Preview

Jan

2026

Preview: The Arbeloa era starts at Albacete for Real Madrid

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

By Matt Smith

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

Team news

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

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

Albacete struggling in LaLiga 2

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

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

Barcelona clash was terminal for Alonso

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

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

The full return of Mbappé?

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

*Mbappé’s shot map in LaLiga this season*

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

Prediction

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

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

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

By Alex Roberts

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

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

Who do Arsenal play up top?

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

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

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

A different kind of beast

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

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

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

Team news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

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

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

By Graham Ruthven

Defending champs

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

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

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

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

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

Key players

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Team news

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

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

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

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

Prediction

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

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

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

By Sam McGuire

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

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

The story so far

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

Barnsley have also blown hot and cold this season.

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

Key Players

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

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

Team News

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

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

Prediction

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

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

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

By Neel Shelat

Small margins in Supercopa head-to-head

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

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

A crucial fixture for under-pressure Xabi Alonso

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

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

Team news

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

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

Team News

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

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

Prediction

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

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

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

By Ian King

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

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

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

Brighton are still looking for appropriate revenge for 1983

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Arsenal travel to Pompey in FA Cup Third Round

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

By Matt Smith

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

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

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

Team news

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

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

Portsmouth struggling in the final third

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

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

Rotation won’t matter for Arsenal

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

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

Eze’s time to shine

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

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

Prediction

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Liam Rosenior takes Chelsea to Charlton for FA Cup tie in first test

It’s another brave new era for Chelsea, the third they’ve had since the current ownership took over in 2022, as Liam Rosenior takes charge of his first game as the new manager for their trip to Championship Charlton in the FA Cup.

By Alex Roberts

Winless in their last five games across all competition, Chelsea’s season is feeling like a write off already. Rosenior has a lot of things to address as the new manager, namely their ill-discipline, but a good FA Cup run and a trophy at the end of it will help win fans over.

Charlton’s form is only slightly better, without a win in their previous four games. The reality is that Chelsea are vulnerable at the moment, and Nathan Jones’ side have nothing to lose. We’ve seen this movie before…

A change in formation?

Over the past year or so, Enzo Maresca became a lot more tactically flexible than many thought he was. Despite that, he stuck with a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout his time at the club, and it was largely successful.

Rosenior comes into the club as a ‘head coach’ that isn’t afraid to try new things, during his time at Strasbourg, they lined up in a back three with the two wingbacks providing the width and two wingers/wide tens supporting a lone striker.

Coming in mid-season and going full Ruben Amorim with a side that aren’t really built to play a back three may not be the move, but until we see those sides line-up on the day, we can’t say for certain it won’t happen.

Never fall in love with a loan player

It’s unfortunately something that happens far too often at Championship sides. Someone comes in looking for more minutes, tears it up, but when the time comes, they leave and the whole cycle starts again.

That’s what’s happening with James Bree at Charlton. It’s not been a great season for the South London side, but after coming up to the Championship from League 1 last summer to now be in 19^th, it’s to be expected.

James Bree, on loan from Southampton, has helped elevate the squad since joining. A very solid Championship player, he’s already bagged two goals and got three assists in the league and can certainly do some damage to Chelsea.

Team news

Expect Rosenior to want to get a good look at all the players he has at his disposal. There will be rotation, mass substitutions, this is honestly the perfect game for him to come in and get a feel for things before taking charge in the Premier League.

Roméo Lavia (thigh) and Dário Essugo (thigh) are close to returning from their lengthy injuries, but this game is still likely a little too soon for either of them to see any action. Marc Cucurella will serve his one-game ban for his red card in the defeat to Fulham.

Malo Gusto (physical discomfort) and Andrey Santos (knock) are both doubts for this one too, with Levi Colwill (ACL) still nowhere close to returning. It would be a genuine miracle if we saw him in the squad today.

Charlton duo Kayne Ramsay and Onel Hernández are both ruled out with hamstring injuries, while Josh Edwards (ankle) and Matty Godden (knee) are also out.

Prediction

We’re not expecting fireworks for Rosenior’s first game, he’ll probably play it somewhat safe. So we’re going with a 2-1 win for the Premier League side.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Spurs meet Villa in all-Premier League FA Cup tie

Storm clouds may be gathering over The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening when Spurs take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup Third Round.

By Ian King

Time is definitely running out for Thomas Frank at Spurs

The performance was better in places, but the result still ended up the same. Spurs’ 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth on Wednesday night may have only been decided by a stoppage-time winner scored by The Narrative’s Antoine Semenyo, but losing again has only pushed head coach Thomas Frank’s feet a little closer to the fire at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

All of this makes it feel like a bad time for his team to be taking on Aston Villa, a team who remain on the fringes of the Premier League title race, despite having dropped five points in their last three matches following their goalless draw against Crystal Palace at the same time as Spurs were chucking a point away on the Dorset coast. Villa may have wobbled a little since the start of 2026, but there are no pitchforks currently being sharpened around Villa Park.

Aston Villa beat Spurs three times in 2025

We’ve all been here before, of course. These two teams met at Villa Park on the 9th February last year in the Fourth Round of this very competition, with Villa winning 2-1, the first of three consecutive wins they managed over Spurs during 2025.

