Joshua Oha, Author at Matchplug Blog

Real Madrid to chose between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe next year

Real Madrid will reportedly choose between signing Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in the summer of 2024.

Los Blancos have been long-time admirers of French superstar Mbappe and narrowly missed out on him last summer after he chose to sign a two-year contract extension with PSG.

But according to French publication L’Equipe, the 24-year-old’s contract at Parc des Princes will end in the summer of 2024 as he is increasingly unlikely to trigger the option of extending his deal by another 12 months – which he must do by the end of July.

This means that Mbappe will be available for free next summer, which could entice Real Madrid.

Despite this, L’Equipe are reporting that Los Blancos are also keeping tabs on Manchester City star striker Erling Haaland and might attempt to sign him. In addition, Madrid expects Karim Benzema to sign a one-year extension soon, with the Frenchman expected to leave at the end of the 2023-24 season to make way for a new superstar signing.

Meanwhile, if Kylian Mbappe decides to sign for Real Madrid, he must take a significant pay cut to seal the move. Moreover, he might be required to play more centrally as Vinicius Jr. is currently the number one choice on the left wing.

Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Real Madrid will look to get back to winning ways when they host Rayo Vallecano at Santiago Bernabeu this Wednesday.

The hosts have endured a frustrating finish to their season, with back-to-back defeats in all competitions soiling the mood of the Copa del Rey winners.

The latest frustration came in their 1-0 loss to Valencia at the weekend. Aside from being their third loss in their last five league games (W2), the game was also soiled by the report of racial abuse on Vinicius Junior.

The Brazilian forward had a torrid time in Estadio Mestalla at the weekend, culminating in being sent off for slapping Valencia’sValencia’s Hugo Duro. So he will miss this game, which will be a huge blow for Carlo Ancelotti’sAncelotti’s side, who are trying to secure a top-two finish.

Still, Los Blancos have a good record at home and in this fixture. They have won their last three home league games and recorded eleven consecutive H2H victories over Rayo Vallecano.

Like their hosts, the visitors are also looking to return to winning ways after being beaten 2-1 by relegation-battling Espanyol in their last outing.

Yet, although that loss was their third loss in their last four league games (W1), they could still finish in the La Liga top half for the first time since 2013, given that they are sitting in eleventh position, one point behind tenth-placed Osasuna.

But success on the road would help, as they haven’t won a league-away game since the end of January (D2, L5).

That said, we expect over 2.5 goals to be recorded in this game.

Brighton vs Manchester City: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Premier League football resumes this Wednesday with newly crowned champions Manchester City travelling to the Amex Stadium to face highly-rated Brighton.

The Seagulls are one of the major talking points of the 2022/23 Premier League season after their impressive showings under Graham Potter early this season and later Roberto De Zerbi.

Their success this season has been down to the tactical genius of both managers, although De Zerbi has taken them to heights Potter could not scale.

The Italian has led Brighton to their first European adventure thanks to a 3-1 win over Southampton, which means that they will finish in the top seven regardless of their results in the two remaining games of the season.

But the goal in this game will be to ensure that they finish inside the top six, as they need just one more point to ensure that they play the fancier UEFA Europa League rather than the lesser Europa Conference League.

But a visit from the high-flying Manchester City might prove too difficult to get that one point they need. Yet, a rocking Amex Stadium may boost De Zerbi’s men to further success after some solid ten-game home Premier League form (W7, D1, L2).

Pep Guardiola’sGuardiola’s side will travel to Brighton in a good mood after finally lifting the Premier League title at the weekend–their third in a row.

They didn’tdidn’t need to lift a finger to secure that title, given that Arsenal’sArsenal’s loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday has confirmed them as 2022/23 PL champions. Yet, true to their nature as champions, a much-changed City squad still beat Chelsea at home.

The result made it 12 consecutive Premier League wins for the Cityzens. Although it is expected that their attention is now fully on the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup finals, the visitors can still make history in their remaining two away league games, as four points from those two games will give them the PL’sPL’s strongest record for an

But City aren’taren’t guaranteed a win here, given that they have failed to win five of their six away league games against top-eight opponents (W1, D2, L3).Click here to get expert football predictions.

Real Valladolid vs Barcelona: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Barcelona will look to get back to winning ways this Tuesday when they travel to Estadio José Zorrilla to face struggling Real Valladolid.

The hosts’ struggles continued last Friday as they were beaten 2-0 by fellow strugglers Cadiz. The result means they remain in the relegation zone ahead of this round.

However, they are level in points with 17th-placed Getafe but have a worse goal difference. So it seems increasingly likely that their season finale meeting with Getafe, who they beat away earlier this season, could decide where they place football next season.

