Preview

Sep

2025

Preview: West Ham host Spurs, with the Hammers searching for first home win

Those at the London Stadium will be craving some action in this London derby after witnessing three back-to-back draws in this fixture since 2022.

By Filip Mishov

Has Potter run out of tricks?

The under-fire Graham Potter escaped a hammering during the international break with securing a surprise win (0-3) against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, but the same cannot be said for Nuno Espírito Santo who was sacked following the heavy defeat. There is every possibility that it could have been the other way around, if the result was reversed. However, the English coach is still under pressure and the next four matches, starting with this heated derby, could yet determine his future ahead of October’s international window.

Thomas Frank was enjoying a decent start to life at Spurs until the high-flying Bournemouth spoilt the party, but new challenges are coming thick and fast for the Dane, with Tottenham Hotspur aiming to secure a victory at the London Stadium for the first time since 2019 before they open their Champions League campaign with a home tie against Villarreal next week.

Key players

It is hard to look past Jarrod Bowen – he is West Ham’s most important player at the moment, with the captain head and shoulders above anyone else in terms of both quality and character. Furthermore, the England international is averaging a FotMob rating of 7.27, which puts the 28-year-old alongside Mateus Fernandes (7.48) and Lucas Paquetá (7.66) as the Hammers’ top-rated players this season.

There will be a familiar face in the away changing room, as Mohammed Kudus is set to return for the first time since swapping East for North London during the summer. The Ghanian has started well at Spurs, already evolving in to one of Thomas Frank’s irreplaceables. The 25-year-old is the highest-rated outfield player in the squad with a FotMob rating of 7.57, recording two assists so far, adding another while away with Ghana during the international break.

Team news

The Irons’ goalkeeping crisis sparked the board into making a move to re-sign the experienced Lukasz Fabianski who only left the club a few months ago as a free agent and the 40-year-old is expected to provide competition for Alphonse Areola and Mads Hermansen who have both endured a poor start to the season. Apart from the goalkeeping dilemma, Graham Potter is without starting striker, Niclas Füllkrug, who sustained an injury on international duty, meaning that Callum Wilson is expected to start after scoring his debut goal against Forest.

Spurs’ high profile new signings, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani are fit and available, and given Dominic Solanke‘s doubtful status and the rest of the long-term absentees, both are expected to feature from the start or off the bench. It will be interesting to see whether Mathys Tel features more prominently in the Premier League after his omission from the Champions League squad, with Brennan Johnson‘s place in the starting XI at risk after the Welshman was subbed off after only 54 minutes against the Cherries.

Prediction

The last three meetings between the sides at the London Stadium have ended in identical 1-1 draws and I see history repeating itself once again, with another draw the most realistic outcome.

(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.

Sep

2025

Preview: Winless Real Sociedad host table-toppers Real Madrid

Real Madrid have three wins from three as we head into La Liga’s fourth round of fixtures, and they will be keen to preserve their 100% record in San Sebastián.

By Neel Shelat

New coach, same struggles for Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad parted ways with Imanol Alguacil after his contract expired at the end of the 2024/25 season. His time in charge of La Real has to be considered a success on the whole as he consistently led them to European football, but they wound up in the bottom half last term, marking their lowest finish since he took charge in 2018.

Interestingly, Real Sociedad decided to continue their approach of hiring internally. Just like his predecessor, Sergio Francisco spent quite a few years in charge of the B team before being promoted to the first-team role. Of course, it very much is early days yet, but the first few matches have suggested that the coaching change will not solve all of the Basque side’s problems.

La Real were fourth in La Liga in terms of average possession last season, but they had one of the worst attacks as they averaged less than a goal per game. The team lacked connections all over the pitch, particularly through midfield. Those issues have seemingly lingered as Real Sociedad are yet to register a win this term, most notably losing 1-0 to newly-promoted Real Oviedo.

