Preview

May

2026

Preview: West Ham United host Arsenal in a decisive Premier League encounter

The stakes couldn’t be higher on Sunday afternoon as West Ham United host Arsenal at the London Stadium in a match which could have implications at both ends of the table.

By Ross Kilvington

West Ham could leapfrog Tottenham in to 17^th place by securing all three points against the Gunners, boosting their chances of survival.

Should Arsenal win the game, it would move Mikel Arteta’s men closer to the Premier League crown.

As such, there is everything to play for in the capital this weekend.

West Ham battling to maintain their top flight status

The Irons haven’t played in the second tier since 2012 and Nuno Espírito Santo will be determined to keep his side in the top flight.

Nuno’s men come into this clash on the back of just one defeat across their previous five Premier League matches. Wins over Wolves and Everton in recent weeks have given the supporters hope that relegation can be avoided.

*The relegation picture prior to Saturday’s games*

Last weekend, however, West Ham were brought back down to earth by Brentford, suffering a dismal 3-0 defeat.

Their remaining three league games of the season are against Arsenal, Newcastle and Leeds. Hardly an easy finish for the Hammers.

The relegation fight looks like it could go right down to the wire. The question is, can West Ham take points off the Gunners?

Arsenal stand on the cusp of a stunning double

A few weeks ago, it looked as though Arsenal were on the verge of another ‘bottle job.’ How quickly football can change.

The 2-1 aggregate win over Atlético Madrid in midweek saw Arteta lead Arsenal into a first Champions League final since 2006.

That came just 24 hours after Manchester City dropped valuable points in the race for the league title against Everton.

Things are now clear for Arsenal: Win their remaining three league games against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace and they will be declared champions.

Easier said than done, of course, but the next four games could see this crop of players go down as legends.

Team News

Nuno has a full fit squad to choose from ahead of the clash against Arsenal. This could be vital in West Ham’s survival bid.

Mikel Merino remains absent for the Gunners and has done since January. He is battling hard to recover from a foot injury and could well play before the end of the season.

Elsewhere, Jurrien Timber is out due to a groin injury and it remains to be seen whether he will return before the end of the campaign.

Prediction

Arsenal will not be taking this clash lightly, especially given that West Ham are fighting it out for survival.

Last week, the Gunners burst out of the traps, scoring three first-half goals against Fulham in what was a blistering display.

Arteta will be hoping for something similar this weekend. Nuno’s men wont make it easy, but all three points will be heading back to the Emirates on Sunday evening as the Gunners close in on the league title.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Barcelona seek LaLiga coronation in El Clásico

Barcelona can claim their 29th LaLiga title by avoiding defeat against archrivals Real Madrid on Sunday.

By Neel Shelat

Barcelona keen to close out a perfect home campaign

Barcelona have been the best team in LaLiga this season by most of the important metrics. One of their biggest advantages over their rivals has been their home form, as they have won every single league game played on their own turf this term.

*The home points table heading into the weekend*

If they win their two remaining games at Camp Nou, the Blaugrana will become the first team to complete a perfect home season in LaLiga since none other than Real Madrid in 1985/86. They have won each of their last 10 league games, so they definitely have great momentum behind them.

Chaos and infighting at Real Madrid

While Barcelona’s Clásico preparations are going about as well as possible, the exact opposite is true for Real Madrid. Los Blancos are almost certainly going to go trophyless in consecutive seasons for the first time in two decades, and they’re ending their campaign with a full-on implosion.

It has been a season of discord for the record Spanish champions, who had to part ways with Xabi Alonso mid-season amid a rift within the squad that always seemed out of his hands. His successor Álvaro Arbeloa hasn’t been able to sort matters out, as reports of further squabbles have consistently trickled in over recent months. Just earlier this week, matters escalated further than they have ever before as midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni were involved in a bust-up that culminated in the Uruguayan international having to be taken to the hospital with a head injury.

Team news

It’s safe to say that Valverde won’t be featuring this weekend, adding to Real Madrid’s relatively lengthy injury list which includes Arda Güler, Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos. The league’s top scorer Kylian Mbappé’s involvement is doubtful due to his hamstring issue.

Barcelona’s only absences are Lamine Yamal and Andreas Christensen, who will both remain unavailable for the rest of the season.

Key players

As speculation around Robert Lewandowski’s future heats up with his current contract expiring this summer, he will be keen to add to his Barcelona tally against their biggest rivals. Pedri is always an important figure for the hosts in midfield, while young Pau Cubarsí will have a key role to play in marshalling the back line.

