Preview

Jan

2026

Preview: Atletico meet Real in Supercopa Madrid Derby

Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid’s rivalry heads to Saudi Arabia, with the two sides going head-to-head in Jeddah for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, with the winner going on to face Barcelona in the final.

By Matt Smith

Diego Simeone will be hoping for a repeat of the last meeting between the two teams, which saw Atlético secure a 5-2 win in LaLiga back in September.

Neutrals will be hoping for a repeat of the last meeting in this competition, where an eight-goal thriller was played out, with Real Madrid securing a 5-3 victory back in 2024.

Team news

Atlético will be without both Clément Lenglet and Nicolás González for this one, while Pablo Barrios is a doubt after he was substituted due to injury last time out.

As for Madrid, Kylian Mbappé remains on the treatment table, while Éder Militão is also out. Brahim Díaz is currently enjoying himself and leads the race for the golden boot at the African Cup of Nations with Morocco, but Trent Alexander-Arnold could return, as he’s been named in the squad following his injury.

Simeone’s defensive solidity continues

No team in LaLiga has conceded fewer goals per 90 minutes than Atlético Madrid (including Real Madrid) this season, Simeone will be hoping for a little more in terms of attacking output ahead of the second half of the season, but he’ll have minimal complaints with his side defensively.

Atlético are preparing to face one of the best attacking sides in Europe in this clash, but they more than held their own in the last meeting. It’s been an impressive few months for Simeone’s side, losing just twice since 21st October.

Real Madrid bouncing back

It’s safe to say it’s not been a perfect season for Madrid, particularly in LaLiga where they sit four points behind Barcelona. Xabi Alonso’s side have started to turn a corner in recent weeks, winning four games on the bounce in all competitions.

The loss of Mbappé was expected to hurt Madrid, considering the phenomenal impact he’s made this season in terms of goal contributions, but it certainly didn’t seem that way last time out. Madrid secured a comfortable 5-1 victory over Real Betis, with Mbappé’s replacement stealing the headlines…

Garcia steps into Mbappé’s shoes

Many Real Madrid supporters will have been worried when it was confirmed that Mbappé was going to be on the sidelines this month, but his replacement has slotted in seamlessly. Gonzalo García made just his second league start of the season last time out, and Alonso couldn’t have asked for more.

The 21-year-old his a hat-trick in Mbappé’s place, helping Madrid secure a 5-1 victory. You’d imagine he’s done enough to keep his place in the starting XI, and he’ll be hoping to put his name up in lights once again.

Prediction

It’s a difficult game to predict, with local rivalry games often throwing up surprises. Despite García’s impact last time out, it could be tough for Alonso’s men without Mbappé. We’re going for a 2-1 win to Atlético.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: League leaders Arsenal host defending champions Liverpool

Arsenal’s first home match of 2026 sees them welcome Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night.

By Neel Shelat

Arsenal hoping to continue stellar home form in 2026

Arsenal’s comprehensive win over Aston Villa last week extended their mightily impressive record at the Emirates Stadium to 14 wins, two draws, and zero losses since May 2025. The Gunners have now picked up 28 out of a possible 30 points at home in the Premier League this term.

Including their penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup, Mikel Arteta’s side have emerged victorious after all seven matches in the last four weeks, showcasing great consistency through the busiest period of the season.

Liverpool enduring another slump

Although Liverpool are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run, they’re definitely not heading into this game in the best of shape. The dramatic conclusion at Craven Cottage on the weekend made it two consecutive draws for the Reds, leaving them with just four wins since the start of December.

The lack of attacking endeavour displayed by Arne Slot’s side has become a real source of frustration for fans in recent weeks, but their defence has also been far from solid.

Worse yet, the Dutch coach’s task is being further complicated by a number of key absences.

Team news

Arsenal are almost back to full strength after dealing with long injury lists for the last couple of months. Their only expected absences are Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori in defence, as well as teenage midfielder Max Dowman.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are particularly depleted in the attacking department. Hugo Ekitike’s minor hamstring issue left them without a recognised striker in the last game, with Alexander Isak set to be out for a few months following his leg fracture against Tottenham. The Frenchman is a major doubt for this match as well, while Mohamed Salah remains unavailable as his Egypt side have advanced to the AFCON quarter-finals.

The Reds’ lack of depth at centre-back has been a concern all season, and they will once again have to rely on Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk to see out the full 90 as Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo remain out.

Key players

Gabriel will fancy his chances of scoring in a third consecutive match since Liverpool’s record of 13 goals conceded from set-pieces is the joint-worst in the league. No team has scored more than Arsenal’s 12 goals from such situations, so Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice’s deliveries could prove just as crucial as their contributions from open play.