La Real not short of attacking threat

While Real Sociedad might not have the most free-flowing attack in the league, they certainly have some dangerous forwards in their ranks. Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo, formerly of Real Madrid, is the standout name, but left winger Ander Barrenetxea has also looked bright in the early days of the season. Spanish national team striker Mikel Oyarzabal can help link everything up quite nicely, while Icelandic talent Orri Óskarsson is another good option.

Xabi Alonso’s team rotation expected to continue

One of the main talking points after Xabi Alonso’s first LaLiga matches as a head coach has been his willingness to rotate the line-up and drop big-name stars from the get-go. The likes of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been benched so far, and that trend is expected to continue.

Los Blancos perhaps overused their attacking stars in the latter years of Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure, as Vinícius, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham all played well over 4,500 minutes in club competitions alone last season. Some rest should keep them both fresh and motivated over the course of the season.

Kylian Mbappé looking hungry at the start of the season

Although there was some criticism of his performances last season, it is important to bear in mind that Mbappé scored over 40 goals in his debut season at Real Madrid. He has started the new campaign in ominous form, netting thrice in three league matches before adding a couple for France in this international break, thus overtaking Thierry Henry in their all-time scoring charts.

Alonso has commented on how he has noticed an additional level of hunger in the French forward since the start of the season, so defenders across Spain better watch out.

*Mbappé’s performances in LaLiga this season*

Prediction

Real Madrid should be expected to control proceedings and emerge with a comfortable victory.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Sep

2025

Preview: Postecoglou’s first game at Forest comes at Arsenal

Ange Postecoglou takes charge of his first match as Nottingham Forest manager at the home stadium of an old rival.

By Graham Ruthven

Big Ange is back

Only a few months after he left, Ange Postecoglou is back in the Premier League. The former Tottenham Hotspur boss and Europa League winner has taken over at Nottingham Forest and faces a trip back to North London in his first match in charge.

Arsenal have had two weeks to simmer on their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break, meaning Mikel Arteta’s team must get back to winning ways as soon as possible this weekend.

There is uncertainty over the kind of Forest team the Gunners will face. Will Postecoglou use the approach of his predecessor, Nuno Espírito Santo, at the Emirates Stadium or will the Australian want his side to play his brand of front foot football?

Arteta might be thankful that Arsenal will face a Postecoglou team and not a Nuno one. Forest took points off Arsenal at the City Ground last season with Nuno’s deep backline difficult to break down.

Depending on how Postecoglou sets up his side, Arsenal might have open space to attack which could suit their forwards. A home win would help the Gunners build momentum for their title challenge again.

Key players

These are the sort of matches Viktor Gyökeres was signed to make a difference in. The Swedish striker scored his first two Premier League goals in his last home outing against Leeds United and will surely have chances to add to his tally against Forest.

Noni Madueke is expected to start on the right wing with Bukayo Saka still injured while Eberechi Eze could be in line to feature on the left side over the out-of-form Gabriel Martinelli.

Declan Rice remains one of the best midfield pace-setters in the Premier League while Jurrien Timber has started the season in good form at right back. The Dutchman will be crucial to giving Arsenal security on both sides of the ball.

Postecoglou might have his own ideas on how Forest should play, but it will surely take some time for those to come to the fore. Until then, many of Nuno’s best players will pose a threat in North London this weekend.

Chris Wood remains Forest’s most effective focal point with Dan Ndoye and Callum Hudson-Odoi dangerous in quick transition moments. This is where Forest could pose a genuine threat.

Elliot Anderson returns from a breakout international spell with England and will be a box-to-box presence for the visitors to the Emirates Stadium this weekend. Meanwhile, Murillo and Nikola Milenković will be charged with keeping things tight at the back.

Team news

Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Saka are all sidelined for Arsenal, but Arteta still has a number of attacking options to choose from after the addition of Gyökores, Eze and Madueke in the summer window.

William Saliba will also miss out for Arsenal after the French defender hobbled off in the loss to Liverpool before the international break. Cristhian Mosquera is in line to start in Saliba’s place.

