Pep Guardiola faces a major selection dilemma over out-of-form striker Erling Haaland as Manchester City prepare to play Arsenal in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
The Norwegian international has seen his goalscoring numbers plummet since the turn of the year.
He netted an impressive 25 times between August and December, but has managed just five goals so far in 2026.
This dramatic decline raises serious questions over his guaranteed starting spot against the Gunners.
Guardiola’s tactical evolution
Manchester City are desperately seeking their first major silverware in two years this weekend.
Their manager has constantly tinkered with his tactical setup this season to unlock attacking creativity.
Recent experiments have included pairing the former Borussia Dortmund frontman with Antoine Semenyo or Omar Marmoush in a two-man attack.
The Catalan coach is reacting to a broader Premier League trend towards aggressive man-to-man marking.
Adapting to a shifting landscape
Teams across the division are increasingly relying on direct transitions and set-piece dominance.
We are moving in that direction.
Those were the recent thoughts of the City boss when asked about the shifting tactical landscape.
However, the Manchester side have scored a league-low 16.6 percent of their goals from dead-ball situations.
This need for verticality prompted the recruitment of rapid defenders like Abdukodir Khusanov to win individual duels.
Finding the perfect formula
Playing direct football previously benefited the prolific Scandinavian striker by cutting out patient build-up play.
Yet Guardiola’s men have frequently struggled to balance defensive stability with genuine attacking threat this term.
The team looks distinctly different from the dominant sides previously orchestrated by David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne.
Whether that means benching a generational goalscorer at Wembley remains the biggest question of the weekend.
Fifa has decided not to suspend the Israel Football Association following a formal Palestinian complaint regarding teams based in West Bank settlements.
However, world football’s governing body simultaneously issued a £142,000 fine and a warning to the Israeli organisation over a separate discrimination charge.
The Palestinian governing body had officially requested the suspension ahead of the 2024 Fifa Congress due to the involvement of settlement clubs in sanctioned competitions.
Legal complexities cited by committee
The Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee ultimately recommended against sanctions, citing the highly complex and unresolved legal status of the territory under public international law.
This territorial dispute remains a profoundly contentious global issue, highlighted by a 2024 International Court of Justice ruling that declared the ongoing occupation illegal.
Shlomi Barzel, head of communications for the Israeli association, expressed profound relief at the disciplinary outcome.
“We are constantly working in various ways to repel time and time again desperate attempts to harm Israeli football for political reasons,” the communications chief stated.
“I am convinced that we will continue to face great challenges in the international arena, but also beautiful days on the pitch.”
Discrimination fine and sanctions
Despite avoiding a blanket suspension, the national association must still address the significant financial penalty handed down by the independent committee.
Officials have also been ordered to prominently display an anti-discrimination banner alongside their official crest during their next three top-tier home international fixtures.
Addressing the financial penalty, the official acknowledged the vital necessity of tackling racism within the sport.
“Even before the fine regarding racism was decided the IFA and the clubs acted, are acting, and will act even more vigorously against the sickening scourge,” he added.
The Palestinian authorities have yet to publicly comment on the dual rulings issued by the global federation.
Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has received his first senior international call-up for Spain ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente named the 21-year-old in a 27-man squad for home friendlies against Serbia and Egypt.
The Alicante-born centre-back is joined in the national setup by club team-mates David Raya and Martin Zubimendi.
Ending Colombia speculation
This maiden senior inclusion represents a significant progression for a player who has already represented La Roja from Under-15 to Under-23 levels.
It also seemingly resolves recent speculation regarding a potential switch of international allegiance.
Reports previously suggested the versatile defender could declare for Colombia, his parents’ homeland, to secure a place at the summer finals in North America.
Making an impact in north London
The highly-rated prospect arrived at the Premier League leaders from Valencia last summer for an initial fee of £13m.
While fierce competition has prevented him from becoming an undisputed regular, he has impressed across 25 appearances in all competitions.
