Last updated: September 12, 2026, 6:43 AM ET
Premier League Star Power
The Premier League was once a league of superstars, but Erling Haaland is now the biggest star left, raising the question of whether he is the division's only truly global name. The Norwegian's dominance has become the defining storyline of the season, and with so many marquee names departing in recent transfer windows, his presence carries added weight for the competition's international profile.
Manchester Derby Build-Up
Sunday's Manchester derby dominates the weekend, and ESPN's combined XI features just two United players, underlining the gap between the rivals. Luke Shaw will undergo a late fitness test before Michael Carrick decides whether the defender can face City. Benjamin Šeško's strong form has handed Carrick a selection decision to make up front. City boss Enzo Maresca said teams "need to adapt" to fixture scheduling as his side enter the derby with two days' extra rest. Sky Sports asks who will reign when the two clubs clash in the debate over the Kings of Manchester. New captain Ruben Dias said City's summer signings are desperate to win and the whole squad is buying into Maresca's ideas.
United's Defensive Gamble
Manchester United's slow rebuild, prioritizing one position each summer, has left them light on defense, prompting questions about whether the delay was a mistake. Off the pitch, the club banned 685 fan accounts after a ticket touting investigation, insisting innocent supporters were not punished. Fifteen-year-old talent JJ Gabriel is making waves, and the club's youth coach said his job is not to ruin him while providing the right pathway.
Arsenal and Chelsea
Mikel Arteta said he is "very surprised" by criticism over Arsenal's handling of the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli this summer. Arteta also revealed he deliberately disrupted pre-season training and travel plans to prepare his squad for their midweek Champions League flight delay. Arsenal have agreed a pre-contract deal for 17-year-old forward Andria Bartishvili. Chelsea remain a team out of control under Xabi Alonso, and the question is whether it will keep working for them. Alonso compared striker Joao Pedro stylistically to Karim Benzema and rated him at a Haaland level.
Wrexham and West Ham
Wrexham suffered their heaviest defeat under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac as West Ham ran rampant in a 6-0 rout on Friday. The Hammers made easy work of Wrexham at the London Stadium to make it four in a row and go top of the Championship. Wrexham were also told to "get their act in order" by a local community council after building their new training base without planning permission. West Ham and Mexico midfielder Edson Álvarez categorically denied an accusation that he was involved in an alleged kidnapping.
Pulisic, Milan and Serie A
Christian Pulisic is "upset" about not yet featuring for Milan this season, coach Ruben Amorim said Friday before hinting the United States star is likely to get playing time this weekend. On-loan Real Madrid winger Franco Mastantuono eclipsed Lionel Messi as the youngest Argentine to score a hat trick in Europe's top five leagues, doing so for Fiorentina. Como marked their Champions League debut with a one-sided 4-2 win over RB Leipzig, with Cesc Fabregas at the helm.
Real Madrid and Mourinho
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho said he has seen improved performances from Vinícius Júnior and believes his best is yet to come. Mourinho also defended Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr after they were booed by supporters, saying fans "want a piece" of the star duo. Mbappé himself responded to criticism regarding his defensive commitment at the Bernabéu, while separately criticising a viral meme depicting him as a dictator, saying the trend "shows a lack of political and human awareness in people."
Tottenham and North London
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi called new arrival Mykhailo Mudryk's injury "stupid" and backed the winger to return soon. Lucas Bergvall signed a new contract after telling the club he wanted to leave in the summer. Richarlison's proposed move to Vasco da Gama fell through amid ongoing uncertainty over the Brazilian's future, and interest in him persists with Philippe Coutinho agreeing a Santos deal, according to Saturday's gossip. Transfer Talk reported that Arda Güler could extend his Real Madrid contract.
Champions League Matchday 1
Michael Carrick hailed a perfect night as Manchester United beat Sabah FK on their return to the Champions League. Jamal Musiala celebrated his first goal of the season by pointing to his head weeks after dealing with seizures on the field. Bayern Munich's dominant win was among the Matchday 1 standouts, with Mark Ogden, Gab Marcotti, Rob Dawson and Sam Tighe weighing in. City's midfield options proved Rodri is replaceable after all, as Bouaddi shone in a 2-0 win over Porto, a performance Alan Shearer called patchy.
Premier League Spending Power
Barcola's big move from PSG to Liverpool highlighted another summer window in which the Premier League effectively subsidizes big European leagues such as Ligue, with staggering numbers behind England's financial dominance. Anthony Gordon's £70m move to Barcelona was questioned by some, but the England winger is already proving his worth for the free-scoring Spanish giants.
Weekend Preview and Talking Points
The weekend preview asks whether Madrid can bounce back and who wins the Manchester derby, with Elversberg against Bayern also in focus. The coach of Elversberg, the small-town team shaking up German soccer, was cleared to be in the dugout against champion Bayern Munich after a referee admitted he made a mistake sending him off. Amorim took a swipe at Manchester United players-turned-pundits, according to Saturday's papers.
Old Firm and Scottish Football
Celtic players had a visit from Police Scotland on Friday to give them "a timely reminder" about their "general behaviour" in Sunday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers, manager Martin O'Neill said, describing it as a timely reminder. O'Neill revealed Celtic were given a "general behaviour" warning ahead of the Ibrox clash. It is the first Old Firm clash of the season with a League Cup semi-final place at stake, and Sky Sports examined the talking points. Celtic's Benjamin Nygren revealed summer transfer interest as Rangers ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia for Nico Raskin. Hibernian's David Gray insisted he is unfazed by criticism as his side set their sights on the first semi-final of his reign.