Ola Aina is a doubt for Nottingham Forest with Oleksandar Zinchenko unavailable to face his parent club. Otherwise, Postecoglou has a fully fit and available squad to choose from.

Prediction

Mikel Arteta needs to hit the ground running following the international break, and the chance to face Forest before Ange Potecoglou can really settle in and get his ideas across should play in to the hands of the Gunners: Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the 2025/26 Premier League season with FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Sep

2025

Preview: England face stern Serbia test in Belgrade

England’s Three Lions return to the Serbian capital for the first time in 38 years.

By Filip Mishov

First meets second in Group K

With Serbia and England being the only undefeated national teams in Group K of the UEFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers and both boasting a perfect defensive record, the stakes are high ahead of their meeting as the fiery hosts await Euro 2024’s runners-up in Belgrade.

The Three Lions secured a narrow win (0-1) against the Serbs in the group phase at Euro 2024 through Jude Bellingham‘s header in what is their only meeting since Serbia’s independence was restored back in 2006.

It was quite an uneventful affair, unlike England’s last visit to Belgrade back in 1987. The then Bobby Robson-led squad faced the former Yugoslavia with the up-and-coming midfield maestro Dragan Stojković (now coach) in the starting XI at the Red Star Stadium (later renamed to Rajko Mitić Stadium) in the Euro 1988 Qualifiers, and Bryan Robson & co. cruised to a dominant victory (1-4) with Peter Beardsley, John Barnes and Tony Adams finding the back of the net alongside Captain Marvel.

Key players

With Vanja Milinković-Savić asking to be left out of the squad for September’s international window in order to adjust to the new surroundings in Naples, Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrović acts as Serbia’s undisputed No. 1 during the qualifiers.

The talented shot stopper has enjoyed a decent start to the season with a couple of clean sheets across the Premier League‘s opening three rounds, and boasts an average FotMob rating of 7.38. Additionally, Serbia are yet to concede in the three qualifiers played so far, with Petrović playing in each game and even saving a penalty in their draw with Albania back in June.

For England, all-time top scorer Harry Kane (73 goals) is already averaging an impressive FotMob rating of 9.30 in the Bundesliga after scoring a hat-trick and adding a couple of assists for Bayern München across 176 minutes this season. Furthermore, the 108-capped striker is England’s most in-form forward with three goals in four qualifying matches and remains central to Thomas Tuchel‘s plans.

Team news

Serbia’s own all-time top scorer (62 goals), Aleksandar Mitrović only came off the bench and played the final eight minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Latvia in Riga after returning from a long injury layoff, and it will be interesting to see whether Stojković will stick with Luka Jović in the starting XI ahead of Al Rayyan’s new striker. The same goes for the 34-year-old Aleksandar Katai who recorded the assist for the winning goal, but was then replaced by Lazar Samardzić at half-time.

Deputant Elliot Anderson impressed in England’s 2-0 victory against Andorra (see ratings below), but the experienced Jordan Henderson is in line to replace the 22-year-old and sit alongside Declan Rice in midfield, while Anthony Gordon or Morgan Rogers could take Marcus Rashford‘s place, given the latter’s debatable strength when it comes to defensive contributions.

Prediction

Undoubtedly, the rocky trip to Serbia’s capital will be Thomas Tuchel’s biggest test since taking charge of the Three Lions at the start of the year, and with England’s performances being far from convincing despite their faultless record in the qualifiers, I expect a draw to played out amidst what will be a hectic atmosphere in Belgrade.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Sep

2025

Preview: England host Andorra in World Cup qualifier

It should be a comfortable evening for England at Villa Park against Andorra, despite recent grumbles.

By Ian King

Recent form

It’s been three months since England last played and things didn’t go too well that time, with Senegal becoming the first African team to ever win at Wembley, and by a comfortable 3-1 margin. But England’s record in World Cup qualifiers is incredible. They last lost one almost 16 years ago, to Ukraine in October 2009.

