Premier League

Arsenal remain interested in Real Madrid striker Endrick and have retained their line of communication with the Brazilian’s agent. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Manchester United are readying an offer of €100 million ($112 million) to sign unsettled Chelsea winger Estêvão, who is also being tracked by Barcelona. (Source: Fichajes)

Liverpool are exploring a January loan deal for Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who José Mourinho hopes to replace with Tottenham Hotspur’s Pedro Porro. (Source: Cadena SER)

A return to Liverpool is Alexander-Arnold’s priority heading in the winter transfer window. (Source: indykaila)

Meanwhile, a new left back is also on Liverpool’s wish list amid concerns over both Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas. Among those under consideration are Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco, Brentford’s El Hadji Malick Diouf, Real Madrid’s Álvaro Carreras and Sporting CP’s Maximiliano Araújo. (Source: El Nacional)

Bournemouth are doing all they can to fend off interest from Man Utd in winger Marcus Tavernier. (Source: Football Insider)

Aston Villa, Everton and Leeds United are all exploring moves for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Conor Gallagher. (Source: Ekrem Konur)

Chelsea are sweating over the future of defender Josh Acheampong, who is no closer to agreeing a new contract. The most concrete interest in the 20-year-old comes from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, but domestic rivals Arsenal, Manchester City, Man Utd and Liverpool are all admirers. (Source: fussball-news)

Coming in at Chelsea could be Barcelona right back Jules Koundé, who has emerged as the Blues’ top priority this January. (Source: Juan Jesus)

Turkish giants Beşiktaş are ready to make an offer of €10 million ($11 million) to sign Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock when the winter window opens. (Source: Aksam)

La Liga

Real Madrid want a big-name midfielder in 2027 and are back in pursuit of Man City’s Enzo Fernández. (Source: Bernabéu Digital)

Signing a new center back will be considered by Barcelona this winter. Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, Man Utd’s Lisandro Martínez and Real Betis’ Natan are all on the radar. (Source: Fichajes)

Alongside Barcelona, Atlético Madrid are also looking into a deal for Martínez, whose contract with Man Utd expires next summer. Neither club nor player have any interest in discussing an extension. (Source: AS)

Hull City’s Lucas Herrington is another player on Barcelona’s radar. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Barcelona sporting director Deco has held several meetings with 19-year-old Athletico Paranaense center back Arthur Dias ahead of a move that could cost around €20 million ($22 million). (Source: El Nacional)

Endrick has not ruled out leaving Real Madrid in January but intends to do everything he can to force his way into José Mourinho’s plans before considering an exit. (Source: AS)

Juventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso is set to be the subject of a €20 million ($22 million) bid from Barcelona in January, with a potential swap deal involving Alejandro Balde also an option. (Source: 4-4-2)

UD Logroñés midfielder Latif Issman, 19, is close to signing a deal to join Real Madrid’s youth setup. (Source: ESPN)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Barcelona Chase Martinez; Man Utd Ready Estevao Bid.

Manchester United’s trip to Chelsea kicks off a lesser-seen slate of eight games on Halloween this Saturday, with two under-fire managers desperately scrambling for three precious points.

One would anticipate a higher-quality affair when reigning champions Arsenal visit Liverpool in Sunday’s only match, with the in-form Reds providing a significant test of the Gunners’ title-winning credentials.

Elsewhere, there are plenty of other narratives to follow up and down the division, so here are Sports Illustrated’s predictions for Gameweek 9.

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Chelsea vs. Manchester United Prediction

Prediction: Chelsea 2–1 Man Utd

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Stamford Bridge
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Kickoff Time: 12:30 p.m. GMT / 8:30 a.m. ET / 5:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Peter Bankes

Xabi Alonso is feeling the pressure after some disappointing performances form his Chelsea team this season, but all eyes are on his opposite number in the away dugout at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.

Michael Carrick has been retained for the trip to west London despite Manchester United’s disastrous start to the season, which hit dizzying new lows with back-to-back three-goal defeats to Como and Bournemouth. But the battle with Chelsea feels make-or-break for the 45-year-old.

Having held clear-the-air talks with the dissenting Bruno Fernandes and the rest of his roster, Carrick will hope for a reset against Chelsea. The Red Devils won both meetings last season, including an impressive 1–0 win at Stamford Bridge during Carrick’s interim stint, and can take solace from João Pedro’s continued absence.

The Brazilian is essential for the Blues, as evidenced by defeats to Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur while he’s been sidelined, but Chelsea do at least boast home advantage for a match of fine margins. That could prove the difference between two struggling giants.

Bournemouth vs. Leeds Prediction

Prediction: Bournemouth 2–1 Leeds

• Location: Bournemouth, England
• Stadium: Vitality Stadium
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. GMT / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT
• Referee: Michael Salisbury

Bournemouth supporters must believe they’ve have been living in some kind of utopian simulation over the past over the past five matches. The Cherries have beaten Sturm Graz, AC Milan, Manchester United and Aston Villa 3–0 across three different competitions, while also managing another clean sheet in the 2–0 victory over Sunderland.

It’s a reminder of just how far Bournemouth have come over the past decade, and their winning run could be extended to six matches when Leeds United come to town on Saturday.

The Whites are without victory in four and might simply be overpowered by their in-form hosts, who are really beginning to purr under Marco Rose. A fearsome forward line containing the likes of Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson has just been bolstered by Eli Junior Kroupi’s return, too.

Brentford vs. Nottingham Forest Prediction

Prediction: Brentford 1–1 Nottingham Forest

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Gtech Community Stadium
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. GMT / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT
• Referee: Darren England

Half of the Premier League matches involving Brentford and Nottingham Forest this season have ended in draws. To avoid overthinking their upcoming duel at the Gtech Community Stadium, this one has stalemate written all over it.

Forest certainly need the points more having collected just six from a possible 24 this term—a tally which leaves them in the relegation zone. The Oliver Glasner era is yet to ignite, with goalscoring a familiar issue for the Midlands side.

Brentford, by contrast, sit in sixth despite winning just twice in the league. The draw specialists have managed to steadily climb the standings by simply avoiding defeat, and they should notch at least another point this weekend.

Coventry City vs. Sunderland Prediction

Prediction: Coventry 0–0 Sunderland

• Location: Coventry, England
• Stadium: Coventry Building Society Arena
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. GMT / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT
• Referee: Simon Hooper

The Premier League’s bottom two lock horns when Sunderland journey to Coventry City for an important encounter. Neither side has impressed early in the campaign, placing even more pressure on the outcome of this one.