Alisson will surely be tested between the sticks, but Liverpool will be keen to pose an attacking threat themselves. Florian Wirtz has been on the scoresheet in three of their last four matches, while Arsenal will certainly also be aware of Dominik Szoboszlai’s threat after his stunning strike in the reverse fixture.

Prediction

Arsenal should have enough quality to largely control proceedings, keep a clean sheet and win by a one or two goal margin.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Manchester City face midweek Brighton test

It’s the mid-season grind now as far as the Premier League goes and for title hopefuls like Manchester City, only consistency in winning matters. Hosting a leaky Brighton defence should help.

By Karl Matchett

A drought!

It says a lot about how lethal he was earlier that he’s still five goals clear in the golden boot race, but Erling Haaland hasn’t scored for three games now and City could probably do with him rediscovering that clinical edge. He came close against Chelsea more than once, hitting the post in particular, but when it comes right down to it, it’s his goals which will likely prove the difference between whether City can catch Arsenal in the title race or not. When he’s plundering one or two a game, it means Pep Guardiola’s team almost certainly win. Without them, the fine margins – as the late concession of a goal against Chelsea highlight – in football mean dropping points is always a possibility.

City have created the most big chances this season, completed the most passes, scored the most goals and kept the joint-most clean sheets, but that hasn’t translated to the most points and they trail the Gunners by six points just past the halfway stage.

Reckless or ambitious?

As for the Etihad visitors, Brighton are a fun team to watch without question, but an erratic one. They seem caught between going all-out as an attack-minded team and trying to balance the number of youthful prospects in the side with some experienced and more steady heads – it’s a little chaotic overall as they are very much a ‘home’ team: only one defeat in ten at the Amex, but only two victories from ten on the road.

Recent form

Ten unbeaten in all competitions for Manchester City, a run of eight straight victories and then two draws of late. Brighton were on a run of six without a win until beating Burnley last time out. Albion have also conceded six in their last three away league games and haven’t won back-to-back matches since November.

Team news

Further emphasising the need for City to fire in attack are a spate of defensive injuries, which now sees Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias added to John Stones and the absent Rayan Aït-Nouri.

Omar Marmoush is also still away with Egypt. Mateo Kovačić is a long-term absentee but Rodri is back in action. Carlos Baleba is away at AFCON too for Brighton, with Yankuba Mintah likely to miss out, while Stefanos Tzimas is definitely out.

Key players

Rayan Cherki has been outstanding recently and although he’ll likely be rested sooner or later, with Savinho a doubt, Antoine Semenyo not having signed yet and both Oscar Bobb and Marmoush unavailable, he could be required to continue. Over the last year he’s ahead of 99% of European midfielders for chances created and all 100% for touches of the ball. In the Premier League this term he’s top for assists, xA per 90 and big chances created.

*Rayan Cherki’s passing numbers in the Premier League this season*

Prediction

Might be more chances and goals than you’d expect as Brighton look to make a match of it, but firepower will win out: Man City 4-2 Brighton.

(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 meet Athletic Club in Supercopa semifinal

LaLiga leaders Barcelona have won an impressive nine league games in a row – yet Hansi Flick knows there are things to work on in the wake of a late derby win over Espanyol. The Supercopa offers a chance to hone matters against a struggling Athletic Club.

By Karl Matchett

Comebacks vs. consistency

Despite 16 wins out of a possible 19 this term, Barcelona are only four points clear of Real Madrid – such is the need to be relentless in the manner of victory to claim the title in Spain’s top flight. While the three points keep coming, Flick and his team know there’s little margin for error…and the worry will be that, too often of late, Barca have had to do it the hard way. Near the end of November, this exact fixture was played out in LaLiga and Barcelona won 4-0. Thereafter, they had to win from behind in their next three, before needing late winners in two of the most recent three. Control has been lacking too often, so Flick will want to see an improvement on that score in the Supercopa.

Even played out in the still-strange environment of Jeddah (or ‘the s**t environment’, as Athletic Club captain Iñaki Williams said), Barcelona will feel they have the early upper hand in this four-team tournament, given the other semi-final is the Madrid derby, Real v Atlético.

With the final set for Sunday, the Catalan outfit will no doubt be hoping that they can have one, rather than two, demanding fixtures to get through, rotate the team a little if necessary and emerge by retaining the trophy they won last year. The chances of that are boosted by their Basque opponents’ struggles of late.

Trying times

Ernesto Valverde’s team won the opening three league matches of 2025/26, but since then it has been a dismal campaign. Take only points won after that August run – so from 1 September – and Athletic are only just hovering outside LaLiga’s relegation zone, a more than four-month stretch which at this point is more than just bad form, it’s quickly becoming a forgettable season, despite still sitting in eighth.

As for any hopes of a shock triumph in this cup, the squad will be keenly aware that following that heavy loss at Barcelona, they also lost 3-0 to Real Madrid soon after. A victory over Atlético provides at least some confidence – but they look woefully undercooked right now.