In the game before that, England only beat Andorra 1-0 in Barcelona, with Harry Kane scoring the only goal. Andorra’s blanket defence almost smothered England that afternoon. Andorra lost their next game, a qualifier in this group, 3-0 to Serbia. Their last win came in October 2024, 2-0 against San Marino. This match marked the last time they scored, as well.

History

England have won all seven of the meetings between these two teams, as we’d expect, and their next narrowest margin of victory was a 2-0 away win, exactly 17 years earlier. Andorra have never scored against England, so hitting the net would be an achievement for them.

Key Players

If anything, this is the sort of match when we might expect Thomas Tuchel to make some changes and give some uncapped players a chance, but Tuchel has indicated that he intends to start a strong team for this match.

As such, it’s worth dwelling upon Harry Kane, who will pick up his 108th cap. This will tie him with Bobby Moore, who once held the record, but who has since been eclipsed by David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Peter Shilton. Kane is now 17 appearances short of Shilton’s record 125 caps, and he’s 32 years old. The chase is on.

*Kane has been in form for club side Bayern Munich*

Kane is also 20 goals clear as England’s record scorer, and none of the others in the all-time top ten on that list are currently playing. In 10th place is Frank Lampard on 29, to give you some idea of how long it’ll be before that record is broken.

The man worth watching for Andorra is Marc Pujol. Now the ripe old age of 43, Puyol’s senior career began a quarter of a century ago, a full three years before Jude Bellingham was born. He’s got 122 caps for Andorra, and he also scored their last goal; their second, in that 2-0 win against San Marino.

He currently plays his club football in the Andorran top flight, the Primera Divisió, for Atlètic d’Escaldes, who finished runners-up in that league last season and have already been knocked out of this year’s Europa Conference League qualifiers.

Team News

Spurs left-back Djed Spence and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson both earn their first call-ups for England (we discussed what role the latter may play – here), but there has been one withdrawal, with Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace reportedly now out for three weeks with an adductor injury. Andorra are not believed to have any significant injuries.

Prediction

There are one or two concerns about this England team, as shown up by Senegal in their last match as well as their last meeting with Andorra. And while it’s fair to say that team selection has everything to do with preparing for next summer’s finals, they’re nowhere near qualified yet, and they need to be in the right frame of mind for their next – and far more difficult – fixture, away to Serbia.

Andorra will throw that blanket down again and challenge England not to be smothered by it. They nearly managed it last time, with only one goal between the teams, and it’s a sign of how much that stung, that Thomas Tuchel has promised a strong team for this one. But I can only go on the evidence of my own eyes, and England didn’t deserve much better than that narrow 1-0 win in June. 3-0 this time, and the grumbling to continue to Belgrade on Tuesday night.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Aug

2025

Preview: Newcastle host Liverpool with the Isak situation unresolved

Drama and goals are inevitable as Newcastle host Liverpool at St. James’ Park.

By Filip Mishov

Premier League’s biggest transfer saga set to transpire on the pitch

Newcastle’s tug-of-war with Liverpool’s top target, Alexander Isak continues, through official statements and counterstatements, and the dragged-out saga only adds fuel to the fire ahead of the blockbuster clash at St. James’ Park.

The Magpies began the season with an uninspiring goalless draw at Villa Park, although one that could have been easily turned into a win if Eddie Howe had a single senior striker at his disposal, given both Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga could not convert their clear-cut chances.

Unlike the PIF-owned club, Liverpool boast a squad full of elite firepower already and the quality of their attack was on display in the season opening 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield, with all three starting forwards plus Federico Chiesa finding the back of the net. However, the Reds’ defence remains a concern for Arne Slot, as his new wing-backs will need time to adapt and settle in the role expected of them.

With that being said, the reigning 20-time champions of England are itching to avenge the EFL Cup final defeat from last season, while Newcastle are chasing their first home win against the Merseyside club since 2015.