Coventry have been brought back down to earth after successive wins, with defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and, more painfully, Fulham leaving them in 19th. They remain an inconsistent beast lacking the star quality to punish establish Premier League sides—for the most part, at least.

Sunderland overperformed last season and are now struggling to juggle European and domestic duties. One would expect them to sort themselves out eventually, but they will be desperate to avoid being cut adrift at the foot of the table.

Hull vs. Ipswich Town Prediction

Prediction: Hull 1–0 Ipswich

• Location: Hull, England
• Stadium: MKM Stadium
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. GMT / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT
• Referee: Tom Kirk

Unlike fellow promoted side Coventry, it’s been an encouraging start to the campaign for Hull City and Ipswich Town, who have been rewarded for the vast sums splashed over the summer transfer window.

They have both managed 10 points from their opening eight games, and at least one of them will boost their tally come the conclusion of Saturday’s undoubtedly tense affair at the MKM Stadium.

Despite their identical haul of points, Hull have arguably been superior to Ipswich thus far. Their defensive record has been incredibly impressive—conceding half as many goals as the Tractor Boys—and they could lean on that resilience this weekend.

Manchester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion Prediction

Prediction: Man City 3–2 Brighton

• Location: Manchester, England
• Stadium: Etihad Stadium
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. GMT / 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT
• Referee: Craig Pawson

Wednesday served up a dress rehearsal for the weekend’s meeting between Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion. The Carabao Cup fourth round tie was contested by two heavily rotated teams, with Enzo Maresca’s men eventually triumphing on penalties.

Neutrals will hope for similar excitement during their Premier League collision, especially as both teams enter the match off the back of setbacks last weekend.

The Cityzens surrendered their perfect record as they were deservedly beaten by Aston Villa, while profligacy proved costly for the Seagulls as they were beaten by Liverpool

City’s response is particularly important as they vie with Arsenal early in the Premier League title race, and the returning Erling Haaland could well be the difference at the Etihad Stadium in a potentially high-scoring affair.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Crystal Palace Prediction

Prediction: Tottenham 2–0 Crystal Palace

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m. GMT / 1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Michael Oliver

It had been 14 months since Tottenham had won back-to-back Premier League matches, but victories over Coventry and, most impressively, Chelsea ended that barren run. Now, for the first time in a long while, Spurs are in confident mood.

There have been false dawns for Tottenham previously, but optimism is justified. There is evidence that summer signings are beginning to click after slow starts, while the club’s formerly misfiring attackers are starting to find a clinical edge.

Palace remain completely unpredictable under Pierre Sage, meaning it’s feasible they upset the odds in north London. However, a third successive Premier League win for Tottenham appears the likeliest outcome.

Aston Villa vs. Fulham Prediction

Prediction: Aston Villa 3–0 Fulham

• Location: Birmingham, England
• Stadium: Villa Park
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
• Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. GMT / 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT
• Referee: Sam Barrott

Unai Emery’s tactical acumen and exceptional man-management ability have been on show following this summer’s enforced rebuild at Aston Villa. His side was decimated by outgoings, but, despite a slow start to the season, he’s been able to facilitate a return to form for the Europa League holders.

Villa’s mightily impressive win over Man City last weekend was followed by a less optimal 3–0 defeat at Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup, but Emery’s men should still be soaring with belief when Fulham visit the Midlands.

The Cottagers were far too open in Álvaro Arbeloa’s first few matches, but they have gone completely the other way now. They are seriously struggling to score, with their last three matches ending 1–0—albeit two of those were wins.

Liverpool vs. Arsenal Prediction

Prediction: Liverpool 1–2 Arsenal

• Location: Liverpool, England
• Stadium: Anfield
• Date: Sunday, Nov. 1
• Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. GMT / 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Andy Madley

Basque buddies go head-to-head when Andoni Iraola’s Reds host Mikel Arteta’s Gunners in an enticing heavyweight clash.

Including their penalty shootout triumph over Chelsea midweek, Liverpool have won seven of their last eight matches in all competitions as Iraola begins to get a more consistent tune out of his star-studded roster.

The 44-year-old’s high-intensity philosophy is reaping rewards and certainly offering greater excitement for supporters than Arne Slot’s comparatively sluggish approach.

Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive at Anfield having suffered humiliation at the hands of Fleetwood Town in the cup midweek, as they were inexplicably knocked out of the competition by the League Two side on penalties.

Arteta’s men have generally overcome such setbacks admirably in recent years, and they will need to raise their standards significantly when journeying to Merseyside. One would anticipate them doing exactly that as the likes of David Raya, Gabriel, Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard return to the starting XI.

Liverpool won this fixture courtesy of a stunning Dominik Szoboszlai free kick early last season, but it could be the Gunners who taste victory in the latest instalment of a consistently entertaining Premier League fixture.

Newcastle United vs. Everton Prediction

Prediction: Newcastle 1–1 Everton

• Location: Newcastle, England
• Stadium: St. James’ Park
• Date: Monday, Nov. 2
• Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: John Brooks

Man City vs. Brighton isn’t the only Carabao Cup fourth round tie which repeats itself in the Premier League during Gameweek 9.

For the second time in the space of four days, Newcastle United and Everton will face one another, albeit the cup clash was held on Merseyside rather than Tyneside.

Both clubs have endured fairly mediocre starts to the season littered with inconsistencies. They’re unpredictable from week to week, with only one point separating them in the standings at present, and it’s anyone’s guess who prospers at St. James’ Park.

This could prove an unspectacular offering on Monday night with no winner.

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 9

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Premier League Predictions: Chelsea Host Misfiring Man Utd, Arsenal Visit Liverpool in Title Test.