Coach Paulo Pezzolano said he wants his side to “be prepared for what is coming. But he will wish for a good result here as they can move out of the drop, albeit temporarily, if they avoid defeat.

However, they have lost their last five games, including back-to-back defeats at home. But, a run of just one defeat across six games (W3, D2) at home before that pair of defeats should give them some measure of confidence.

Meanwhile, La Liga champions Barcelona will travel to Estadio José Zorrilla on the back of a disappointing 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad.

After beating Espanyol to be crowned last champions last week, Xavi’s men couldn’t defeat Sociedad, eventually falling to fourth-placed Sociedad in a La Liga game for the first time since 1991.

But Xavi wasn’t bothered that his side lost after they “celebrated for practically the whole week.” Instead, the coach declared that Barca’s 27th top-flight title win was something they “will build on.”

He wouldn’t want to record back-to-back La Liga losses, though, while they are also desperate to keep their record against Valladolid in La Liga, having never lost a league H2H since March 2014 (W7).

Click here to get accurate football predictions.

Arne Slot WANTS the Tottenham job

Highly-rated Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has reportedly told his club he wants to occupy the vacant managerial seat at Tottenham Hotspur.

According to 90min, the Dutchman has emerged as the front-runner to become Tottenham’s next permanent manager after a successful season in Feyenoord, whom he led to the Eredivisie title.

His success did not start this season, as he also led the Dutch club to the Europa Conference League final last season despite losing some key players.

His emergence as a tactically astute manager has alerted several top European clubs, including Tottenham, who are looking for a permanent manager after sacking Antonio Conte earlier this year.

There were fears that Slot would be unwilling to swap the comforts of Rotterdam for North London, but according to 90min, he wants to quit De Kuip this summer.

But to complete the deal for Slot, Tottenham must agree a compensation fee with Feyenoord. A reported £6million compensation package had been quoted for the manager and his two assistants. However, according to the report, talks between the two clubs and Slot’s agent Rafaela Pimenta around the compensation amount are set to accelerate this week.

Meanwhile, Spurs are interested in former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique and recently sacked Julian Nagelsmann. Sporting CP boss Ruben Almiron is also on the list of targets.

Newcastle QUALIFY for next season’s Champions League

Newcastle United have officially booked their place in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League after a goalless draw with Leicester City on Monday.

The Magpies began this season as one of the clubs expected to challenge for a place in Europe after heavy investment in the last three windows.

But they were not expected to crash into the top four given the quality of the traditional top four regulars Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and, to some extent, Arsenal and Tottenham.

However, the Magpies have not only crashed the top four party but have done so in style, sealing their place in the Champions League for the first time in over two decades with a game to spare.

After the game, manager Eddie Howe stated that a top-four finish was never his team’s aim when the season began.

“The target wasn’t the top four,” said Howe.

“You always hope, but we didn’t feel we were ready for that. It was more, ‘Could we not have that flirtation with relegation’.

“So it’s a big relief and an amazing night to see the supporters and the reaction to what we’ve achieved.”

Real Sociedad vs Almería: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Real Sociedad will continue their quest for a place in the Champions League next season when they welcome relegation-threatened Almeria to Reale Arena this Tuesday.

The hosts strengthened their grip on fourth position with a 2-1 win over Barcelona at Camp Nou last time. That win was their first in the famous stadium since 1991 and ensured that they maintained their five-point lead over fifth-placed Villarreal in the fight for a top-four finish.

A win in this game will take them tantalisingly close to their aim of playing Champions League football for the first time in a decade and extend their unbeaten run in La Liga to six games (W4, D2).

Having not lost at home in seven games (W4, D3), Imanol Alguacil’s side will be confident of getting a good result.

Meanwhile, Almeria will travel to San Sebastian, desperate to win three points that could guarantee they play La Liga football next season.

The visitors come into this round of games still mathematically in the relegation battle, as they are only five points ahead of 19th-placed Espanyol.

But after boosting their survival chances with an impressive 3-0 win over Mallorca last time, they will fancy their chances of getting another positive result. Almería also has a healthy record of four wins from the previous nine H2Hs (D2, L3).

But the Rojiblancos travel to the north with the division’s joint-worst away record of just seven points (W1, D4, L12), whilst they have been defeated in all eleven La Liga away trips against clubs currently 12th or higher with an average losing margin of two goals.Meanwhile, Sociedad have scored exactly twice in five successive home league games, while Almería have conceded two or more goals in 12 of their last 14 away La Liga matches. So a high-scoring game of over 2.5 goals is highly likely, while BTTS/GG is also expected.