Key players

Florian Wirtz put in an impressive physical performance on his Premier League debut, covering 11km and running 8.3 km or 75% of the time spent on the pitch before getting substituted after 82 minutes, but ultimately, the German prodigy will be judged on his attacking output this season. Hence, the toughest physical test of the season probably awaits him, when the 22-year-old comes up against Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.

Given Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong‘s unconvincing debuts, defensively speaking at least, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga’s pace and flair are set to be Newcastle’s main threat against Arne Slot’s radical high line, especially on the break, with the electric Englishman and Swede making 23 sprints each and recording top speeds

over 35 km/h in the opening round.

Team news

Jacob Ramsey‘s arrival provides Eddie Howe with a new attacking option, although still not one filling the void up top, but the 24-year-old is projected to go straight into the squad after completing his move from Aston Villa. Joseph Willock is back in training and apart from Alexander Isak’s absence, everyone else is ready and the English coach is expected to field an unchanged starting XI.

The Reds’ ability to outscore almost any opponent is quite admirable, but their poor defensive shapes left them exposed against the Cherries, and given Newcastle’s strength in the middle of the pitch, Arne Slot is expected to make at least a couple of changes, with Ryan Gravenberch coming in to add physical presence, possibly replacing Alexis Mac Allister. Furthermore, Jeremie Frimpong is ruled out with a hamstring injury and with Conor Bradley nearing a return, but not fully fit to start, Joseph Gomez is expected to feature at right back.

*Build your own starting XI for any team with the FotMob lineup builder*

Prediction

If Newcastle are to surprise Liverpool, Eddie Howe must find a way to stop Mohamed Salah first, as the three-time PFA Players’ Player of the Year has scored 10 goals and recorded eight assists against them. The Reds are the clear favourites, and even though frenetic night awaits them at St. James’ Park, I still believe they possess the quality to come out as winners.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Aug

2025

Preview: Man United head to the Cottage for Sunday showdown

Fulham host Manchester United at Craven Cottage in the second week of the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Marco Silva’s side rescued a point last time out against Brighton with a last-minute equaliser, while a spirited United performance wasn’t enough as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.

By Matt Smith

In this fixture last season, it was Ruben Amorim’s men who came out on top, with Lisandro Martínez’s second-half strike the difference between the two sides. The Red Devils also won the first meeting between the two sides last term, though Fulham did knock the Manchester club out of the FA Cup on penalties.

Team news

Fulham will once again be without left-back Antonee Robinson, who continues his recovery from knee surgery back in May. Ryan Sessegnon remains a doubt, while Rodrigo Muniz could be pushing for a start after his late goal against Brighton.

Noussair Mazaroui is also a doubt for the away side, and Lisandro Martínez will definitely miss out through injury. Benjamin Šeško could be in line to make his full debut after coming off the bench last time out.

Fulham lacking creativity

The Cottagers produced just 0.76 expected goals in their game against Brighton, creating only seven shots, with two of those hitting the target. Silva’s side might count themselves a little lucky to have rescued a point, so the Fulham boss will undoubtedly be looking for more in the final third.

Silva made the bold call to start youngster Josh King in the number 10 role against the Seagulls, but they were maybe lacking the creative spark that Andreas Pereira or Emile Smith Rowe offers, with the duo on the bench.

Encouraging signs for Man Utd

Although the Red Devils were beaten at home by Arsenal, there were plenty of signs of encouragement. United had 61% of the possession, creating 1.52 expected goals from 22 shots, but they just couldn’t hit the back of the net.

The dynamism, pace, and power that Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo offered in the final third brought a new lease of life to this United side, and Amorim will undoubtedly be hoping for more of the same against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Cunha a constant threat

Cunha could be the danger man for United, with Mbeumo closely following behind. The Brazilian’s willingness to consistently run at players and try and beat the opposition in transition caused Arsenal plenty of problems last time out, and he got the supporters off their seats at Old Trafford.