In the absence of Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior has stepped up to the plate for Real Madrid lately with match-winning contributions in each of the last three games. Jude Bellingham could also have a big role to play in a depleted midfield, while Thibaut Courtois should expect a busy day at the office if he returns to the line-up following his recovery from a thigh injury.

Prediction

All things considered, it is hard to look past Barcelona clinching the title in comfortable fashion against their bitter rivals.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Manchester City clash with Champions League chasing Brentford

Thierno Barry crashed Man City’s party in their 3-3 draw with Everton last time out, giving Arsenal the advantage in the Premier League title race. With Brentford chasing Champions League football, City’s task won’t be any easier this weekend.

By Alex Roberts

West Ham were swept aside by Keith Andrews’ high flying bees, putting them in seventh, just one point off Bournemouth, which could become a CL spot if Aston Villa finish in fifth and win the Europa League.

City still have a game in hand on Arsenal, but it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest the league leaders have an easier time of things in their remaining fixtures. Never count Pep Guardiola and his boys out though, this isn’t their first rodeo.

*The table as it stands prior to Saturday’s games*

Explosive Doku

Now is the time for Man City’s big money men to really prove their worth. Jérémy Doku has been inconsistent this season, but recency bias is a real thing, and if he continues the performances he’s been putting in over the past couple of weeks, all will be forgotten.

It was Doku’s 97^th minute strike that secured a point for City at Everton, his second goal of the game. Without it, that Premier League trophy may as well have just been handed to Arsenal on a silver platter. With it, they still have a chance.

He now has three goal contributions in his last two league games, considering he only has four goals and five assists in his 26 so far, that’s quite a good return. It’s all on the line for City, if they do miss out, Doku won’t be to blame.

The most underrated player in the league?

Mikkel Damsgaard doesn’t do a bunch of tricks, in fact, he goes under the radar in most games, but he didn’t in the win over West Ham. The Dane put in arguably his best performance of the season.

Those players that consistently put in 7/10 performances, I mean, he literally has a 7.00 average rating from us at FotMob, are becoming rarer and rarer. It’s not their fault, it’s hard to be consistent in an inconsistent league.

The midfielder has one hell of an engine. Brentford are a side that press heavily, and Daamsgard is their trigger, with possession won in the final third 23 times, 22 interceptions, and 50 tackles, he’s key to everything they do.

Team news

Joško Gvardiol (tibial fracture) and Rúben Dias (ankle) are set to remain sidelined for Man City, but they should be returning fairly soon. That may be a little irrelevant though, considering they only have four games left.

It remains to be seen whether Rodri will feature, City certainly missed the midfield foundation he provided against Everton. If there is a slight chance he can play, he probably will.

As for Brentford, Antoni Milambo and Fábio Carvalho (both ACL) won’t be featuring again this season. Jordon Henderson (unspecified) and Rico Henry (thigh) are doubts but will have fitness tests ahead of kick-off.

*Haaland vs. Thiago is the battle for the Golden Boot*

Prediction

There is a LOT on the line for both sides in this one, and considering City draw with Everton, it’s hard to call. We’re going to go with a 2-1 City win. That experience and home advantage will just about see them over the line.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: The Red Devils head to the Black Cats

Michael Carrick has three auditions left to show why he should be given the Manchester United job on a permanent basis and getting his team to have one of the league’s best away records for the season would be a strong point to have in his corner.

By Karl Matchett

United have 25 points on the road this term, understandably fewer than Man City or Arsenal, but also fewer than Tottenham and the same as Chelsea, who have themselves only triumphed once on the road since the first week of February. Away to Sunderland was a tougher prospect in the first half of the campaign than it is now in the second, too.

*United’s home and away points breakdown this season*

Carrick and critics

Ten victories in 14 games since taking charge on an interim basis has some calling for Carrick to be given the job regardless, with United now comfortable in third after beating Liverpool last week and set to return to the Champions League. But higher-ups in the club are wary of repeating the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer situation. Strong start to life back at Old Trafford or not, his prior managerial history simply reads 136 games at Middlesbrough with a 46% win rate – not usually the CV which lands an appointment at the club. Balancing up that lack of experience with the inexplicable truth that sometimes, a head coach and club simply fit together, is the hierarchy’s job now. All Carrick can do is keep putting results on the board and let that do the talking. Close the gap at the top and be third in every respect – goals scored, conceded, home form and away – is really all he can now offer to highlight his case.