AC Milan INTERESTED in Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun

AC Milan are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun in the summer.

This is according to the Italian publication Calciomercato via Goal. The report claims that the Serie A giants are set to initiate talks with the player’s agent in the coming days.

Balogun is currently on loan at Reims from Arsenal. Since moving to Stade de Reims this season, he has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the global stage.

He has scored 21 goals this season for the Ligue 1 club in all competitions. He also has three assists.

The 21-year-old recently became the first African American to score 20+ goals in Ligue 1’s history with his goal in Reims’ 2-2 draw, with Angers taking him to 20 league goals.

AC Milan are desperate to sign a striker this summer and have identified the American as their man.

However, the Serie A side will face a tough task trying to convince Arsenal to sell Balogun, valued at £40 million.

The Gunners don’t want to lose the forward but might struggle to keep him after a stellar campaign. Mikel Arteta’s side aren’t interested in handing Balogun a starting berth next season, but they also don’t want to sell him.

But the 21-year-old will likely force a move away from the Emirates unless he is guaranteed a place in the starting XI.

Having recently switched His nationality from England to the United States, he is keen on performing at the highest level ahead of his country hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Empoli vs Juventus: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Juventus will look to seal a return to the Champions League this Monday when they travel to Stadio Carlo Castellani to face Empoli.

The hosts are looking to continue their impressive run of three games without defeat (W2, D1) that has pushed them far from the relegation zone.

After a concerning run of three successive Serie A defeats to end April, Empoli sprung into May on a different note beating Bologna (3-1) and Salernitana (2-1) before recording a 1-1 draw with relegated Sampdoria last time.

Yet, they have been woeful at the back, having not kept a clean sheet in six games.

Yet, the Stadio Carlo Castellani faithful will be pleased with what manager Paolo Zanetti has masterminded. After four consecutive home matches without a win (D2, L2),, the hosts have won three of their last four (L1) home games.

The Blues will now be hoping to keep the momentum going when they tackle Juventus here, especially as they’ve managed to go unbeaten in their last five top-flight matches played on a Monday.

Juventus come into this tie in a disappointing mood after crashing out of the Europa League on Thursday, courtesy of an extra-time loss to Sevilla in Spain.

The result means that their only route to UEFA Champions League next season is via a top-four finish in the Serie A. So they will be desperate to win here to seal their top-four destiny.

They will fancy their chances here after winning their last three Serie A games. However, Max Allegri’s men have been poor on their travels, winning just one of their last seven away games (D2, L4).

Click here to get accurate football predictions.

Perhaps a trip to Empoli will aid them in bettering that record, having beaten their hosts in 17 of their last 21 H2Hs in all competitions (D2, L2).

Newcastle United vs Leicester City: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Premier League football resumes this Monday as Newcastle United welcomes Leicester City to St. James’ Park for the penultimate game of the 2022/23 season.

Both sides are desperate for three points, with Newcastle desperate to win here to seal a place in the Premier League top four, while Leicester are fighting to avoid relegation.

Eddie Howe’s side took a step closer to their aim with a very important 4-1 win over high-flying Brighton last time. That win took them to within three points of Champions League qualification, which they can achieve if they win here.

But if they lose here, they will go into the last game of the season, probably needing a win to seal a top-four finish.

Having escaped a potential banana skin against Brighton, the Magpies should be confident of winning here, especially as they have a strong home record. Howe’s side have lost just two times at home this season, winning eleven and drawing five times.

Meanwhile, Leicester City are on the brink of relegation after a 3-0 loss to Liverpool in their last outing. The Foxes are about to make a muted exit from the top flight just seven years after becoming the unlikeliest English champions of all time.

If they lose here, they will be relegated, as they sit second from the bottom, two points behind the safety line with a terrible goal difference.

The signs are ominous for them as they are winless in four (D2, L2), where they have shipped in ten goals. Dean Smith’s side are also winless in seven games away from home (D2, L5), adding extra doubt to their chances. While they have netted in their five most recent tests on hostile turf, it offers no guarantee they will score against a Newcastle side that has conceded the second-fewest goals in the league this season (32).

Joshua Oha

Real Madrid to chose between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe next year

Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Brighton vs Manchester City: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Real Valladolid vs Barcelona: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Arne Slot WANTS the Tottenham job

Newcastle QUALIFY for next season’s Champions League

Real Sociedad vs Almería: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

AC Milan INTERESTED in Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun

Empoli vs Juventus: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

Newcastle United vs Leicester City: Preview and Expert Football Prediction

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