The final product wasn’t quite there against Arsenal, but that won’t be a huge concern for Amorim just yet. The former Wolves forward showed what a creative and goalscoring threat he can be at his previous club, proving himself at Premier League level.

Prediction

Although things are starting to click for Amorim and United, Fulham won’t be an easy place to go, with it being their first home game of the season. We’re going for 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, physical metrics, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Aug

2025

Preview: Real Oviedo host Real Madrid on LaLiga return

Real Oviedo welcome Real Madrid to the Estadio Carlos Tartiere for their first Spanish top flight game at home in over 24 years.

By Graham Ruthven

Back in the big time

The spectacle of Sunday’s home opener against Real Madrid is the sort of thing Real Oviedo have missed. It’s been 24 years since Los Azules last hosted a LaLiga match. This sort of occasion was a world away when Oviedo nearly went bankrupt in 2012.

Real Oviedo suffered defeat to Villarreal on opening weekend, but will fancy their chances of turning home advantage into a more positive result against Los Blancos. Estadio Carlos Tartiere could produce an intimidating atmosphere to rival any other in the league.

Xabi Alonso started his LaLiga managerial career with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Osasuna secured thanks to a Kylian Mbappé penalty kick. Real Madrid must improve quickly.

Barcelona’s strength means Real Madrid can’t afford to drop any points on Sunday even this early in the 2025/26 season. Anything less than three points for the visitors would increase the scrutiny on Alonso.

December 1998 was the last time Real Oviedo beat Real Madrid in a league fixture. A home win would be truly historic.

Key players

Salomón Rondón missed a penalty for Oviedo in their first LaLiga game for 24 years last weekend. The experienced centre forward is expected to keep his place in the lineup, but must be more clinical in front of goal.

Goalkeeper Aarón Escandell made a number of saves to prevent Oviedo from conceding more than twice. The 29-year-old will likely need to be at his shot-stopping best against Real Madrid’s formidable forward line.

Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior will almost certainly feature from the start for the visitors, although questions remain over the pair’s capability in an Alonso system. Can they press from the front in the way their new manager wants?

Dean Huijsen has enjoyed a positive start to life as a Real Madrid player and will most likely start in central defence alongside Éder Militão with Álvaro Carreras in line to start once more on the left side of the backline.

Fede Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler could feature in central midfield with the latter already earning himself a reputation as one of Alonso’s favourites in an unfamiliar deep role.

Team news

Alberto Reina saw red against Villarreal and will be suspended for Sunday’s meeting with Real Madrid as a consequence. 40-year-old Santi Cazorla could be in line for a start.

Álvaro Lemos and Jaime Seoane are expected to miss this weekend’s match. Otherwise, Veljko Paunović has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Alonso is without a number of key players through injury. Jude Bellingham is currently unavailable after undergoing a shoulder operation with Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick also on the sidelines.

Tactically, Alonso has a decision to make. He used an orthodox 4-3-3 formation against Osasuna, but could switch to a back three after utilising the shape during the Club World Cup.

Prediction

Real Oviedo 1-2 Real Madrid

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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

Aug

2025

Preview: Inter Miami visit the Capital

It’s back to Major League Soccer for Inter Miami, whose hectic schedule continues as a result of their progress in the Leagues Cup and the fact that they’re still playing catch-up in the league following the Club World Cup.

By James Nalton

However, they could not have asked for a better opponent coming off the back of a difficult Leagues Cup tie against Tigres, as they face the bottom team in the Eastern Conference and the worst team in MLS on current form, DC United.

Messi misses out again

Lionel Messi’s availability is an ongoing storyline this season, especially following the injury he picked up in the Leagues Cup group stage and subsequent uncertainty around his recovery.

The hamstring injury appeared to be affecting him at the end of his return to action in the recent MLS game against LA Galaxy, in which he came on for the second half and won the game for his side with a goal and an assist, but looked uncomfortable as he exited the field.

Head coach Javier Mascherano originally suggested his compatriot would be OK for the game against Tigres, but in the end, Messi didn’t even make the bench because of the injury.