Platform for season two

As for Sunderland, it’s tempting but perhaps harsh to label them an “on the beach” side – by 4 January they were eighth and had only lost four, and by 4 March they’d hit the magical 40 points milestone, still joint-top half at the time. Understandably they’ve run out of steam in a first promoted season, winning only five of their last 19. All that matters though is taking lessons to repeat the trick next term, and not sinking to a disappointing league place now after all the early-season effort.

It’s three wins in ten for the Black Cats who have naturally tailed off a little, but they’ve also lost four of the last five at home.

Man United have won three on the bounce but haven’t enjoyed back-to-back away wins since December. They won at Chelsea in their last match on the road.

Team news

Dan Ballard is suspended following his red card against Wolves while Bert Traoré and Nilson Angulo are doubts through injury.

Matthijs de Ligt is Man United’s only absentee, but Ayden Heaven could keep his place in defence despite Lisandro Martínez returning from suspension.

Key player

For every Man United game right now it’s Bruno Fernandes, a strong candidate for Player of the Year. Top of the Premier League for chances created per 90, accurate long passes, actual assists and big chances created. Top of all European midfielders for that last stat, in fact.

*Bruno Fernandes is our best rated player in the Premier League this season*

Prediction

An away win but maybe not a pretty one: Sunderland 1-2 Manchester United.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Liverpool host Chelsea in lunchtime kick off

A win for Liverpool this week guarantees them a top five finish and Champions League football next term. Heading to Anfield for a Saturday afternoon kick-off is a free-falling Chelsea side without a permanent manager. It couldn’t be more straightforward for the Reds.

By Sam McGuire

Getting over the line

But there’s been nothing straightforward about Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign. The Reds started with a perfect record, winning five from five, albeit unconvincingly. They then went on a losing run before levelling out a bit. Despite their inconsistent form, they’ve managed to drag themselves into the top five.

It hasn’t been pretty. Despite heading to Old Trafford last weekend having won three on the bounce in the Premier League, the Reds had been fortunate in games against Fulham and Crystal Palace. In fact, the Eagles battered Arne Slot’s side at Anfield, finishing with an Expected Goals total of 2.26. Liverpool, meanwhile, carved out chances worth 1.14 xG on their way to a 3-1 win.

Manchester United then did the same to the Reds last weekend. The 3-2 scoreline doesn’t tell the story. The Red Devils had an xG of 2.34 and gave up chances worth just 0.88 xG. Had Liverpool escaped with a draw, it would’ve been one of the most undeserved points of the campaign.

A top five finish looks to be a certainty but the way Liverpool have been playing recently, coupled with their tough run of fixtures, means they need to get over the line before it becomes a one-game shootout.

Get the job done on Saturday and it makes games against Aston Villa and Brentford so much easier.

Chelsea head into this game as the worst form team in the Premier League. They’re bottom of the form table, have scored just one goal in their last five matches and are managerless following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior. They were dismantled by a weakened Nottingham Forest last time out and have conceded three goals in four of their last five in the English top-flight.

The Blues went from looking like a shoo-in for a top four finish to languishing in ninth position, just three points ahead of 13th placed Newcastle United. A win at Anfield gives them an outside chance of competing in Europe next season if they can use those three points as a platform to finish the season well. It’s a big ask though.

Key Players

The Liverpool front line is looking a little threadbare at the moment. Hugo Ekitike is out. Alexander Isak could return but who knows if he’ll be risked from the start and we still don’t know whether Mohamed Salah will be fit enough for minutes at Anfield. It means the focus, once again, will be on Florian Wirtz. He failed to impress against Manchester United last time out. He’ll want a better showing against the Blues.

For the away side, the focus will be on Cole Palmer. He’s had an injury hit campaign and missed a penalty against Nottingham Forest. He’s going to be eager to play his way into some form ahead of the World Cup and an eye-catching showing at Anfield would go a long way.

Team News

Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Ekitike won’t be seen again this season. Giorgi Mamardashvili remains out injured but there’s hope that Isak and Salah will at least be fit enough to bolster Slot’s options off of the bench.

Chelsea have a full squad to select from but with an FA Cup final on the horizon, they’ll perhaps be looking to keep key players fresh which could see caretaker manager Calum McFarlane opt for some rotation on Merseyside.

Prediction

We’re going with a 2-1 win for Liverpool.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Villa and Forest meet to decide place in Europa League final

With Villa and Forest last playing in a European final back in 1982 and 1980 respectively, the stakes will be high at Villa Park.