The former La Liga talent has also had to carefully overcome a recent ankle injury to establish his role within the title-chasing squad.
Domestic decisions and fresh faces
He recently replaced an injured Jurrien Timber during a league victory over Everton, though Ben White was preferred for the subsequent Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen.
Manager Mikel Arteta must now evaluate his defensive options for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final showdown against Manchester City at Wembley.
Meanwhile, the Spanish national squad features several other new faces preparing for the international window.
De la Fuente has also drafted in Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, Real Sociedad forward Ander Barrenetxea and Osasuna winger Victor Munoz.
Thomas Tuchel has omitted Trent Alexander-Arnold from an experimental 35-man England squad while resting 11 established players ahead of friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
The national team manager has opted to give several senior figures a short break due to their heavy domestic workloads this season.
Key players including captain Harry Kane, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka and midfielder Declan Rice will sit out the first international fixture.
These rested individuals are widely expected to be guaranteed spots on the plane for the 2026 World Cup.
Alexander-Arnold and Watkins left in the cold
The exclusion of the Liverpool full-back serves as a significant blow to his international aspirations.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has also been left out of the expanded selection despite an otherwise strong club campaign.
Being overlooked for a camp designed specifically to open up competition suggests a steep uphill battle for the omitted pair.
Fierce competition for the playmaker role
A highly anticipated five-way battle for the number 10 position is set to define this international break.
Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are expected to stake their claim in the upcoming test against the South American side.
Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze and a returning Jude Bellingham will then have their opportunity to impress against Japan.
The German head coach emphasised the need to trim down his attacking midfield options before the major tournament.
It is very unlikely we will take three, four or five players for one position.
Both the Chelsea forward and the Manchester City playmaker have struggled to find consistent form or minutes in recent weeks.
This upcoming double-header represents a final audition for these creative talents to secure their World Cup futures.
The United States’ preparations for the upcoming World Cup have been hindered by severe delays to a $625m federal security grant amid heightened terror warnings.
Intelligence briefings compiled by federal agencies and Fifa have highlighted specific operational threats to the international tournament.
These confidential reports warn of potential extremist attacks on transportation infrastructure across various host cities.
Law enforcement agencies are already operating on an elevated alert following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran.
Race against time for host cities
The global football showcase is scheduled to take place across the US, Canada and Mexico throughout June and July.
Officials involved in planning the logistical operation had repeatedly sounded the alarm over the stalled financial package.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) was initially expected to distribute the allocated money by late January.
Following mounting pressure from frustrated organisers, the agency finally confirmed the approval of the grants on Wednesday.
Tight turnaround for equipment procurement
The distribution process for such significant government funding usually takes several months to complete.
Procuring the necessary surveillance technology and safety equipment for host stadiums will add further delays to the timeline.
Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center Association, warned that the purchasing schedule leaves little room for error.
“It will be extremely tight.”
Final venue faces unique challenges
The highly anticipated tournament final will be hosted in New Jersey, where state intelligence reports have flagged specific risks.
A recent security assessment highlighted a history of disrupted domestic terror plots and extremist propaganda in the region.
Authorities are also actively monitoring the potential for civil unrest stemming from recent domestic immigration policies.
Newcastle United must defeat rivals Sunderland on Sunday to revive their European qualification hopes following a humiliating Champions League exit in Barcelona.
Eddie Howe’s side return to domestic action still reeling from a 7-2 thrashing by the Spanish giants.
That heavy defeat sealed an 8-3 aggregate loss and brutally ended their continental campaign.
The Magpies manager described the upcoming Tyne-Wear derby as an ideal fixture to refocus his squad.
He remains defiant about the level his squad can reach despite the second-half collapse in Catalonia.
“This is where we want to be.”
Eddie Howe stated following the midweek loss, highlighting his team’s spirited first-half display.
Derby pressure mounts for Howe
Another defeat to their fierce local rivals would trigger significant alarm bells at St James’ Park.