Premier League

Manchester United are targeting both Pablo Barrios of Atlético Madrid and Barcelona star midfielder Fermín López in a double swoop to bolster the creativity of the under-fire Bruno Fernandes. (Source: Matteo Moretto)

Rayan Aït-Nouri has been hastily offered to Manchester United as the left back’s representatives try to secure a swift January exit from Manchester City. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Xabi Alonso is leading the charge to bring his former Real Madrid defender, Antonio Rüdiger, back to Chelsea to bring some experience to a youthful locker room. (Source: Football Insider)

There is an expectation that Chelsea will have wrapped up a £90 million ($120.7 million) deal to sign Bournemouth’s Alex Scott by the time the January window opens, winning a race that has also included Liverpool and Real Madrid. (Source: Daily Mail)

Optimism has been raised on Merseyside that Liverpool may be able to strike a discounted permanent deal with Barcelona for Ronald Araújo as soon as January. The buy option currently stands at €55 million ($61.4 million) but could drop to €48 million. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Bayern Munich wonderkid Lennart Karl has attracted admiring glances from Liverpool, whose interest has been piqued by a modest €60 million ($66.9 million). (Source: CF Bayern Insider)

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all sniffing around Como center back Jacobo Ramón, whose future is complicated by the 50% sell-on clause Real Madrid inserted into his contract when he left the Spanish capital for Serie A. (Source: Daily Mail)

Amid plenty of uncertainty surrounding their current defensive options, Manchester United are keeping on eye on a potential swoop for Fulham center back Calvin Bassey in 2027. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Liverpool are elbowing their way into a bidding war with Barcelona for Stuttgart center back Finn Jeltsch, who has been billed as the man to fill Virgil van Dijk’s large boots. (Source: El Nacional)

Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain could all be beaten to the signature of Monaco starlet Paris Brunner, who is being eyed up by Bayern Munich as Harry Kane’s long-term successor. (Source: Fichajes)

Manchester City are billed as the favorites in the hotly contested race to sign USMNT sensation Mathis Albert from Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga outfit are expected to launch a counteroffer for the 17-year-old. (Source: TEAMtalk)

La Liga

Arsenal are willing to offer Martín Zubimendi in a swap deal with Real Madrid to belatedly secure the services of Vinícius Júnior. (Source: Fichajes)

Atlético Madrid and Barcelona are both circling Lisandro Martínez with intent as the Manchester United center back creaks toward the end of his contract at Old Trafford. (Source: AS)

Not content to wait until the summer and free agency, Barcelona have already made enquiries about a January move for Martínez. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Tottenham are set to demand more than €60 million ($66.9 million) for Pedro Porro, who is being closely watched by Real Madrid and Barcelona. (Source: Fichajes)

Inter center back Alessando Bastoni is very much open to engaging in negotiations with Barcelona. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

Barcelona are also lining up an extravagant swoop for Paris Saint-Germain center back Willian Pacho in January. (Source: RugeTV)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Man Utd’s Double Swoop to Replace Fernandes; Arsenal Plot Vini Jr Swap.

The Red Devils have made countless high-profile and expensive mistakes when recruiting new personnel, especially in recent years as the likes of Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Højlund, André Onana, Mason Mount and Antony failed to deliver after being signed for exorbitant fees.

Evidence of just how misguided their spending has been has now been revealed by the CIES Football Observatory, which recently ranked clubs across the world based on the “appreciation or depreciation in value of non-academy players signed over the past five years.”

For players who have already departed the club, the final calculation balances the fee paid and received. For those still at the club, their signing fee is marked against their current transfer value.

Only clubs whose spending and income exceeds £42 million (€50 million / $56 million) since 2022 were analyzed, while add-ons were included regardless of whether they have been paid.

Man Utd Rank As Europe’s Most Wasteful Spenders

As per the study, United officially rank as the European club that has lost the most on signings over the past five years.

In total, they have lost an extraordinary £334 million ($452 million), with only Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal (-$560 million) having conducted more wasteful business.

Of their final tally, £156 million has been lost on players who have already left the club on permanent deals—such as the aforementioned Sancho, Højlund and Antony—while £184 million has been sacrificed on those still representing the Red Devils.

Not only is this a colossal sum wasted on players, but it’s also significantly more than any other European side.

Selected Premier League Teams Net Spend

Tottenham Hotspur are the closest continental peer to United when it comes to the depreciation of player values, with the Lilywhites having lost a comparatively modest £157 million—less than half of United’s final total.

Just to rub salt in gaping wounds, local rivals Manchester City rank fifth, having gained just shy of £374 million in value over the last five years. They only trail Eintracht Frankfurt (+£441 million), Real Madrid (+£440million), Paris Saint-Germain (+£394 million) and Benfica (+£392 million).

Despite splashing massive sums since BlueCo took ownership, Chelsea have a positive value of £179 million. Arsenal (+£92.4 million) and, to a lesser extent, Liverpool (+£13 million) have also seen their signings rise in value overall.

Red Devils Refuse to Learn Their Lesson

Despite consistently losing massive sums on expensive signings, United have opted against a radical transformation of their transfer policy. While their spending has been less erratic over the past two seasons, they still forked out over £300 million on new additions—none of whom, barring the cost-effective Senne Lammens, have yet to live up to their price tag.

United’s decision to bolster one department of the field at a time has also had a negative effect on the team’s performances and, in turn, the value of the current roster.

They prioritized the attack by signing Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in 2025, followed by bolstering the midfield last summer with the additions of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos on Carlos Baleba. Presumably, the defense will follow next year.

Such a segmented transfer approach has proven costly on the field. United realistically could have added another left back, center back, left winger and striker to their squad last summer, but instead opted to focus solely on midfield (ignoring the signing of backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer).

As long as they continue to fumble their way through each passing transfer window, they’ll find themselves unable to shrug off the tag of Europe’s worst recruiters.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Man Utd’s Dismal Transfer Record Laid Bare by Staggering Statistic.

Premier League

AC Milan are plotting a move for Manchester United center back Leny Yoro and hope that agent Jorge Mendes can help them strike a deal worth no more than €50 million ($56 million) next summer. (Source: Calciomercato)

Estêvão could look to leave Chelsea in January over his ongoing lack of minutes. Barcelona continue to watch his situation closely and could pursue a loan deal when the window opens. (Source: Fichajes)

Also tipped to leave Chelsea are center back Wesley Fofana and right back Malo Gusto, with poor performances in the Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool leaving the Blues considering parting ways with the pair. (Source: Flashscore)

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has approved a move for Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermín López worth €100 million ($111 million) in the hope that the La Liga leaders will accept the chance to cash in and pursue a reunion with João Félix. (Source: El Nacional)

Arsenal have been warned they will have to wait until the summer to pursue a deal for Atlético Madrid winger Álex Baena, who will not be sold this winter. (Source: Football Insider)

Inter Milan have reached out over a January deal for Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa, who has admirers across Serie A. (Source: fussball-news)

Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis has emerged as a long-term target for both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. (Source: Ekrem Konur)

