees.

Elsewhere, Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler will also miss the clash against Espanyol on Sunday evening.

Prediction

Madrid will know that only a victory keeps their unlikely title hopes intact on Sunday.

Espanyol may not been in the best form, but they will be keen on exploiting a Madrid side that is short on confidence right now.

It will be tighter than many expect, with a narrow win for the away side on the cards.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Spurs visit Champions League chasing Villa on Sunday night

With a first Premier League win of 2026 now under their belt, Spurs remain in the bottom three for their trip to Villa Park to play Europa League semifinalists Aston Villa.

By Ian King

A win that didn’t feel like a win

Four games to play. The absolute best that can be said about Spurs’ 1-0 win at Wolves last Saturday is that they got the three points. They got the win. The bad news was just about everything else, with relegation rivals West Ham keeping them in the bottom three thanks to an even later goal than theirs, and serious injuries to both Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke.

Aston Villa had improved a little recently, but even that doesn’t mask the fact that they’ve only won four of their last 14 League games, with a 1-0 loss at Fulham last weekend and another one in their Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest on Thursday night. A win on Sunday evening would put them one more win from qualification for next year’s Champions League, but their form has been patchy for a while.

The historical record doesn’t do Spurs any favours

Spurs have lost their last four in a row against Aston Villa, and have won just two of their last nine meetings, going back to 2021. Prior to that, Spurs won six in a row, a run which stretched back to 2015. They didn’t play each other for two years, after Villa were relegated into the Championship in 2017.

The balance of power in this fixture very much matches not only the decline of Spurs since 2021 but also the rise of Aston Villa since then. Following their relegation and two-year sojourn in the EFL, Villa have essentially usurped Spurs as “that team that usually finishes about fourth or fifth in the Premier League.” But go back a little further, and they are also a living, walking, breathing example that relegation very much can happen to a club of their size, if that club is managed badly enough.

Villa have already beaten Spurs twice this season, 2-1 both times, once in the League, once in the FA Cup, on both occasions at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

When Morgan Rogers is on his game, Aston Villa tend to be too

When Morgan Rogers is on top of his game, he is one of the best players in the entire Premier League to watch. He scored in their recent 4-3 win against Sunderland at Villa Park, and when he’s playing well, Villa usually are. Able to play on either wing or as an AM, he’s scored 12 goals across all competitions, but it should be a little concerning that the Forest game was the 50th of his club season.

He hasn’t always been the most popular Spurs player, but over the last few games Pedro Porro has been one of their most consistent performers. Prone to the occasional defensive lapse but also capable of both scoring and creating goals, he scored his first of the season in their 2-2 draw against Brighton a fortnight ago.

Simons adds to De Zerbi injury woes

There hasn’t been that much for Spurs supporters to smile about this season, but a feeling had been growing that Xavi Simons could be the key to rescuing their season, so his loss to a ruptured ACL was a tragedy for both the player and his club.

He joins Gugliemo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Mohammed Kudus, Pape Mate Sarr, Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, and Dejan Kulusevski in the treatment room, while James Maddison has been on the bench although there’s been little to suggest that he’s match-fit and Roberto De Zerbi would be taking a gamble by rushing him back.

Aston Villa have a normal amount of injuries, and all the players on their substitutes’ bench can walk without aid or assistance. Amadou Onana started the Nottingham Forest match but had to be withdrawn after 55 minutes, and Alysson won’t be ready in time, though his rehabilitation from a muscle injury is understood to be progressing well. Boubacar Kamara almost certainly won’t play again this season.

Aston Villa’s form is patchy, but it’s still light years better than Spurs’

The problem with Spurs’ win at Wolves last weekend was that the fact that they won it 1-0 was more or less the only good thing to have come out of it. Wins are the only things that matter at this point of the season but, while being able to ‘win ugly’ is a useful trait to have, it’s high-risk for this to be the only thing that your team has in the tank. In Simons and Solanke, they’ve lost another two players who, on their day, could turn their season around.

