Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: September 3, 2026, 10:25 PM ET

Premier League: Weekend Preview & Team News

The Premier League returns with a blockbuster London derby as Arsenal host Chelsea, a heavyweight clash that could shape the early title narrative. Meanwhile, Chris Sutton has teamed up with Kasabian frontman Serge Pizzorno for his weekend predictions, while tipster Lewis Jones warns of potential upsets, including Liverpool slipping at Ipswich and more woes for Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth.

Liverpool have omitted Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo from their 25-man Champions League squad, a decision that raises eyebrows given the club's lack of summer reinforcements. Indeed, in terms of pure numbers, Liverpool's squad is actually weaker than last season, with the club failing to address depth concerns. Tottenham have similarly left Richarlison out of their Premier League squad amid exit speculation.

Transfer Window Fallout

The summer window's biggest move saw Gabriel Martinelli join Al Hilal from Arsenal for $81M, a record-breaking deal for the Saudi Pro League. Meanwhile, Everton are exploring a shock move for Jamie Vardy or Anthony Martial after their pursuit of Folarin Balogun collapsed. The daily gossip also links Wilfried Zaha with AC Milan and suggests Estevao Willian is considering a Chelsea exit.

Manchester United's building blocks strategy under Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox has been scrutinized after they failed to sign a left back. Our analysts have ranked the 11 transfers most likely to fail, with several Man United and Tottenham deals featuring prominently. Elsewhere, Monaco are still seeking a Balogun move despite the Everton collapse, potentially forcing the USMNT forward to consider Turkey or Saudi Arabia.

Women's Football & Ownership News

Manchester City have signed England goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse on loan from Orlando Pride until the end of January 2027, while Arsenal confirmed the signing of France defender Elisa de Almeida from PSG. The WSL transfer window saw Arsenal make eight new signings as they chase their first title since 2019, while big-spending London City Lionesses have raised expectations. The BBC's coverage of the Moorhouse deal confirms the short-term nature of the arrangement.

In ownership news, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has become West Ham's largest shareholder, a move that shuts out Amanda Staveley. Hollywood star Hugh Jackman has revealed he's in talks to buy a stake in Norwich, potentially setting up a celebrity rivalry with Ryan Reynolds.

International & Other Football News

FIFA has accused UEFA of a smear campaign in a court filing concerning president Gianni Infantino's failed plan to sell World Cup stakes. The legal battle continues to escalate between the governing bodies. José Mourinho has paid tribute to Lionel Messi, calling him a player we'll miss after the Argentina star announced his international retirement. Spain's World Cup winner Marcos Llorente has retired from international duty at just.

Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio was acquitted of charges related to recording and distributing sexual images without consent, with the Spanish court ruling in his favor. Two-time World Cup champion Becky Sauerbrunn has joined the Portland Thorns as a technical consultant through the rest of the 2026 NWSL season.

Rugby League & Other Sports

In rugby league, Bradford Bulls snapped a seven-match losing streak with a 32-22 victory over Castleford, powered by a five-try first half. In cricket, England seamer Issy Wong's five-wicket haul sealed an ODI series win, with the bowler crediting her simple approach.

Scottish Football & Boxing

Hearts' Edinburgh derby hero is being touted for Scotland honors after their 3-1 win at Hibs, with pundits debating whether McPake is ready for international duty. In boxing, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua's promoters to bring their potential heavyweight clash to the capital rather than Madison Square Garden.

Transfer Awards & Analysis

Our alternative transfer awards hand out eight off-beat trophies to those who didn't quite make the spotlight, while our full window winners and losers analysis examines how Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona, and others fared in a summer where the World Cup did little to stop the momentum.