Manchester City left back Rayan Aït-Nouri is open to making the controversial move to Man Utd in January, with an asking price of £30 million ($40 million) set. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Juventus are also readying an immediate move for Aït-Nouri, hoping to strike a loan deal that would include an option to make the move permanent. (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)

Liverpool are ready to open talks over a new contract with midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in an attempt to fend off interest from both Man City and Atlético Madrid. (Source: winwin)

Juventus need to raise money at the end of the season and could sell winger Kenan Yıldız. Arsenal would likely be frontrunners for his signature, but Tottenham also hold strong interest in the Türkiye international. (Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

There could be another collision between Arsenal and Tottenham over Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza, although Paris Saint-Germain are considering a rival move. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Both Arsenal and Newcastle United are tracking highly rated 17-year-old Cruzeiro midfielder Eduardo Pape, who has been compared to Rodri. The Brazilian side is hoping to make him the most expensive sale in club history. (Source: ESPN Brasil)

La Liga

Real Madrid are in the race to sign Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and have proposed a swap deal that would see one of Brahim Díaz, Eduardo Camavinga or former Reds right back Trent Alexander-Arnold move to Anfield in exchange. (Source: Fichajes)

Liverpool are interested in Alexander-Arnold but have warned the defender he must admit to mistakes over his departure from the club if he wants to come back. Chelsea are also discussing personal terms with the England international, who is unhappy with his lack of minutes this season. (Source: indykaila)

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has sought to reassure midfielder Gavi of his importance to the team, but the 22-year-old remains upset by his reduced role. (Source: Juan Jesus)

Despite interest in Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has not requested the signing of a new center back in January, believing his current options are sufficient. (Source: Defensa Central)

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is personally driving a move to sign Tottenham right back Pedro Perro. (Source: 3cat)

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have joined Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in following 17-year-old Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Wael Mohya. (Source: El Nacional)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Real Madrid Eye Alexander-Arnold Swap; Barcelona Plot Estevao Move.

Premier League

Bruno Fernandes’s relationship with Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is “completely fractured,” potentially leading to an exit as early as January. A number of clubs from the Saudi Pro League are considering moves. (Source: El Nacional)

Galatasaray are also plotting a move for Fernandes in January, keen to make the Man Utd captain a face of the Turkish league alongside Mohamed Salah. (Source: indykaila)

Chelsea hold a strong interest in signing Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, with this story now more than just “one to watch.” (Source: Si Phillips)

Arsenal have been rocked by the Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town and are now considering whether more defensive reinforcements are needed. A January move for Bayern Munich center back Kim Min-jae could be an option. (Source: Flashscore)

Bournemouth will refuse to entertain a January departure for midfielder Alex Scott, despite interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City. (Source: FootballTransfers)

Amid doubts over the future of Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool are considering an attempt to sign Barcelona midfielder Gavi. (Source: Fichajes)

Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle is plotting a reunion with Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney. (Source: Khalid Al-Shenif)

Chelsea could part ways with winger Estêvão in January, with Paris Saint-Germain and clubs across the Premier League all keen. (Source: indykaila)

Coming in at Chelsea could be Everton center back Jarrad Branthwaite. The Blues are among his biggest admirers but would have to fend off competition from Man Utd and a handful of teams in mainland Europe. (Source: Football Insider)

Man City are set to demand €90 million ($100 million) to sell attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki amid interest from both PSG and Real Madrid. (Source: Fichajes)

Following an approach from Tottenham Hotspur, River Plate have tied 18-year-old midfielder Lautaro Pereyra down to a new contract. (Source: El Intransigente)

Aston Villa have ended uncertainty over the future of center back Victor Lindelöf by extending his contract. (Source: Sportbladet)

Como center back Jacobo Ramón is being followed by both Arsenal and Man Utd. (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)

But Como have no interest in a January sale for in-demand midfielder Nico Paz. Chelsea’s interest in the Argentine has been growing, while Arsenal and Man Utd are known admirers. (Source: TEAMtalk)

La Liga

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is high up on Real Madrid’s list of possible reinforcements. (Source: Sky Germany)

On the other hand, José Mourinho is happy with Real Madrid’s squad planning and does not believe a new midfielder is needed. (Source: Defensa Central)

Barcelona are ready to make a move for Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and will attempt to raise the necessary funds through the sale of left back Alejandro Balde and midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Gavi. (Source: Fichajes)

PSG manager Luis Enrique is ready to try to sign Gavi if he is made available by Barcelona. (Source: El Nacional)

Balde’s exit, meanwhile, is seen as necessary to make space for defensive reinforcements, with club officials particularly keen to bolster at the back following defeats to PSG and Real Madrid. (Source: SPORT)

Girona retain their interest in 20-year-old Barcelona midfielder Brian Fariñas after failing with a summer approach for the youngster. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Barcelona Hatch Kane Plan; Chelsea Ramp Up Alexander-Arnold Move.

It’s soccer’s unpredictability that renders it so endearing, yet the ambitions of those at the top to remain a part of an untouchable bracket seemingly contradicts the ideal of variance.

And while Europe’s leading divisions and UEFA’s premier club competition are won by so few in modern times, there‘s still scope for unpredictability to be enjoyed and savored. The domestic cup competitions offer a nostalgic throwback to simpler times, when everything was supposedly just that little better.

In England, it’s the FA Cup that’s been bestowed with “magic” for generations, yet there‘s been ample proof over the years that it’s less esteemed younger brother was blessed with some fairy dust, too.

We could take you back through the annals of history, to the very start of the League Cup’s inception, when Swindon Town beat Arsenal in the 1969 final and fourth-tier Chester stunned reigning English champions Leeds United five years later. However, for this ranking, we‘ve kept it more modern, using the Premier League’s birth (August 1992) as our starting point.

Here are seven of the biggest League Cup upsets, ranked by the difference in league position when the two teams met.

7. MK Dons 4–0 Man Utd (Aug. 26, 2014)—34 Places

As we’ll learn, Manchester United and the League Cup second round just don’t mix.

At the start of the 2014–15 campaign, the Red Devils visited Stadium MK for their first second-round tie in 19 years. Louis van Gaal was the man at the helm, and the start to his rather indifferent tenure in Manchester was dire.

This was the nadir, though: losing 4–0 away from home against League One opposition. Man Utd couldn’t contain Will Grigg or Benik Afobe, and a future star came to the fore in Dele Alli, who’d join Tottenham Hotspur the following year.