*The relegation picture prior to Friday’s game*

Aston Villa haven’t been in great form for quite a while, and having perked up a little with two wins and a draw following three straight defeats, their 1-0 defeats to Fulham and Nottingham Forest were both lacklustre. And of course, with Unai Emery being Mr Europa League and few injuries restricting him, he could shuffle his pack for this one and rest one or two players ahead of the second leg of their semi-final, which is only next Thursday.

But Aston Villa are simply a better team than Spurs at the moment. And while their recent form has been patchy, it’s still been better than their opponents’ has been, even notwithstanding last weekend’s results. Spurs need the points, but Villa do as well, so it’s difficult to see them getting any from this match. 2-0 Villa, and the trapdoor below Spurs to edge a little further open.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Manchester United take on Liverpool in Premier League classic

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford this weekend to take on fierce rivals Manchester United in a game that could have huge repercussions on the race for Champions League football.

By Sam McGuire

The story so far

It’s been a season of two halves for Manchester United. In the 10 matches prior to Ruben Amorim’s sacking, the Red Devils won on just three occasions. During this period, United dropped points against Spurs, Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Wolves and Leeds United.

Winning games was a struggle. They had defensive issues too, conceding 14 goals in those 10 games. A mid-table finish looked to be on the horizon for the 20 times champions of England. And then they appointed Michael Carrick. The former midfield maestro has won nine of his 13 matches in charge, beating Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa along the way. The Red Devils find themselves in possession of third place in the league and Champions League football can be assured with a win this weekend.

This game has much more at stake than just three points and bragging rights. The hosts will fancy their chances too. They have the third best home record this season having taken 36 points from their 17 matches at Old Trafford. Only Manchester City and Arsenal, the two title contenders, have claimed more on home turf.

Liverpool, in what is unfamiliar territory, head into this game as the underdog. The Reds trial their North West rivals by three points and though they’re in a decent position to claim Champions League football after a forgettable campaign, they do have a tough run of fixtures to end the season.

Depending on results this weekend, they could end Matchday 35 in third position or fifth having started in fourth. They could guarantee a top five finish or see their advantage over sixth place Brighton cut to just five points.

It’s finely balanced right now.

The Reds have the sixth best away record having won seven of 17, but they do have a -1 goal difference on their travels. They are fourth in the form table with 10 points from 15 and only Brighton (13), Nottingham Forest (11) and Manchester City (11) have taken more. So, despite the narrative, they do head into this game in relatively good form.

Key Players

For United, all eyes will be on Bruno Fernandes. The skipper is just one assist away from matching the Premier League record of 20. He’s recorded an assist in each of his last three games and he’ll be eager to have an impact against Liverpool after so many big defeats against the Reds over the years.

For Liverpool, the focus would’ve been on Mohamed Salah. The No.11 has tormented United over the years and has seven goals and three assists in his last five appearances at Old Trafford. However, he’s ruled out with a hamstring injury. Alexander Isak netted the opener against Crystal Palace and could be the focal point for the Reds but the way Arne Slot sets up his team means this is unlikely. The creative burden will likely fall on Florian Wirtz. Will he be given the opportunity to impress though?

Team News

United are without the suspended Lisandro Martínez. He’s the only player missing for Carrick as he’s able to name a strong XI for the big game against Liverpool.

The Reds, however, are without a host of names. There’s still no Conor Bradley or Giovanni Leoni. Hugo Ekitike is out until the New Year while Salah’s hamstring injury threatens to bring his campaign to a premature end. Alisson Becker could return following a stint on the sidelines which would be a welcomed boost given Giorgi Mamardashvili’s injury.

Prediction

Given what’s at stake, the form of both parties, and how the season has gone as a whole, we’re going with an exciting 2-2 draw with a real Derby-day feel.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Arsenal continue title chase against Fulham

The big games keep coming for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta and his players shift their focus back to the Premier League title race.

By Graham Ruthven

Title race pressure

They say pressure is a privilege, but Arsenal’s players could be forgiven for feeling somewhat worn down by the number of big matches they have played in recent weeks.

Mikel Arteta and his players were in Spain to face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday and will now host Fulham in an encounter that could have a big bearing on the Premier League title race.

*How things stand going into the weekend*

While it remains difficult to call which of the top two will finish the season as champions, Arsenal have the opportunity to pile pressure on Manchester City by beating Fulham.