It seems he was rushed back too soon, so Inter Miami should be aiming not to make the same mistake again, meaning he might miss the game against DC United in order to be saved for the Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando.

Scheduling issues mount up

Following their involvement in the Club World Cup, in which they reached the knockout stages, Inter Miami have now gone far in another mid-season competition, this time the Leagues Cup.

They progressed against one of the toughest teams remaining in the Liga MX vs MLS tournament, Tigres, on Wednesday night.

Luis Suárez dispatched two penalty kicks following controversial handball decisions in Inter Miami’s favour, where in both instances the distance before the ball hit the arm was very small.

It gave the Herons a 2-1 win and saw them progress to the all-MLS semifinals next Wednesday night, where they will face fellow Floridians Orlando City for the second time this month.

Miami’s intense schedule and Messi’s injury problems will give their DC United opponents some hope despite their recent poor form.

Opposition watch: DC United

DC United sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, have conceded the most goals in the entirety of MLS, and have scored the fewest.

Despite this, striker Christian Benteke is always a threat. In the previous two seasons in MLS, he has been in the top three for expected goals and won the league’s Golden Boot in 2024, scoring two more than Messi and Suárez.

Even his output has dipped this season, though, as DC United struggle to create chances. They have the second-lowest team xG in the league, having been sixth in their conference for this stat last year, and are in the bottom five in MLS for the number of big chances created.

Prediction

Given the quick turnaround following their Leagues Cup game and the uncertainty around Messi, the opposition should fancy their chances, especially on home turf, but DC United inspire little confidence, and even a tired, depleted Inter Miami should have too much for them.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

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

Aug

2025

Preview: Barcelona visit Segunda champions Levante

While renovation work continues at Camp Nou, Barcelona will not play a home game until after the first international break of the season. So, they are on the road again for the second matchday in LaLiga, this time to face newly-promoted Levante.

By Neel Shelat

Registration issues remain for Barcelona

Once again, it was not all smooth sailing for Barcelona in the summer transfer window. Despite parting ways with as many as 10 players and only making two permanent signings in addition to a loan deal, they are yet to register all of their squad members. Summer signings Joan García and Marcus Rashford were barely registered in the nick of time for the season opener, only after all the issues around Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury were resolved. A few players will still have to stay in the stands, including Gerard Martín and Marc Bernal.

Elsewhere, uncertainty continues to surround the Blaugrana’s ever-delayed plans of returning to Camp Nou. The club reportedly signed an agreement to keep the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc available to them until February, though playing there would have some negative financial ramifications. Cost-cutting at the club has continued, with the women’s team facing significant departures through no fault of their own.

Levante adapting to survival bid

Like almost all newly-promoted teams in any league, Julián Calero’s Levante look prepared to change their approach as they transition from being one of the strongest teams in their division to now competing at the other end of the table. The Segunda División holders might not have to make a lot of stylistic changes as they finished the last season with a possession average of less than 50%, but their LaLiga opener (a 2-1 defeat at Alavés) indicated a shift from a four-player defence to a back five.

Barcelona hoping for another comfortable win

Keeping all the off-field issues aside, Barcelona could not have asked for a much more straightforward start to the season than their 3-0 win over Mallorca. The Spanish champions opened the scoring within seven minutes, going on to add a second around the midway point of the first half. They were also two players to the good before half time as their hosts received two red cards, making it extremely easy for them to see out the win.

Although they are not yet in the busiest part of the season, these less taxing days at the office will be very valuable for a squad that is already relatively thin in many places.

Levante’s impressive home record

Levante will back themselves to put up a better fight than Mallorca, and they can take some heart from their recent home record. The Granotes are unbeaten at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia since early February in a run that spans nine competitive fixtures. They have not done half badly when hosting Barcelona in recent times either, winning half of the last six games.

Prediction

Barcelona should have enough quality to overpower their newly-promoted opponents, so another three-goal win could well be in the offing.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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