But hey, it wasn’t all bad for supporters, given that the club had announced the arrival of Ángel Di María from Real Madrid that same evening.

6. Grimsby 2–2 (12–11p) Man Utd (Aug. 27, 2025)—56 Places

Man Utd’s next second-round venture, almost 11 years to the day they’d much rather have succumbed to Milton Keynes’s curious number of roundabouts on their way to Stadium MK, saw them travel to Cleethorpes and face a Grimsby Town team enjoying themselves toward the League Two summit.

Unlike Van Gaal, Ruben Amorim had already settled into his role at Old Trafford, and supporters backed the Portuguese to turn things around after a dismal 2024–25 campaign ended with defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

United spent the summer retooling a previously lifeless attack, and there were starts for two of them—Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško—here. They lasted the duration, joined by fellow newbie Bryan Mbeumo for the second half.

United were 2–0 down when Mbeumo entered the fray, and it was the Cameroonian who ignited the visitors’ revival. Harry Maguire’s 89th-minute equalizer took the tie to penalties, and after a lengthy shootout, Mbeumo’s saved spot-kick on the second go-around proved decisive.

5. Bradford 1–1 (3–2p) Arsenal (Dec. 11, 2012)—65 Places

Arsenal’s issues from 12 yards certainly predate 2026.

Entering the 2012–13 season, the Gunners had gone seven years without a trophy. They were perennial title contenders in preseason, but supporters just wanted a cup to celebrate, to get the ball rolling again.

The League Cup was thus significant, and Arsenal had seemingly been gifted a route into the semifinals when they were paired against League Two Bradford City in the last eight.

However, it proved to be a troublesome evening for Arséne Wenger’s side, even if it seemed that captain Thomas Vermaelen had rescued them from the brink with two minutes to play. The Belgian had merely canceled out Garry Thompson’s volleyed opener, and his night wasn’t over.

A tense shootout at the Coral Windows Stadium was decided by Vermaelen, who followed Santi Cazorla and Marouane Chamakh’s lead by missing from 12 yards. The defender’s mishap was the decisive blow, as the Bantams celebrated a memorable victory and eventually made their way to the final by beating Aston Villa over two legs.

We don’t need to discuss what happened at Wembley.

4. Man Utd 0–3 York (Sep. 20, 1995)—65 Places

The biggest second-round upset in the competition’s history of course features Man Utd, which arrived soon after Alan Hansen famously quipped the Red Devils couldn’t “win anything with kids” following their opening-day defeat at Aston Villa.

United recovered well, though, and were expected to have no issues over two legs against a York City team that was struggling in the third tier. They’d won just two of their opening 10 outings of the season ahead of the first leg.

Sir Alex Ferguson refused to rotate drastically for York’s visit, yet his team was stunned by a Paul Barnes (father of Newcastle United winger Harvey) brace and eventually lost 3–0.

Their rally didn’t arrive until the return leg, when they were inspired by the return of Eric Cantona from a nine-month ban. Scott Jordan’s strike was enough for the underdogs, who advanced as 4–3 aggregate winners.

3. Liverpool 2–2 (2–4p) Northampton (Sep. 22, 2010)—69 Places

This was a pretty wretched Liverpool team, it must be said. The doldrums.

Still, almost 70 places in the English soccer pyramid separated the Reds and League Two side Northampton Town when they met in the third round toward the start of Roy Hodgson’s miserable reign at Anfield.

Liverpool’s goalscorers on the day, Milan Jovanović and David Ngog, typified just how bleak things were for the Merseysiders at the time.

Ngog’s extra time header forced the tie to penalties, but the French forward was one of two to miss from the spot for the Reds, allowing the visitors, 17th in the fourth-tier at the time, to advance.

2. Colchester 0–0 (4–3p) Tottenham (Sep. 24, 2019)—71 Places

Mauricio Pochettino had warned Tottenham supporters about the “painful rebuild” that lay ahead before Lucas Moura’s improbable hat trick in Amsterdam sent the Lilywhites into the 2019 Champions League final.

However, even the pessimistic Argentine wouldn’t have thought his side would slump as miserably as they did on a mild Essex night in late September.

Colchester United were the lowest-ranked team left in the competition when the Champions League finalists rocked up for a third-round tie. The Lilywhites were utterly lifeless, seemingly bereft of hope.

The hosts appeared unshackled, able to take the game to a shootout with relative ease. Given how the evening had unfolded, there was only going to be one winner. Christian Eriksen and Moura were denied, and although Jevani Brown’s ‘Panenka’ didn’t quite come off, that proved to be the hosts’ only blemish from 12 yards.

Pochettino left his post six weeks later.

1. Fleetwood 1–1 (5–3p) Arsenal (Oct. 27, 2026)—84 Places

That’s right, it’s the biggest upset in League Cup history.

Plenty wouldn’t have even tuned in to Arsenal’s trip to Fleetwood Town at the start of the fourth round, expecting a rather dull procession.

However, the Premier League champions, ruffled by the remnants of a storm, found themselves with work to do when on-loan Fulham striker Aaron Loupalo-Bi outwitted youngster Marli Salmon and converted beyond Illan Meslier midway through the first half.

Viktor Gyökeres, who toiled for much of the night without reward, drew Arsenal level after the restart, but a young Fleetwood outfit remained dogged and resolute in the aftermath. They resisted Arsenal’s sustained pressure and worked tirelessly to reduce the tie to a lottery.

The Gunners initially matched Fleetwood’s precision from 12 yards, until Bruno Guimarães had his telegraphed effort saved by Jay Lynch. The hosts had match point, and 19-year-old Conor Haughey dispatched his spot kick as if he was enjoying a kick-about with his pals.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Biggest Upsets in Carabao Cup History—Ranked.

Whether you need a pacey defender who can bomb forward, a reliable one-on-one specialist or a technically gifted player who can help dictate attacks from deep, there are plenty of options to suit different tactical setups.

This year’s highest-rated right backs offer a mix of speed, defensive solidity and attacking quality, with several established stars competing for the top spot. From dependable defenders to explosive players who can transform the right flank, there’s a profile for almost every type of team.

Here are the 15 best right backs in EA FC 27, according to the official ratings.

Best Right Backs in EA FC 27

15. Matty Cash (Aston Villa)

Overall: 81

Kicking off the list is Aston Villa’s Matty Cash.