Victory on Saturday would mean City kick off their fixture against Everton on Monday six points behind the Gunners, albeit with two games in-hand. The physiological advantage could be significant.

After back-to-back defeats to Bournemouth and City in the league, Arsenal returned to winning ways by beating Newcastle United last weekend.

However, their performance against the Magpies highlighted some familiar problems in open play. Saturday’s match might be yet another grind for the Gunners at a time when results are all that matter.

The same could be said for Fulham who require points to boost their chances of qualifying for Europe. The Cottagers have lost just one of their last five league fixtures and could cause an upset in North London.

Key players

Were it not for the stakes of the title race, Arteta might have been tempted to rotate his team ahead of next week’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético.

As it is, most of Arsenal’s best players are expected to start against Fulham. Viktor Gyökeres will lead the line after scoring from the spot in Madrid with Eberechi Eze in line to keep his place in the lineup.

Bukayo Saka is leading Arsenal for shots on target per 90 this season and could start after only making the bench against Atleti. The Gunners have missed his dynamism on the right wing recently.

Declan Rice has created more Big Chances than any other Arsenal player this term and will be a controlling figure in central midfield in front of the solid defensive partnership of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba.

Harry Wilson has contributed more goals and assists than any other Fulham player over the 2025/26 campaign and will be a threat with his shooting from outside the box.

Raúl Jiménez could be dangerous in the air with Ryan Sessegnon fresh from scoring the winner against Aston Villa. His speed down the left side could expose space behind the Arsenal full backs.

Bernd Leno might have to be in top form to prevent his former side from finding the back of the net with Joachim Andersen Fulham’s most dominant defender in front of the goalkeeper.

Team news

Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino remain sidelined for Arsenal with Saka a doubt to start. However, Arteta could afford the English winger more game time to prepare him for next week’s rematch against Atletico Madrid.

Eze sustained an injury in the win over Newcastle, but was still fit enough to make a contribution in the Champions League during the week.

Sessegnon is possibly Fulham’s biggest injury concern after the full back came off against Villa. He could, however, still feature with Antonee Robinson ready to step in as deputy.

Alex Iwobi is unavailable due to a thigh problem while Kevin and Kenny Tete are also working their way back to fitness.

Prediction

Arsenal haven’t scored more than once in a game since victory over Everton back in mid-March, but they have often proven that they know how to get a result this season, so we’ll go with a narrow home win: Arsenal 1-0 Fulham.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Barcelona can make it 10 straight wins at Osasuna

Barcelona travel to Osasuna this weekend in LaLiga as they look to get their hands on the league title.

By Matt Smith

There’s a chance Hansi Flick’s side secure first place, if they beat Osasuna and Real Madrid are unable to beat Espanyol on Sunday.

The last time the two sides met back in December, Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory over Osasuna, thanks to two late goals from Brazilian winger Raphinha.

Team news

Barcelona have received a triple injury boost heading into this game, with Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal, and perhaps most importantly, Raphinha, all returning to training.

Flick will be without Lamine Yamal, however, after he picked up a hamstring injury recently, while Jules Koundé misses out through suspension.

Víctor Muñoz is the latest player to join Osasuna’s injury list after picking up a problem this week. Iker Benito remains out for the remainder of the season, while Aimar Oroz is a doubt.

All to play for for Osasuna

After an impressive run of form, which has seen Osasuna beaten just once in their previous five matches, Alessio Lisci’s side remain in the fight to finish in the European places. A Conference League spot is the most likely, if any, and a win could see them climb into sixth this weekend.

Their home form could help get them over the line, with only four sides picking up more points on their own turf this season. They’ve lost just twice at home, but their toughest test of the campaign awaits this weekend.

The perfect LaLiga season continues

Everyone’s definition of perfect is different, but it doesn’t get much better than what Flick’s side have produced this season. Barcelona have won every single game at home in LaLiga, and they’ve dominated almost every significant metric.

Things might not have gone to plan in the Champions League, but Barcelona look set to end the season with another league title. Hopefully for their sake, they can secure the title next week rather than this weekend, when they face second-place Real Madrid in El Clásico at Camp Nou.

