Posts of the Week

One of football’s fiercest rivalries takes center stage again as Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford this Sunday. While neither side is in the title race this season, the significance of this clash remains massive—especially with Champions League qualification hanging in the balance.

Under the guidance of Michael Carrick, Manchester United have steadied themselves after a brief dip in form between March and mid-April. That rough patch saw them pick up just five points from four matches, but they’ve since bounced back with consecutive wins—narrow victories over Chelsea and Brentford.

Now sitting comfortably 11 points ahead of sixth place, United are within touching distance of a top-five finish. A win here guarantees their return to the Champions League, while even a draw—or potentially a loss—could still be enough depending on other results.

What’s particularly impressive is United’s consistency at home. They’ve accumulated 36 points at Old Trafford this season, a significant improvement from last year. Their attack, led by Bruno Fernandes, has also been relentless, scoring in 23 consecutive matches across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Liverpool arrive with a slightly more complicated path to Europe’s elite competition. The Reds are just three points behind United and must win this fixture to keep their Champions League hopes firmly in their own hands.

Managed by Arne Slot, Liverpool are currently enjoying a three-game winning run in the league, including a solid 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. However, their record against top-tier opposition has been underwhelming, with just one win in their last 12 matches against teams starting the day in the top three.

Team News​

Manchester United could receive a timely boost with the return of Matheus Cunha, who is back in training after a minor injury. There’s also optimism around Luke Shaw’s fitness, although defensive absences remain a concern. Both Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are unavailable.

All eyes will once again be on Bruno Fernandes, who is just one assist away from matching the single-season Premier League record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

Liverpool, on the other hand, are dealing with a major setback: Mohamed Salah is ruled out with a hamstring injury. His absence is huge, considering his incredible record against Manchester United.

The injury list doesn’t stop there. Several other players—including Alisson Becker and Alexander Isak are doubts or confirmed absentees, which could significantly impact Liverpool’s balance and depth.

Possible Lineups​

Manchester United:
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

Liverpool:
Woodman; Jones, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ngumoha

Prediction​

When these two teams play, form is irrelevant.

Lady In Red said:

When these two teams play, form is irrelevant.

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Putting my money on United to win this one. Liverpool will play without Salah, Ekitike or Isak. Hard to see them not losing today.

Bena45 said:

the reds needs to start thinking of rebuilding in the summer

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The rebuilding process needs to start with the coach. Arne Slot doesn't seem capable

Newly crowned Swiss super league champions, FC Thun's fairly tale run to the title is nothing short of remarkable

Promoted from the Swiss second tier just last summer

Spent only $470,000 across the summer and January transfer windows

Represent a town with a population of just 45,000

Had never lifted a top-flight trophy before

Defying all expectations, FC Thun outplayed giants like FC Basel and BSC Young Boys to claim their first-ever Swiss Super League title

Truly inspirational

I like how you laid out the stakes, especially with both teams chasing Europe. In matches this tight, I sometimes look at how each side handles late-game pressure, since one moment can flip everything. I’ve also used Free MLB Picks before to get a feel for how stats-based predictions work, and applying that mindset helps me read football matchups with a bit more confidence too.

A place in the UEFA Champions League final is within touching distance as Atletico Madrid welcome Arsenal to the Estadio Metropolitano for a high-stakes semi-final first leg on Wednesday night.

Both sides are chasing history, with neither club having lifted Europe’s most prestigious trophy. Awaiting the winner in the final at the Puskás Aréna will be either Bayern Munich or reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Atletico Madrid are back in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since the 2016–17 season after edging past Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate. Under the guidance of Diego Simeone, Atletico have evolved from their traditionally defensive approach into a more attacking force, scoring a club-record 34 goals in this season’s competition.

Their recent 3-2 La Liga victory over Athletic Bilbao ended a difficult domestic run and ensured they remain competitive in the top four. However, their record against English sides raises concern, with just two wins in their last 12 European meetings.

Still, Atletico’s home form against English opposition offers encouragement, having lost only twice in their last 18 such matches in Madrid.

For Arsenal, this marks a historic moment. Mikel Arteta has guided the club to back-to-back Champions League semi-finals for the first time. The Gunners progressed past Sporting CP in a tight quarter-final and remain unbeaten in this season’s competition.

Arsenal topped the league phase with a perfect record and have lost just two of their last 22 Champions League matches. Despite recent domestic inconsistencies, their narrow win over Newcastle United has restored confidence as they continue their Premier League title push.

Their record against Spanish teams is particularly impressive, winning their last seven Champions League matches against La Liga opposition. They also travel to Madrid having lost just once in their last 11 away games in the competition.

Team News​

Atletico will be without Pablo Barrios and José Giménez due to injury, while Ademola Lookman and David Hancko remain doubts. Julián Álvarez is also being monitored but could start alongside Antoine Griezmann or Alexander Sørloth.

In midfield, Koke is expected to anchor the side, with support from Marcos Llorente or others.

For Arsenal, injuries continue to impact selection. Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber are sidelined, while Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Zubimendi face late fitness checks.

Bukayo Saka could return to the starting lineup after making a substitute appearance recently, while Viktor Gyökeres may lead the attack.

Possible Lineups​

Atletico Madrid:
Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Gonzalez; Griezmann, Alvarez

Arsenal:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Prediction​

Simeone and Arteta should take a cue from the Bayern vs PSG game and play some good football tonight!

Manuel Neuer can become the first player in history to win 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐒

In 2012/13, Neuer won his first treble with Bayern, lifting the Bundesliga , DFB-Pokal and Champions League

In 2019/20, his second followed, winning the exact same 3 competitions

Now in 2025/26, he could very well repeat that. Under Kompany, Bayern look incredibly strong and are still on course for what would be Neuer’s third treble:

Bundesliga
DFB-Pokal (Final)
Champions League (Semi-finals)

Will Neuer write history and become the first player ever to win 3 trebles?

Ratulay said:

I’d look at how each side handles midfield pressure, because that could decide who controls the tempo and creates chances in such a tight contest.

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Brighton dominated and won the game, 3-0.