The Polish defender is unlikely to feature in many teams, though. Solid but unspectacular across the board, his standout attribute is his relatively lackluster 81 pace.

14. Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool)

Overall: 81

Frimpong may be the joint lowest-rated player on this list, but his blistering pace makes him a nightmare for defenders.

The Liverpool star boasts 94 pace and 82 dribbling, perfect for explosive runs down the flank. His 72 defense and 62 physical are weaker, but if you want a fullback who can wreak havoc on the counter, Frimpong is an exciting choice.

13. Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund)

Overall: 82

Ryerson is a dependable all-rounder, with 82 physical and 78 defense making him a solid presence at the back.

The Borussia Dortmund defender also offers 77 dribbling and 76 passing. His 75 pace won’t blow anyone away, but he makes up for it with reliability on both sides of the ball.

12. Daniel Muñoz (Nottingham Forest)

Overall: 82

Muñoz brings defensive steel to the right flank, backed by 80 defense and 77 physical.

He also has 77 dribbling and 76 pace, giving him a useful mix of strength and mobility. He may lack elite numbers, but he’s a reliable option for managers who want balance.

11. Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli)

Overall: 82

Di Lorenzo is a safe pair of hands at right back, combining 79 defense with 80 physical.

The Napoli captain’s 83 pace helps him keep up with quick wingers, while 73 passing and 72 dribbling make him useful in possession. He might not be flashy, but his defensive reliability speaks for itself.

10. Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur)

Overall: 83

Porro is an attack-minded fullback who can help unlock defenses, thanks to his excellent 82 passing.

The Tottenham defender also boasts 79 dribbling and 78 defense. His 76 pace and 75 physical are less impressive, but his technical quality makes him a useful weapon in possession.

9. Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)

Overall: 83

Nunes brings serious speed to the right back role, with 87 pace making him one of the quickest options on this list.

With 80 passing, 79 dribbling and 78 defense, he’s an intriguing choice for attacking systems.

8. Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid)

Overall: 84

Dumfries is a physical powerhouse, with 87 physical the highest rating among these 15 players.

The Real Madrid defender also offers 82 pace and 79 dribbling, making him a handful when charging down the wing. His 78 defense is solid, while his passing and shooting leave more to be desired.

7. Jurriën Timber (Arsenal)

Overall: 84

Timber’s 83 defense makes him one of the strongest defensive options in this ranking.

The Arsenal defender adds 78 dribbling and 78 physical, giving him a nice blend of technique and strength.

6. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)

Overall: 84

Few right backs can match Alexander-Arnold’s distribution. His 89 passing is comfortably the best in this ranking.

If you want a fullback who can pick out runners and create chances, he’s a standout choice.

5. Reece James (Chelsea)

Overall: 84

James combines strength, defensive quality and technique to deliver a well-rounded package.

The Chelsea star boasts 83 passing, 83 defense and 82 physical, making him effective at both ends of the pitch—though just 76 pace is his main limitation compared with the speedsters on this list.

4. Jules Koundé (Barcelona)

Overall: 85

Koundé is a defensive specialist, with 83 defense and 83 physical making him tough to beat.

The Barcelona star also has 82 pace and 78 dribbling, allowing him to handle quick wingers without sacrificing technical quality.

3. Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)

Overall: 85

Llorente is a fullback built for high-tempo action, boasting 91 pace—the second-highest mark in this ranking.

He also offers 83 physical, 82 dribbling and 80 passing. Add 79 defense and 79 shooting, and you have a versatile player who can fly forward, win duels and contribute in the final third.

2. Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich)

Overall: 85

Laimer takes second place with a balanced mix of speed and defensive reliability.

The Bayern Munich player has 86 pace and 81 defense, alongside 78 passing and 77 dribbling. His 77 physical is solid, making him a useful option for managers who want a fullback who can defend first and join attacks when needed.

1. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Overall: 88

Hakimi tops the ranking with an elite blend of speed, technique and defensive ability.

Alongside his 92 pace, he offers 82 dribbling, 82 defense, 81 physical and 81 passing. His 79 shooting adds another dimension to his game, making him more than just a defender.

If you want a right back who can dominate the flank and make an impact at both ends, Hakimi is the standout choice.

EA FC 27: Best Right Backs—Ranked

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The 15 Best Right Backs in EA FC 27—Official Ratings.

Premier League

Chelsea are ready to let winger Estêvão join Paris Saint-Germain on loan in January but only on a deal that does not include a permanent transfer clause. The European champions would also have to agree to pay his full salary and guarantee significant minutes. (Source: Football-Ecology)

Bournemouth forward Rayan also features on PSG’s shortlist of potential replacements for the injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. (Source: El Nacional)

Manchester United are considering selling captain Bruno Fernandes at the end of the season. (Source: Football Insider)

But Fernandes’s bad situation at Man Utd, having criticized manager Michael Carrick, could see him sold as soon as January. AC Milan boss Ruben Amorim is interested in a reunion. (Source: Calciomercato)

Atlético Madrid are also exploring a move for Fernandes in January. (Source: Fichajes)

Liverpool are ready to start the process to sign on-loan center back Ronald Araújo permanently in January and will make contact with Barcelona as soon as the window opens. (Source: Juan Jesus)

Despite interest from both Arsenal and Barcelona, Club Brugge will not entertain January offers for striker Nicolò Tresoldi. (Source: Nieuwsblad)

Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. (Source: Si Phillips)

Scott features on Liverpool’s list of midfield targets alongside Monaco’s Lamine Camara. Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund is admired but not considered a priority. (Source: Florian Plettenberg)

Wisła Kraków left back Jakub Krzyżanowski is being tracked by Newcastle United ahead of a possible bid. (Source: Gazeta Krakowska)

Scouts from Aston Villa went to watch Fenerbahçe winger Oğuz Aydın in action against Galatasaray on Monday. (Source: NTV)

Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs is being followed by Man Utd, Tottenham Hotspur and Roma. (Source: Asromalive)

PSG are progressing in talks over a new contract with winger Désiré Doué following interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. (Source: TEAMtalk)

La Liga

President Joan Laporta is working on a star striker signing for Barcelona. Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane is the dream target, with Erling Haaland of Man City considered as an alternative. (Source: Fichajes)

Stuttgart’s asking price of €60 million ($67 million) for center back Finn Jeltsch is likely to complicate a January approach from either Barcelona or Real Madrid. (Source: SPORT)

Barcelona are expecting offers for midfielder Fermín López in 2027, perhaps as early as January. Chelsea are considering an approach worth €120 million ($134 million) for a player also of interest to Man Utd. (Source: El Nacional)

PSG are also ready to make an offer for Fermín who, alongside Chelsea, is also being tracked by Arsenal. (Source: Ekrem Konur)

A number of Real Madrid board members have encouraged president Florentino Pérez to accept offers of €150 million ($168 million) for under-fire winger Vinícius Júnior. (Source: Fichajes)

Real Madrid’s ongoing pursuit of 17-year-old Ajax midfielder Abdellah Ouazane has been complicated by interest from Chelsea and Man City. (Source: 4-4-2)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Fernandes to Leave Man Utd in January; Real Madrid Set Vinicius Jr Price.