Return of Raphinha is crucial

Without Yamal, Barcelona could struggle from a creativity and goalscoring perspective out wide. The likes of Marcus Rashford haven’t put up the numbers many might have expected, especially while Raphinha has been on the sidelines.

The Brazilian forward could be back this weekend, and he’s going to be crucial for the remaining games. With 14 g/a in LaLiga from just 17 starts, the 29-year-old’s return couldn’t come at a better time, with Yamal unavailable.

Whether Flick rushes him back and plays him from the start, remains to be seen, but it will be a boost to have him involved once again.

Prediction

Barcelona don’t look like slipping up in the league at the moment, so we’re going for a 2-0 away victory.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Apr

2026

Preview: Forest and Villa meet in all-English Europa League semifinal

For fans of the English game, names like Ajax, Benfica or Milan are evocative of a different age of football powerhouses, names of old European successes by teams in a far-flung nation.

By Karl Matchett

For supporters on the continental mainland, then, a Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa semi-final perhaps brings the exact same feelings of nostalgia and the turning of time!

The best of times, the best of teams

Tell people that English teams were once kings of Europe six years in a row and they’ll probably suggest it was somewhere around the elite Klopp-and-Guardiola gegenpress timeline, or maybe back in the more blood-and-thunder Premier League peak of Mourinho, Benitez, Wenger and Ferguson. They’d be wrong, of course; there haven’t been successive seasons of English winners in the entire Champions League era. But from 1977 through to 1982, top-tier sides on these shores were untouchable – and between them, Forest and Villa won half of those titles.

Triumphing in Munich and Madrid, Forest won and then retained the European Cup under Brian Clough, while Villa followed up by beating Bayern Munich in Rotterdam to close out that dominant sequence.

Opportunity knocks

Fast forward four-and-a-half decades and neither club has since added to their honours list of European trophies (no, Villa fans, we don’t count the Intertoto Cup). But both have an extraordinary chance to end that sequence, being two games away from a Europa League final against Braga or Freiburg. In truth, being fourth in Portugal or eighth in Germany should not present an unscalable mountain for either of this duo, despite both Forest and Villa having issues of their own to sort – not least of all beating each other first, of course. The first-leg hosts are still trying to avoid relegation to the Championship, while Villa are aiming to secure Champions League football for next term. Both things could happen and both appear in next season’s elite competition, should Forest emerge triumphant in Istanbul next month.

Recent form

Forest have hit form at a key point, unbeaten in eight in all competitions and winning their last two at home. Villa were unbeaten in six before losing last time out but away from home have been typically hit-and-miss under Unai Emery, winning only two of their last seven. In league games, these teams drew at the City Ground two weeks ago and the hosts won at Villa Park.

Team news

Murillo and Callum Hudson-Odoi are the big injury misses for Forest, with Nicolo Savona and Willy Boly done for the season too.

Villa have lost Boubacar Kamara for the campaign but are otherwise full strength.

Key player

Morgan Gibbs-White has hit five goals and an assist in his last three games as he powers Forest toward a strong finish. He has to perform – the team revolves around him. He’s in the 97th percentile for xG in the Europa League among attacking midfielders and in league terms is the team’s top scorer, most shots on target per 90, second for chances created…and top for big chances missed.

Prediction

Tight and cagey enough for a first leg, but Forest have recently hit a hot streak in front of goal and they need to make that count: Forest 2-1 Villa.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Apr

2026

Preview: Atlético Madrid host Arsenal in second Champions League semi-final

While they aren’t expected to play quite as exciting a tie as PSG and Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and Arsenal face off with the very same stakes of a spot in the Champions League final.

By Neel Shelat

Atlético Madrid all in for an elusive Champions League title

This is the first time in nine years that Atlético Madrid have made it to the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Real Madrid have spoiled their party on all three previous occasions when they have gotten this far, but Atléti no longer have to worry about their crosstown rivals this time as they seek a first premier continental title.

Los Colchoneros will devote maximum attention to this endeavour. They have already been taking it quite easy in the league, losing four of their last five games. Part of that was in preparation for the Copa del Rey final, which they lost on penalties. That means Diego Simeone’s side’s last major honour remains the 2020/21 La Liga title.