A Sunderland victory would see the visitors leapfrog their North East neighbours in the Premier League table.
Furthermore, the English head coach risks becoming the first manager in the club’s history to lose his opening two derbies.
Dropping points this weekend could leave the hosts languishing in the bottom half of the standings.
European qualification slipping away
Recent league victories over Manchester United and Chelsea had sparked optimism for a late surge.
However, the psychological toll of Wednesday’s collapse threatens to derail that momentum completely.
A top-five finish now appears highly unlikely, with significant ground to make up on their rivals:
- Seven points behind fifth-placed Liverpool.
- Six points adrift of Chelsea in sixth.
- Three points behind seventh-placed Brentford.
Key players facing uncertain futures
Compounding the pressure is a potential physical setback for Sandro Tonali.
The Italian midfielder faces a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s noon kick-off after sustaining an injury in Spain.
Speculation regarding the 25-year-old’s long-term future has intensified following ambitious comments from his agent.
Fellow midfield linchpin Bruno Guimaraes is similarly attracting significant transfer interest.
Failing to secure European football could severely hamper efforts to retain top talent and recruit elite replacements this summer.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has sustained a muscle injury that will rule him out until after the international break and leaves him doubtful for next month’s FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.
The 33-year-old gestured to the bench to be substituted during Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Galatasaray.
He had just scored a trademark goal to cap one of his best performances of the current campaign.
Reds head coach Arne Slot has now confirmed the Egyptian will miss this weekend’s Premier League trip to Brighton.
Slot confirms extended absence
“Indeed, unusual and as a result of that you can expect the outcome: he’s not available for tomorrow,” said Slot.
The prolific winger will also be unavailable for his country during the upcoming international window.
His absence is a significant blow to the Merseyside club following a rich vein of form.
The former Chelsea and Roma attacker had registered goals in three of his last four starts.
Race against time
Slot remains hopeful that his talisman can return for the crucial cup tie at the Etihad Stadium early next month.
“We’re hoping with what Mo has shown in the past that he can recover faster than other players in similar situation because he takes such good care of his body,” added the Dutch manager.
“History has shown he can be back earlier than some others, but it’s only two weeks until we go again, so let’s hope in that period of time he can be back.”
Former England defender Micah Richards believes Arsenal could decisively beat Barcelona in a potential Champions League semi-final if the Spanish side deploy a high defensive line.
The Gunners advanced to the last eight after defeating Bayer Leverkusen during the week.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now face Sporting Lisbon, entering the quarter-final tie as heavy favourites to progress.
A significantly tougher test likely awaits in the semi-finals against either Atletico Madrid or Barcelona.
Tactical battle awaits in Europe
The Catalan giants recently demonstrated their formidable attacking power by thrashing Newcastle United 7-2 at the Nou Camp.
However, their defensive risk-taking allowed the Magpies to equalise twice before eventually being overwhelmed.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Richards suggested this vulnerability could be heavily punished by the Premier League leaders.
If Barcelona play that high line then Arsenal would absolutely batter them.
Micah Richards
The pundit also warned that a deeper defensive approach from the La Liga outfit could completely reverse the tie’s outcome.
Attackers ready to exploit space
The former Manchester City full-back highlighted Gabriel Martinelli as a player perfectly suited to punishing advanced defences.
He noted the Brazilian winger possesses the blistering pace required to exploit vast spaces behind a high backline.
Martinelli, 100 per cent, would absolutely love to play against that without doubt.
Micah Richards
Richards added that physical forwards capable of strong, direct running would also thrive under such tactical conditions.
Chasing historic European glory
The North London club have historically struggled against the five-time European champions.
Their most notable defeat against the Spanish side came in the 2006 Champions League final at the Stade de France.
Despite this history, the English title contenders remain the bookmakers’ favourites to conquer Europe this season.
They have won nine of their ten continental fixtures this term and remain firmly in contention for an unprecedented quadruple.