By Filip Mishov

The English giants from the early 80s battling to relive European glory

Unai Emery‘s decision to rotate his squad in the Premier League over the weekend backfired, as Aston Villa suffered a third consecutive defeat across all competitions, possibly denting the players’ confidence further ahead of the return leg against Nottingham Forest.

The Villans continue to struggle in front of goal, with only Emiliano Buendía finding the back of the net over the past 270 minutes of action. On the bright side, Forest are winless at Villa Park since 1994, which boosts the hosts’ hopes of overturning the one-goal deficit from the City Ground last week.

Unlike Villa, the Tricky Trees extended their five-match winning and 10-match unbeaten run across all competitions with a comfortable victory at Stamford Bridge on Monday, which opened a six-point gap between them and the relegation zone. Vítor Pereira made no less than eight changes in the starting lineup against Chelsea, but each and every one of the fringe players impressed, and Forest will travel to Birmingham full of confidence, looking to secure a place in a European final for the first time since 1980, which would be a monumental achievement.

Key players

Ollie Watkins is on a three-match goalscoring drought, but the England international remains Aston Villa’s starting striker and the pressure is on the 30-year-old to end his dry spell and lead the club into the Europa League final. Despite his recent form, the 15-goal centre-forward is the Lions’ leading goalscorer this season, and no player in the squad amasses higher xG per 90 (0.43) and shots on target per 90 (1) in the Premier League. Furthermore, Villa’s no. 11 got on the scoresheet against Forest at Villa Park earlier in the season.

Igor Jesus has adjusted well in his debut season in English football and the Brazilian is Nottingham Forest’s joint top scorer alongside Morgan Gibbs-White with 16 goals across all competitions. The 25-year-old has also impressed with his performances in the Europa League and the striker boasts the highest xG (6.7) in the competition, making him the leading goalscorer (7 goals). Last but not least, the in-form forward found the net three times over his past four appearances, averaging a FotMob rating of 7.55 in those games.

Team news

Unai Emery did not want to take any risks with John McGinn who missed the last match due to not being fully fit and Amadou Onana was absent through a calf injury, making them doubtful for Thursday, while Boubacar Kamara is out for the remainder of the season.

Vítor Pereira made wholesale changes against Chelsea and rested many of the key players, but Forest’s injury list is still extensive, and Morgan Gibbs-White only added to his worries getting a deep cut to the forehead at Stamford Bridge and being the latest doubt for the return leg.

Prediction

Despite Aston Villa being on a poor run, Unai Emery’s squad displayed quality and character over the past few seasons to rise to the occasion, while Nottingham Forest are definitely playing their best football of the season at the moment. With that being said, I expect a close return leg and would only give a narrow advantage to the hosts because of their richer European experience in recent times and Forest’s poor record at Villa Park.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Bayern and PSG out to carry on their Champions League classic

Bayern Munich host Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night, as every neutral watching hopes for a repeat of the entertainment on display last week.

By Matt Smith

The 5-4 thriller in the first leg will go down as one of the most thrilling semi-final clashes in recent history, with both sides struggling at the back but ruthless in attack.

Luis Enrique and Vincent Kompany might not want to see that many goals conceded, but they won’t care as long as they advance into the final.

Team news

Bayern Munich should not have any fresh injury concerns to worry about heading into the second leg, while they could have Lennart Karl and Raphaël Guerreiro in the squad as they edge closer to recovering from injury.

Serge Gnabry remains out for the home side in this one.

Meanwhile, PSG will be without Achraf Hakimi after his recent hamstring injury, while Lucas Chevalier remains on the sidelines.

The one stat that won’t surprise people

It’ll be absolutely no surprise to anyone that Bayern Munich and PSG have scored the most goals per game in the Champions League this season. The Bundesliga outfit have averaged a whopping 3.2 goals per match, while Enrique’s side have averaged 2.9.

They are undoubtedly two of the most exciting sides to watch in Europe at the moment. With goals at both ends, certainly another huge possibility in the second leg. With Bayern already winning the Bundesliga and PSG six points clear at the top of Ligue 1, both teams will be going all out for a place in the final.

2019/2020 finalists go head-to-head

These two teams have gone head-to-head a bunch of times over the last few years, and they’re certainly no strangers to facing each other in crucial matches. None more so than their 2019/2020 clash in the final, where Bayern Munich came out on top with a 1-0 victory.

Now they are competing for a place in this season’s final, with many predicting whichever side goes through to go on and win the competition.