With Simeone’s current contract set to expire next year and Antoine Griezmann leaving at the end of this season, Atléti certainly won’t be short of motivation as they chase a historic coronation.

Pressure building on Arsenal across all fronts

Arsenal are also chasing their first-ever Champions League title, but the challenge for them is managing this alongside a Premier League title race that looks set to go down to the wire. The Gunners have won just two of their last six games across all competitions, and won’t have any easy fixtures between now and the end of the season.

Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t been making life easy for themselves with their cagey style of play, but it has been extremely effective in Europe so far. Arsenal won all eight league phase games and have largely been in control through the knockouts, so they’ll likely stick to the tried and tested formula here.

*Arsenal have the tightest defence in the UCL this season*

Team news

Atlético Madrid have everyone except José María Giménez and Pablo Barrios available as their squad rotation has been effective.

Arsenal are expected to miss Mikel Merino, Jurriën Timber and Kai Havertz, who went off injured on the weekend. The good news is that Eberechi Eze (who also had to be brought off in that match) was spotted in training on Tuesday, as was the returning Riccardo Calafiori.

Bukayo Saka just made his first appearance in over a month, and could well feature here.

Key players

Julián Álvarez has been sensational in the Champions League so far with 13 goal involvements to his name, so he will be the key figure in Atléti’s attack. Koke will have an important role to play in controlling proceedings in midfield, while Matteo Ruggeri will have to put in a big defensive shift.

Atléti are one of the worse set-piece defenders in LaLiga this season, so Gabriel will be a big threat in such situations. Viktor Gyökeres scored a brace when these sides met in the league phase and will be very keen to find that form again. Declan Rice will be a key figure in midfield for the Gunners as ever.

*Arsenal beat Atlético in the league phase*

Prediction

A stodgy match should not come as a surprise, so a goalless draw or one-goal win for Arsenal are the most likely outcomes.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Apr

2026

Preview: PSG and Bayern prepare for epic Champions League semifinal

We’re set for a high-octane first leg clash in Paris between the two highest-scoring teams in the Champions League. Current holders PSG take on perhaps the biggest challengers for their crown.

By Filip Mishov

Patient vs. direct style, same goal but a different approach as Enrique and Kompany hunt for European honours

The reigning European champions are marching towards the successful defence of the Ligue 1 title after cruising to a comfortable win at Angers over the weekend, and thus opening a six-point lead on Lens with just four rounds to go.

Now, Paris Saint-Germain’s focus turns to the Champions League semi-final’s first leg against Bayern München, the main contenders to Luis Enrique‘s free-flowing squad for the European throne. The Parisians are hitting top form right at the business end of the season, but the Bavarians are historically tricky opponents for them – PSG’s last win over Bayern in Europe’s elite competition dates back to 2021, with five consecutive defeats having between then and now.

*Recent H2H meetings in the Champions League*

The back-to-back Bundesliga champions are excelling on all fronts this season, as Vincent Kompany‘s side are unbeaten in 19 games across all competition, and currently on a nine-game winning streak. That record was in jeopardy for 53 minutes at Mainz on Saturday until Harry Kane & co. miraculously overturned a three-goal deficit in the second half. Nothing seems impossible for Bayern München in 2025/26.

The Germans have scored an incredible 38 goals in the Champions League to date, joint most with PSG (who’ve played two matches more due to the playoffs), and have already defeated them at the Parc des Princes during the league phase of this competition.

Key players

Vitinha is Paris Saint-Germain’s unsung hero and for all the firepower within the squad, it’s the Portuguese maestro who is the key to making the team click. The 26-year-old missed the past couple of matches through injury, but the former FC Porto midfielder is back in first-team training and ready to pull the strings again for Luis Enrique on the pitch.

Such is the importance of Vitinha for the Spanish coach that only his teammate, Willian Pacho, has played more minutes than him in the Champions League, while no one has covered more distance (159.7 km) or made more accurate passes per 90 (97.9) in the competition.

Luis Díaz scored a match-winning brace before getting sent off at the Parc des Princes earlier in the season and the Colombian’s excellent debut campaign in the Bayern shirt is going under the radar given Harry Kane and Michael Olise‘s extraordinary performances. The explosive winger completes FCB’s lethal attacking trident and with 25 goals and 17 assists across all competitions, it is not a surprise for Luchito to earn an impressive FotMob rating of 7.86.