Thirteen years before Kane was stood in London, his home city, fighting off tears to accept the Ballon d’Or as the best men’s player on the planet, he had been sat on his couch in a rented apartment in Leicester contemplating his future in the sport.

A bright academy prospect at Tottenham Hotspur, the then-teenager was in the midst of his fourth loan spell in three years. It was not going well. Leicester City were in England’s second tier and locked in a sequence of one win in 13 games yet Kane still couldn’t force himself into the starting lineup.

“That was the first time in my career, I’d say, that the doubt crept in,” Kane would later tell The Players’ Tribune. “I just remember sitting in my flat and having this terrible realization of, like, If I can’t play for Leicester in the Championship ... how am I supposed to play for Spurs in the Premier League?”

Away from home in an unfamiliar city, Kane sank his spare time into his new hobby: NFL. The New England Patriots had caught the attention of the English forward who stumbled across an NFL Films documentary about star quarterback Tom Brady which had been illegally uploaded to YouTube. It would change his life.

📝 • Ballon d’Or 2026 Winners: Full List

The Parallels Between Brady and Kane

.@HKane 🤝@TomBrady

Kane credits his American football idol as his inspiration to be great. pic.twitter.com/wtKaP9329j

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) July 5, 2026

The Brady Six followed the careers of the six quarterbacks drafted before Brady, who was infamously selected 199th overall before becoming the greatest in the history of the sport. Kane could not believe it.

“It just blew my mind—but in a good way. The film really struck a chord with me. Everyone was doubting Tom his whole life,” the striker reflected years later. “He reminded me of me. People were always making the same assumptions about me. [Saying:] ‘Well, you know, he doesn’t look like a proper striker.’”

Brady’s scouting report coming out of college read: “Poor build, skinny, lacks a really strong arm, can’t drive the ball downfield.” Kane was at the other extreme having been let go from Arsenal’s academy as an 8-year-old for being “a bit chubby.”

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Premier League

Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford has admirers across the Premier League. Everton have been joined by Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in tracking the England international. (Source: Hooligan Soccer)

Paris Saint-Germain’s quest to replace the injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has seen them draw up a shortlist that includes Chelsea winger Estêvão. (Source: But! Football Club)

Liverpool have a four-man list of center back targets: Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbech, Nottingham Forest’s Murillo, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Barcelona’s Jules Koundé. (Source: Football Insider)

Luka Vušković of Brighton & Hove Albion is another being watched by Liverpool. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Galatasaray are ready to try to sign Man Utd goalkeeper André Onana, having been impressed by his form on loan with rivals Trabzonspor. (Source: Africafoot)

Newcastle have warned Man Utd it will now cost over £70 million ($94 million) to sign left back Lewis Hall, but a January sale has already been ruled out. (Source: Football Insider)

Likewise, Atlético Madrid have informed Arsenal that they will not sell striker Julián Alvarez midway through the season. The Argentine’s public apology to supporters over his transfer request has left Atléti convinced he can be reintegrated. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha is being tracked by both Brentford and Tottenham. (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)

Chelsea have been underwhelmed by 19-year-old midfielder Kendry Páez and are now looking to sell him back to a South American team for as much of their €20 million ($22 million) investment as possible. If that fails, a loan to an English Championship side would be considered. (Source: Bolavip)

Toulouse have opened talks over a new contract with in-demand goalkeeper Guillaume Restes to fend off interest from Aston Villa, Ipswich Town and Napoli. (Source: L’Équipe)

La Liga

Half of Europe’s top sides are chasing Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior, who could be made available for transfer as Los Blancos prepare for a future with Yan Diomande instead. (Source: Fichajes)

Real Madrid are not done trying to supercharge their attack and have expressed interest in both Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka and Manchester City playmaker Rayan Cherki. (Source: fussball-news)

Paris Saint-Germain are readying a bid of €80 million ($90 million) for Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermín López, whose underwhelming performance in El Clásico has led to questions about his future. (Source: El Nacional)

Trent Alexander-Arnold has requested a meeting with Real Madrid manager José Mourinho about his future at the club, having grown concerned by his lack of minutes this season. (Source: indykaila)

Erling Haaland continues to dream of a move to La Liga but is undecided between Barcelona or Real Madrid. The Man City striker will be playing in Spain “sooner or later.” (Source: Matteo Moretto)

Al Nassr are planning to complicate João Félix’s dream return to Barcelona by triggering an automatic two-year extension clause in his contract, preventing him from leaving for free at the end of the season. (Source: Al-Riyadiyah)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Real Madrid Want Saka; Haaland’s La Liga Plan.

Some managed to tiptoe between the raindrops while others were caught in the deluge on a Premier League weekend which could have lasting ramifications.

The illusions of a pre-appeal title race took a twist on Saturday before Manchester United sunk to a new nadir 24 hours later. Liverpool’s signings actually started clicking and Tottenham Hotspur even managed to win a game at Stamford Bridge.

Ranking Criteria

• Performance: This is the crux of the exercise: How well did each team play when considering the flow of a game divorced from the final score. If it was simply a judgement of scoreboard statistics you may as well go straight to the table.
• Expectations: Not all results are equal. Teams that upset the odds with their display are rewarded more favorably.
• Venue: As the behind-closed-doors season of 2020–21 proved, playing in front of your home fans is a huge advantage, so any away results are given a little extra bonus.

20. Man Utd (3–0 Loss vs. Bournemouth)

While Michael Carrick’s precarious future could understandably distract from the machinations on the pitch, it should not be overlooked how dreadful Manchester United were, once again.