An improvement from Neuer will be key

PSG were incredibly clinical against Bayern in the first leg, but questions have to be asked of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for Bayern. The German international conceded five goals from just 2.65 expected goals on target.

PSG created just 1.9 xG but managed to find the back of the net on five occasions, with all of their attempts on target resulting in goals. Kompany would be desperate to see more from Neuer if they are going to clinch a place in the final, as there is no doubt PSG will get plenty of opportunities in the second leg.

Prediction

You’d be a fool to think there won’t be many goals in this one after what we saw last week. With Bayern having the home advantage, we’re going for a 3-2 victory for the Bundesliga side, with Kompany’s men winning on penalties.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Arsenal host Atlético in semifinal decider

Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone meet again with a place in this season’s Champions League final in Budapest on the line.

By Graham Ruthven

Nothing between them

Last week’s encounter between Arsenal and Atlético Madrid might not have been the most memorable of this season’s Champions League semi-final first legs, but what the match lacked in pure attacking drama it made up for in tension.

Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone’s teams exchanged penalties in an even first leg that could be replicated in North London. There might not be much between the two rivals.

Atleti created more Big Chances than Arsenal (three to two) in the first leg and also edged the match in terms of Expected Goals (2.21 to 1.51). They could pose a threat in quick transition away from home too.

No team has kept more clean sheets than Arsenal (eight) in this season’s Champions League with the Gunners also conceding the fewest goals per 90 (0.5). Their true strength as a team is in defence.

To reach their first Champions League final since 2006, though, Arsenal will have to deliver a decisive blow. Can Arteta set up his side to impose their own game against a stubborn opponent?

Atleti won their last away match in the Champions League against Barcelona and might find the tactical dynamic of Tuesday’s match against Arsenal suits them.

Key players

Viktor Gyökeres has found form at the right time. The Swedish striker converted his penalty for Arsenal in last week’s first leg at the Metropolitano and also bagged a brace in Saturday’s comfortable home win over Fulham.

Gyökeres linked up nicely with Bukayo Saka against the Cottagers and Arsenal need more attackers in top form to get the better of Atleti. Saka in particular could be a difference-maker.

In midfield, Arteta will use Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi to control the centre of the pitch. Rice operated as something of a number six in Madrid, dropping in between the centre backs when required.

At the back, Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba will aim to be a brick wall in front of David Raya whose distribution could be pressured by Atlético Madrid.

Julián Alvarez was a constant threat for Atleti in last week’s first leg and will have the freedom to drift across the forward line. The Argentine has created more chances for his team than any other player this season.

This could be the final Champions League game of Antoine Griezmann’s career before he leaves for MLS in the summer with the Frenchman still averaging more shots per 90 than any other Atlético player.

The energy of Marcos Llorente and Giuliano Simeone could be key while Ademola Lookman will offer an outlet down the left wing.

Team news

Neither Kai Havertz nor Martin Ødegaard featured against Fulham on Saturday, but could return to the matchday squad for Tuesday’s match.

Saka looks ready to start after playing 45 minutes, and impressing, against the Cottagers with the winger only withdrawn at half time to preserve him for the Champions League semi-final second leg.

Simeone rested his entire team for the league match against Valencia on Saturday, meaning Atleti’s best players should be fresh for the trip to North London.

Alvarez picked up a knock in last week’s first leg, but should be fine to start Tuesday’s rematch with Simeone free to pick from a fully fit and available Atlético Madrid squad.

Prediction

We have a feeling that Diego Simeone may just edge the tactical battle, with Atlético’s strength on the break causing problems for the Gunners. This may be a surprise result: Arsenal 1-2 Atlético Madrid.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Man City head to Everton searching for another win

Everton host Manchester City at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Pep Guardiola’s side look to stay in touch with Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

By Matt Smith

It’s a big encounter for the Toffees too, as they cling to their hopes of qualifying for Europe.

Arsenal supporters will be hoping Everton can do them a favour, but it’s been a while since they secured three points over the Manchester club.

The last time the two sides met back in October, City came away with a comfortable 2-0 win over Everton at home, thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland.

*Recent H2H games – City are unbeaten in 18 against Everton*

Team news

Everton have received an injury boost ahead of the clash against City, with Beto fit and available. The 28-year-old missed their trip to West Ham last week due to a concussion, but David Moyes has confirmed he’ll be back in the squad.

Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite remain out, and they should be Everton’s only injury concerns.