EFL, Transfers and Club News
Watford announced the signing of former West Ham striker Michail Antonio on a free transfer. Leicester boss Russell Martin said criticism has become "really personal" and that he does not know why he upsets so many people. Hull City were fined £30,000 over discriminatory chanting with three supporter bans issued following their FA Cup defeat by Chelsea in February. Hull's Sorba Thomas was unhurt after his Land Rover overturned near the training ground in Cottingham. Scott Davidson's proposed takeover of League Two club Shrewsbury Town is supported by fellow American Brad Friedel. Liverpool unveiled permanent memorials at their training ground and outside Anfield in tribute to former women's team manager Matt Beard.
International and Women's Football
Republic of Ireland captain Nathan Collins is a doubt for the start of the Nations League campaign after picking up a calf injury. Athletic Club forward Iñaki Williams retired from Ghana duty, saying the time had come to end his journey with the Black Stars four years after his debut. San Diego Wave FC signed Italy forward Barbara Bonansea on loan from Juventus through June 2027. Racing Louisville has few fans and its best players want to leave, raising questions about a possible sale or relocation from the NWSL. Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp has already achieved more than most footballers at, with her legacy at the club already secure.
MLS and USMNT
Inter Miami forward Mateo Silvetti is out for the season after undergoing surgery for dislocating his left shoulder. The U.S. is brimming with 20-somethings full of potential, and a quintet of fringe players who missed this year's World Cup may get another chance in 2030.
Cricket: England vs Pakistan
Former Pakistan captain Urooj Mumtaz lauded youngster Razaullah, saying he wrote the "perfect chapter" to revive his reeling side after his sensational 81 off 63 balls against England. England were denied a series sweep of Pakistan inside three days of the final Test at Edgbaston after a remarkable display of six-hitting from the 21-year-old, whose 81 forced a day four. Durham clinched promotion to Division One of the Rothesay County Championship with a 93-run victory over Middlesex at Chester-le-Street, with Ben Stokes back in the top flight.
Tennis: US Open
Ben Shelton defeated compatriot Frances Tiafoe in an electric US Open semi-final on Friday to secure a title showdown with Alexander Zverev, declaring "Let's do this for the USA." Zverev, the top seed, won the opening set in the first semi-final as live coverage continued at Flushing Meadows. On the women's side, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is looking to become the first woman to achieve the "three-peat" in New York since Serena Williams in 2014, but she faces incoming world No 1 Elena Rybakina. Sky agreed a three-year extension to its US Open deal, ensuring Sky Sports and NOW remains the exclusive home of the tournament in the UK and Ireland until the end of 2030.
Boxing: Benn vs Garcia
Conor Benn must prove he belongs at world level in this weekend's fight against Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas, but the WBC champion might be too fast and too sharp, says Sky Sports expert Johnny Nelson, who called it Benn's graduation day.
Golf: Solheim Cup and Irish Open
Carlota Ciganda delivered final-hole magic for Team Europe to leave them tied 4-4 with Team USA after a dramatic opening day at the Solheim Cup, where Charley Hull and Lottie Woad let a big lead slip. Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz created Solheim Cup history with their statement victory over Hull and Woad in the Friday foursomes. Team Europe captain Anna Nordqvist said the Solheim Cup first tee would be "the place to be in the golfing world," and the first-tee party proved a spectacle unlike any other. Live coverage noted Stark and Grant starring for Europe while Woad and Hull found trouble. Shane Lowry broke the course record to lead the Amgen Irish Open on home soil, as Rory McIlroy was left feeling "frustration" in his putting.
Racing: St Leger and Doncaster Cup
Enceladus takes on Ballydoyle duo Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in the latest renewal of the 250th St Leger at Doncaster. Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle marks your card for the 250th St Leger and a stellar undercard, backing Pierre Bonnard to bag a 10th Leger for O'Brien. The Weekend Winners team tipped Amelia Earhart for a St Leger upset. Caballo De Mar bounced back from disappointing efforts at Royal Ascot and York to win the Betfred Howards Wright Doncaster Cup.
Formula 1: Spanish Grand Prix
George Russell revealed fears over tyre wear for Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix after the first day's running at the new Madring, calling it potentially a "six-stop race." Russell was fastest from Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli in the first practice session at the new Madring circuit in Madrid. World championship leader Kimi Antonelli was fastest on F1's first day at the challenging Madrid circuit as Lindblad crashed in his first F1 accident. Drivers took on the new Madring for the first time as live coverage followed the action.
Rugby League: Super League
Wigan Warriors clinched Super League's top spot and the League Leaders' Shield after a final-round 50-12 victory over Catalans Dragons, meaning Matt Peet's side remain on course for a domestic treble. Live coverage tracked Wigan controlling the League Leaders' Shield race on a frantic Friday.
Football Culture and Analysis
The Premier League introduced its Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel four years ago, and the KMI Panel continues to shape how controversial decisions are reviewed. BBC's Football Daily team, including John Murray, Ian Dennis and Ali Bruce-Ball, discussed life as football commentators. Fenerbahce's Ismail Kartal remains as head coach despite resigning following Thursday's Champions League game with Roma. A Bundesliga quiz challenges readers to guess the star in as few attempts as possible. Diogo Dalot, after eight years at Old Trafford, still has the desire to win the biggest trophies with Manchester United as another crucial derby looms, and he still believes in the club's future.