Team news

With Vitinha back in first-team training ahead of the match, Enrique enjoys an almost full squad to pick from, with the youngster, Quentin Ndjantou, being the only absentee.

Interestingly enough, Vincent Kompany is suspended for the first leg in Paris after collecting his third yellow card of the season in the quarter-finals and the coach will watch the match from the stands, perhaps with Sven Ulreich, Raphaël Guerreiro, Tom Bischof, Lennart Karl and Serge Gnabry who are also ruled out due to injury.

Prediction

PSG are slowly but surely reaching the heights of last season’s all-conquering form as the campaign comes to a head, but Bayern are in scintillating form themselves, and even without Kompany on the touchline, I expect them to score goals, continue their unbeaten run and secure a positive result in Paris, while a goalfest is looking inevitable given the teams’ fruitful attacks.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Apr

2026

Preview: Man United host Brentford in Monday night football

Manchester United can take a big step towards Champions League football with a win in Monday night’s live TV match.

By Ian King

Either Manchester United or Brentford could take a big European step with a win

A return to the Champions League for Manchester United is closer than many realise. A win against Brentford will put them 11 points above Brighton with four games to play. Losing at home to Leeds was a disappointment, but they bounced back at Chelsea the following week.

But Brentford are involved in a fight over Europe of their own. They go into this match in ninth place in the Premier League, but a win would put them sixth, above both Brighton and Chelsea, and in with a very good chance of qualifying for European football for the first time in their history.

We already know that seventh will be good enough, and eighth is looking likely. In other words, Brentford have something to play for, although they come into this match looking slightly out-of-sorts, having drawn their last five successive League matches, of which three were goalless.

It’s been rather a long time since Brentford last won at Manchester United

Brentford have won the last two meetings between these two teams, 3-1 at The Brentford Community Stadium earlier this season and 4-3 at the same venue at the very end of last season. The Bees’ record on the road against United, however, isn’t as impressive. The last time they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford was on the 13th February 1937, and United have won all seven of their meetings there since then.

Bruno Fernandes has shown the onfield leadership Manchester United have needed for years

There is, presumably, common assent that Bruno Fernandes is going to end this season as Manchester United’s Player of the Year. His performances in the centre of their midfield have been consistently excellent and he’s shown the exact leadership on the pitch that United teams have been lacking for years. It’s a view backed up by former United man Nicky Butt, who was speaking exclusively to Paddy Power:

“He’s been phenomenal for Man United for a few years now. Obviously United aren’t challenging and usually the winner comes from a team that’s been successful.

“But I can’t see anyone jumping out and standing out, or being better than Bruno.

“I can’t think of anybody else who’s outshone Bruno Fernandes this season. People will say I’m biased because of Man United, I’m not at all.

“He’s been fantastic for that football club, dragged them out of the doldrums and brought them up to a level where – with respect to the squad they’ve got, and with the trouble they’ve had over the last 18 months – third is far beyond anyone’s expectations.”

It’s not that they’re over-dependent on him, but every time Brentford score, Igor Thiago scores. They drew 2-2 with Wolves, he scored one of their goals. They drew 2-2 with Everton, he scored them both. Between those games came two goalless draws.

Thiago remains the second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League behind Erling Haaland with 21 goals, and he’s likely to stay there, with third-placed Antoine Semenyo being on 15. He has had an incredible season, and has not been getting the credit he deserves, either.

Manchester United welcome back Maguire, but Brentford still have a backlog on their injury list

Harry Maguire returns from suspension after missing the Chelsea match and Leny Yoro could return after missing that match with a leg injury, though he remains a minor doubt. Lisandro Martínez, however, is on the second of his three-match suspension for yanking Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair against Leeds. Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt are both out, but getting closer to returning.

Brentford had half-hoped to have Rico Henry, Vitaly Janelt and Jordan Henderson available for this match, but head coach Keith Andrews has already confirmed they won’t be. Joshua Dasilva (knee) and Kaye Furo (groin) also remain out. Fábio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo will miss the rest of the season due to ACL injuries.