Meanwhile, Rodri is in a race against time to make the short trip to Merseyside. The Spanish midfielder has missed their last two games due to a groin problem, but he could make his return.

Joško Gvardiol and Rúben Dias, remain out.

Attack vs. defence

Everton have struggled in the final third this season, and for a few years now, but they’ve maintained a strong level of defensive solidity. Moyes’ side have conceded 1.2 goals per game on average in the Premier League this season, only bettered by Arsenal and Man City.

It could make for an interesting match-up, with Pep Guardiola’s side scoring more goals any other team in the Premier League this term. City will be looking to increase their goal difference, with the title race so close, but it might not be easy breaking the Toffees down.

This isn’t the City of old

Everton might take some positivity into the game knowing that this City side isn’t at the same level as the ones we’ve seen previously. Guardiola has done a phenomenal job since arriving at the Etihad, but there’s no doubt they’ve dropped off over the last two seasons.

However, it’s well known that City come alive in the final months of the season, and that’s been proven of late. The Manchester club have won six games in a row in all competitions, including against league leaders Arsenal.

The return of Beto

Everton striker Beto missed the Toffees’ previous game due to a concussion, but he should be back in the starting XI against City. Although the 28-year-old has struggled with consistency throughout his time at Everton, he’s been a handful in recent weeks.

Beto has produced five goals and assists combined in the last three games he’s played, and he could be a threat in behind. City are likely to dominate possession and play a high line, something that Beto thrives against.

Prediction

This game means a lot to both sides, but it’s hard to see past Man City here. 2-1 away win.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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May

2026

Preview: Chelsea face Nottingham Forest on Monday afternoon

Chelsea’s season may well hinge on what happens at Stamford Bridge, but it may not even be Nottingham Forest’s biggest game of the week, with their second leg against Aston Villa looming. Either way, it should be fun.

By Alex Roberts

This will be Chelsea’s first Premier League game since the departure of Liam Rosenior. Five games, five defeats, and ZERO goals has left them with a mountain to climb in terms of Champions League qualification. Still, there is a glimmer of hope.

Forest aren’t out of the dark, scary, relegation woods just yet. It’s between them, West Ham, and Tottenham for that dreaded final spot. A win on bank holiday Monday would certainly ease some pressure.

Gibbs-White on fire, your defence is terrified

Late season Morgan Gibbs-White is a different animal. Ten of his 13 Premier League goals have come since the turn of the year, and in 2026 so far, only Man United’s Bruno Fernandes has more goal contributions (15).

In the past, Gibbs-White has been somewhat of a ‘luxury player’, he no longer fits in that mould. Aside from all the goals, he’s won possession in the final third 18 times, made 103 recoveries, and 19 tackles.

Where would Forest be without Gibbs-White? In the relegation zone, probably. Keeping him at the club last summer has made all the difference, whether they’ll be able to do it again this time around, might prove trickier.

Back to basics

Rosenior is no more, and the same can be said for his convoluted on the ball tactics. Calum McFarlane is in interim charge for the second time this season, and he appears to have settled things down a little.

Chelsea’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds United wasn’t pretty, in fact they were second-best for parts of the second half, but it was necessary and needed. They created just two big chances, had an xG of 0.38, and completed 425 passes, only 189 in the opposition half.

Some may describe that as apprehensive, nervy even, but not us. Chelsea were methodical, playing like a team that knew if they didn’t get something from the game, the fans would turn even more toxic. That’s on McFarlane.

Team news

João Pedro and Cole Palmer both made their returns at Wembley, and the good news doesn’t stop there for Chelsea. McFarlane has confirmed that Reece James and Levi Colwill are both back in full training. Whether they feature here is a little less certain.

Filip Jörgensen (groin), Jamie Gittens (thigh) and Estêvão (thigh) remain out of contention for the hosts.

Forest have plenty of injury worries. Dan Ndoye (unspecified), Ibrahim Sangaré (unspecified), Jair Cunha (shoulder) and Murillo (thigh), Nicolo Savona (knee), Callum Hudson-Odoi (thigh), John Victor (knee) and Willy Boly (knee) are all expected to miss out.

Ola Aina limped off in the second half of their first leg against Aston Villa, but manager Vítor Pereira seemed confident the right-back won’t be out for long.

Prediction

It’s a wild week for Forest. Low on numbers and potentially prioritising a place in the Europa League final, it’s a good time for Chelsea to play them. We can’t see the home side taking full advantage, though. We’re going with a 1-1.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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