Barcelona have seven straight wins in all competitions against two wins from the last nine for Athletic. PSG, Sevilla, Real Madrid and Chelsea remain the only teams to beat Barcelona so far this season.

Team news

Barca are without Andreas Christensen, Gavi and Ronald Araújo.

Athletic are missing Yeray, Aymeric Laporte, Yuri Berchiche and Beñat Prados.

Key player

With three goals and three assists in his last eight league games, Lamine Yamal looks like he’s gearing up again. Over the last year he’s in the top two percentile in Europe for touches, top 9% for goals for players in his position, and simply top for shots taken!

Prediction

A “home” win without too much concern this time – and another failure to find the net for the Basque outfit: Barcelona 3-0 Athletic Club.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from this week’s Supercopa tounament with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Jan

2026

Preview: Darren Fletcher takes Man United to Burnley

Burnley’s last home victory against Manchester United dates back to 2009 with the latter winning six of their eight meetings since then.

By Filip Mishov

Burnley desperate for a spark to end their three-month winless run

Scott Parker finds himself under severe scrutiny after defeat to Brighton extended the Clarets’ winless run to 11 games at the start of the new year, leaving Burnley second from the bottom in the Premier League standings. And with Wolves finding a bit of form lately, the Lancashire club is now one of the most out-of-form teams in the top flight, boasting both the third-worst defence (39 goals conceded) and attack (20 goals scored) after 20 league rounds played. With this match against United, and games versus Liverpool and Spurs coming soon, the writing could be on the wall for the under-fire coach if results do not improve quickly.

Ruben Amorim’s disastrous reign at Old Trafford finally came to an end on Monday as the Portuguese coach seemingly forced the club’s hand after his latest public outburst. The decision leaves the Red Devils in no man’s land midseason, with their U18s coach, Darren Fletcher, taking over first-team duties for the Turf Moor visit at the least. The former midfielder began his coaching career only last summer, and although the sample is quite limited, a change of system feels inevitable, with a back four in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, aided by fast-attacking football, which the 41-year-old has successfully implemented in the youth side.

Key players

Jaidon Anthony is Burnley’s main attacking threat this season and the Englishman’s importance grew further in recent weeks with both Lyle Foster and Zian Flemming absent due to international duty and injury, respectively. The electric winger is leading the way in terms of goals + assists (5) and the 26-year-old is the second-best chance creator (15) in the squad, earning him an average FotMob rating of 6.70.

Casemiro continues to play a central role in United’s starting XI and despite the Brazilian’s contract running down, he has been one of Manchester United’s top performers this season, averaging a FotMob rating of 7.17, the fourth-highest in the squad. Furthermore, the 33-year-old is ranking high in more than a few key categories for his position – blocks per 90 (0.7) being one, and only Manuel Ugarte (4.8) is ahead of Casemiro for tackles per 90 (3.1). He is also outshining a lot of his teammates in an attacking sense, with only three players scoring more than the four goals he has recorded in the Premier League.

Team news

A number of players are missing in Scott Parker’s squad for various reasons and most are not expected to be back for the upcoming match. Hannibal Mejbri and Lyle Foster are, however due back from AFCON duty with Maxime Estève also close to a return.

For United, captain Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount are back in training and expected to be in the squad and to get some minutes in the match, but Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo remain doubtful while all of those players away at the AFCON represent sides who have made it through to the tournament’s quarterfinals.

Prediction

Even though the Red Devils are in turmoil both on and off the pitch, the Clarets are in much worse position at the moment, and I expect a debut win for Darren Fletcher at the helm of Manchester United to lift their spirits and kickstart the chase for a top four finish.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

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

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

By Graham Ruthven

Tottenham troubles

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

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

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

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

Key players

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Team news

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

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

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

Prediction

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Chelsea visit neighbours Fulham before Rosenior appointment

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

By Alex Roberts

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

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

Keeping Liam Rosenior’s seat warm

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

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

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

Harry Wilson is tearing it up

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

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

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

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

Team news

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

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

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

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

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

Rodrigo Muniz (hamstring) will definitely be out.

Prediction

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Managerless Chelsea head to Manchester City

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

By Alex Roberts

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

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

New year, same circus

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

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

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

Rayan Cherki lighting it up

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

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

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

Team news

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

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

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

Prediction

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: High-flying Sunderland visit struggling Spurs

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

By Neel Shelat

Tottenham’s desperate search for goals

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

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

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

Sunderland seeking first win over Spurs since 2010

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

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

Key players

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

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

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

Prediction

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Jan

2026

Preview: Real meets Real as Betis travel to Madrid

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

By Matt Smith

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

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

Team news

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

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

Madrid not quite clinical enough

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

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

Betis the draw specialists

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

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

Time for Vinícius to make a statement

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

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

Prediction

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

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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