In different ways and over very different time periods, Manchester United and Brentford have both come a long way

Such was the tumult caused by the departure of Ruben Amorim, that it sometimes feels as though we’ve forgotten quite how far Manchester United have come, this season.

Yes, the season before featured a generationally bad performance, and yes they’ve had the Premier League on easy mode this season; that’s to say, without European football. But even so, lifting any team from 15th place to Champions League qualification in one season is an achievement.

Of course, the same can be said of Brentford, and then some. Manchester United won the Premier League in 2009. In the same year, Brentford won the League Two title, and the Bees have now been a Premier League club for five straight years without really having had that much of a tussle with relegation.

And now they’re pushing hard for European football, the season after losing the head coach who’d masterminded it all, thereby demonstrating that their system is sound and robust. That’s probably a greater achievement, and it’s been carried out over a far longer period of time.

But Brentford have been spread thin by injuries and their recent form has been underwhelming. They’re five games unbeaten in the Premier League, but equally are they five games without a win. With some lovely attacking options on both sides, I’m going to suggest that this one will end as a rakish 3-2 to Manchester United. In this eventuality, Brentford would have missed an opportunity, but it wouldn’t be over yet. Far from it.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Nicky Butt quotes via Paddy Power.

Apr

2026

Preview: Chelsea and Leeds United clash at Wembley

Leeds haven’t been in an FA Cup final since 1973, and Chelsea need to find some kind of silver lining for what has been an atrocious season. One game stands in the way between these two clubs and a chance to win the oldest tournament in football.

By Alex Roberts

It will take a truly monumental shift for Leeds to be relegated from the Premier League this season. Daniel Farke has done some fine work, and a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth means they can relax a little and focus on doing something special.

Oh Chelsea. What else needs to be said about the Blues this season? Liam Rosenior is gone, 107 days after being appointed. He never had a chance, but five defeats without scoring a single goal is unacceptable for any top side. At least an FA Cup final would give the fans something positive to shout about.

One that got away?

When he broke out in 2017, Ethan Ampadu looked like he would be a Chelsea starter for years to come. Constant managerial changes, some unsuccessful loans, and poorly timed injuries made sure that didn’t happen, however.

Ampadu is now Leeds captain, and arguably their best player this season. A dependable, defensive minded midfielder, the Wales international has embraced his time in West Yorkshire, and the fans have returned the favour.

With 75 tackles, 44 interceptions, 162 recoveries, and 74 clearances, Ampadu is incredibly hard to get past, and he will doubtless be even more motivated to get one over on his former club and make history with his current.

What a mess, lads

Things aren’t going well in West London. Qualification for next season’s Champions League is all-but out of reach, in fact any form of European football is looking unlikely. Let’s not get into the financial black hole the current ownership have found themselves in.

Rosenior has been sacked. The results simply weren’t good enough, but he’s a symptom rather than the actual disease. Reports of the players downing tools should come as no surprise at a club where accountability is at a premium.

Calum McFarlane has been handed the keys once again. He did a decent if unremarkable job when Enzo Maresca was sacked, but an FA Cup final on his CV would be quite the boon. It’s going to be a big summer for Chelsea, get it wrong and their days as a ‘big six’ club are numbered.

Team news

Farke doesn’t have too much to worry about on the injury/suspension front. Anton Stach (ankle) and Sebastiaan Bornauw (ankle) are both major doubts, but they should be returning fairly soon. Ilia Gruev (meniscus) is out until the end of the season.

Chelsea have a few more problems. McFarlane has confirmed that Estêvão (hamstring) won’t feature again in 2025/26, with the youngster’s World Cup also in doubt.

João Pedro (thigh), and Cole Palmer (hamstring) will both have late fitness checks after they both missed Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton. Reece James (hamstring), Jamie Gittens (hamstring), Filip Jörgensen (groin), and Levi Colwill (ACL) are all out.

Prediction

Leeds have had Chelsea’s number this season. A 3-1 win at Elland Road and then a 2-2 draw after going 2-0 down in the reverse fixture have been two of their best performances. We thing that trend may continue. So, we’re going with 2-0 to Farke’s side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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