Spurs fans looking for a positive omen might wish to console themselves with the fact that their team have beaten Aston Villa on their way to winning the FA Cup no fewer than four times, having done so in 1921, 1961, 1962 and 1982.

Cristian Romero’s leadership has been one of Spurs’ few strengths over the last couple of months

Few Spurs players have emerged from the last couple of months with much credit in the bank, but one of those who has is captain Cristian Romero, whose strong performances – although undermined a little by yet another sending-off, this time against Liverpool – has been the nearest thing that the team have had to leadership this season.

Prior to their goalless draw against Palace, Aston Villa’s man in form had been Ollie Watkins, with four goals in his previous three matches, a figure all the more impressive considering that two of those matches came against Chelsea and Arsenal. If Watkins can maintain this sort of form, his passage into the England squad for this summer’s World Cup starts to look considerably smoother.

Expect changes from both Frank and Emery from their midweek Premier League XIs

There are no fresh injury concerns for Spurs ahead of this match, although there are no players due to return, either. James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski all remain injured, while Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr remain on AFCON duty. Brennan Johnson, meanwhile, has left the building for Crystal Palace.

Ross Barkley and Amadou Onana are both confirmed as sidelined for Aston Villa, while Evan Guessand is AFCON duty. Villa could welcome back Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings from injury, though they’ll be subject to fitness tests.

Of course, with this being an FA Cup match, there’s a strong possibility that both Thomas Frank and Unai Emery will make substantial changes from the teams that played in their midweek Premier League matches.

Thomas Frank might be about to find out how much the FA Cup means to Spurs fans

This is a match which should mean something to both clubs. The 1996 League Cup remains Aston Villa’s last major trophy, and for all the progress they’ve made under Emery, winning some actual silverware would be the club’s next step up in terms of their growth.

Villa have a proud history in the FA Cup, having won it seven times. But the last of those wins came almost 70 years ago, in 1957. Winning it this year would also be a tangible milestone of their recent revival.

Thomas Frank would do well to pay close attention to how much winning the Europa League meant to Spurs fans last year. With eight wins, the FA Cup means a lot to this club too, and with unhappiness growing at his team’s shortcomings, he’d be fooling himself if he considers this a free swing and nothing else. A groundswell against him is growing, and he’s rapidly running out of runway.

But none of this really impacts upon what’s likely to happen on the pitch. The simple fact is that Aston Villa have a better team than Spurs at the moment and that, even allowing for a marginally improved performance at Bournemouth and the likelihood of substantial team changes from both managers, it’s difficult to see Spurs turning up for this match with their deficiencies resolved and ready to take on and beat a stronger team.

So I’m going for a 2-0 Aston Villa win, and for there to be little let-up of the current levels of grumpiness currently circling around N17.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Jan

2026

Preview: Man City aim to avoid FA Cup shock against Exeter City

Manchester City welcome League One side Exeter City to the Etihad in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

By Ross Kilvington

The third round of the oldest national football competition in the world used to be one of the best weekends in the footballing calendar. Sadly, the magic of the cup has dwindled over the years.

Nevertheless, Exeter will be dreaming of taking a massive scalp as Pep Guardiola’s men look to claim their first victory of 2026.

Man City have hit a roadblock

The final few weeks of 2025 saw City at their imperious best, winning eight successive matches in all competitions.

This year, however, the club have drawn all three matches they have played, failing to beat Sunderland, Chelsea or Brighton in the Premier League.

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Despite all of his success in Manchester, Guardiola has lifted the FA Cup on just two occasions and will be eyeing the famous old trophy once again.

City have lost just once to lower league opposition in this competition under the Spaniard and that came in his second season. Since that 1-0 loss to League One side Wigan in 2017/18, the club have reached at least the semi-finals in every edition.

While that was a shock, a defeat against Exeter this weekend would surely go down as the biggest surprise of his reign at the club.

Can Exeter City pull off a major surprise?

The simple answer would appear to be no. This is the FA Cup, however, a competition which is famed for the heroics of lower league clubs against top flight opposition.

The Grecians have won just four games since October 23 and currently sit 14^th in League One, although they defeated Halifax Town and Wycombe Wanderers without conceding a goal to reach this stage.

Jayden Wareham is their top scorer with 11 goals in all competitions so far this season and if Exeter are to pull off an almighty shock at the Etihad, they will be relying heavily on the 22-year-old striker.

Team news

Guardiola will be missing several of his first team players for the tie. Indeed, John Stones, Mateo Kovačić, Oscar Bobb, Savinho, Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol are all absent due to injury issues.

Elsewhere, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Omar Marmoush are still on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

Johnly Yfeko, Josh Magennis, Ryan Rydel and Danny Andrew will be missing for the away side for the trip to Manchester.

Both Pierce Sweeney and Jake Doyle-Hayes will be looking to return to the starting XI after they both dropped to the bench last time out.

Prediction

Remarkably, City have won their last 19 FA Cup matches against clubs outside of the Premier League, scoring 72 goals in the process.

While the club may have hit a stumbling block recently, a big win against Exeter will surely bolster their confidence heading into the next few weeks.

As such, expect the home side to dominate proceedings and stroll through to the next round with ease: Manchester City 4-0 Exeter City.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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