Any whisper of threat which the hosts were able to muster came long after the result had been decided, with United—shorn of their divisive creative lynchpin Bruno Fernandes—resolutely devoid of any attacking spark. Bournemouth, by contrast, could afford to miss half of the Opta-defined “big chances” they created and still romp to a comfortable 3–0 win.

19. Chelsea (2–0 Loss vs. Tottenham)

This was not a high spec contest of quality action. At times, it was reminiscent of two bald men fighting over a comb. Neither team had much use for the ball, which scarcely looked like finding the back of the net until Chelsea’s stand-in goalkeeper Mike Penders handed Tottenham the lead. Cole Palmer capped off a night of infamy with two entirely needless yellow cards.

A steely eyed Xabi Alonso made it abundantly clear what he thought of the performance by repeating the insistence that Chelsea “can do better” three times in a matter of seconds.

18. Coventry (1–0 Loss vs. Fulham)

Fulham hardly tore Coventry apart but Frank Lampard’s hosts were typically toothless once again. The Premier League’s lowest scorers scarcely looked like adding to their meager tally with just two shots on target. The most trouble Coventry caused Fulham’s Bernd Leno was when Ephron Mason-Clark inadvertently kicked the goalkeeper in the groin.

17. Crystal Palace (2–0 Loss vs. Newcastle)

Crystal Palace had denied Newcastle a single shot on target across the opening 45 minutes. Yet, they were trailing within 120 seconds of the restart.

Pierre Sage’s team talk had a disastrous effect and the second half crumpling inspired boos from a restless Selhurst Park. Whether the beaten French boss will be around to deliver another address to his players is very much up in the air.

16. Everton (2–0 Loss vs. Arsenal)

The only people who took more of a battering at the Emirates on Saturday than Everton’s players were the luckless Arsenal fans exposed to the torrential downpour in the front row.

The Toffees scarcely had a sniff, with their efforts punctured by an early concession. After tumbling 1–0 down, Everton bizarrely opted to press Arsenal—perhaps Bruno Fernandes had been on the phone—which only played into the hands of their hosts.

15. Ipswich (1–1 Draw vs. Nottingham Forest)

The bench getting around Enciso. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kljs1LHQ8U

— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) October 25, 2026

Ipswich spent the bulk of the contest shunted firmly onto the back foot. Nottingham Forest leaped upon the hosts’ sloppy buildup play in the first half and calmly dealt with the direct game Ipswich reverted to in the second 45 minutes.

Neither approach worked yet the Tractor Boys still emerged with an even share of the spoils. As Forest’s Oliver Glasner shrugged: “It is football.”

14. Brentford (1–1 Draw vs. Hull)

For a Brentford side whose only defeat of the season came against Liverpool after being reduced to 10 men, Sunday’s stalemate away to newly promoted opposition inspired an understandably frustrating reaction.

“We have to be better,” manager Keith Andrews and wingback Michael Kayode both stressed, with some justification.

13. Leeds (0–0 Draw vs. Sunderland)

The conditions got the better of both teams at the Stadium of Light. The storm sweeping across the U.K. undoubtedly played a major factor in the technical flaws on display, with each side combining to complete just 73% of their passes (the Premier League average is above 82%).

As Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford so eloquently put it: “The wind was obviously extremely windy.”

12. Sunderland (0–0 vs. Leeds)

Sunderland’s Premier League winless streak may have extended to six games on Sunday, but Régis Le Bris was enthused by the performance behind a goalless draw. As he pointed out after watching a contest defined by more grit than grace, “We were Sunderland today.”

11. Man City (2–1 Loss vs. Aston Villa)

Another away game, another goal ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/DT39808mi2

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 24, 2026

Enzo Maresca had been able to rely upon two certainties during his record-breaking start to the Premier League season: Erling Haaland’s goals and Gianluigi Donnarumma’s saves. His striker continued to deliver but the Italian goalkeeper let Nicolas Jackson’s daisy-cutter scuttle under his huge frame.

City were caught cold by Villa’s tactical setup and deservedly trailed 1–0 after six minutes. The visitors grew into the contest, taking advantage of that questionably funded wealth of playing talent, but the ball would not fall their way for once. “It was a good game, good performance,” Maresca insisted, “but unfortunately we lost.”

10. Hull (1–1 Draw vs. Brentford)

Continuing our unbeaten streak at the MKM 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tIx6TR0U6z

— Hull City (@HullCity) October 25, 2026

In a bitty game which will test the creativity of highlights package editors everywhere, Hull gave as good as they got. Both sides amassed 1.8 xG and two big chances, with one spurned apiece. The Tigers boss Sergej Jakirović was not alone in hailing a draw as “a fair result.”

9. Brighton (2–0 Loss vs. Liverpool)

Fabian Hürzeler drilled to the heart of Sunday’s clash at Anfield. “The difference was just that they scored and we didn’t.”

Brighton went close to breaking the deadlock through Yasin Ayari before Pascal Groß inadvertently picked out the back of his own net while trying to block Florian Wirtz’s shot. Alexander Isak’s second two minutes later whisked the contest away from Brighton, who would still out-shoot and out-run their illustrious hosts on a day of frustration.

“It was a missed opportunity for us,” Hürzeler huffed.

8. Fulham (1–0 Win vs. Coventry)

Goodnight, Fulham fam. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/foItoNI8tf

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) October 24, 2026

It felt somewhat incongruous that a game of such little quality should be decided by a moment of genuine brilliance. Fulham were fortunate that their winger Oscar Bobb delivered the solitary moment of magic, tiptoeing into the penalty area before curling the game’s only goal off the inside of the post. No wonder Álvaro Arbeloa described himself repeatedly as “so happy.”

7. Nottingham Forest (1–1 Draw vs. Ipswich)

From back to front for Neco's first of the campaign. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 pic.twitter.com/ZuGtHodmDO

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) October 24, 2026

It’s becoming a painfully familiar story for Nottingham Forest. Missed chances, VAR controversy and dropped points.

Oliver Glasner has not yet been beaten down by the fickle finishing fates. “You have these periods in sport and life,” the Forest boss mused. “When I see the way we play, the spirit and the chances, the only way now is to stay patient and not make the problem bigger.”

6. Newcastle (2–0 Win vs. Crystal Palace)

3 POINTS ✅ pic.twitter.com/fSklcRpTTi

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) October 25, 2026

After a lopsided first half, Newcastle swung the momentum of a contest threatening to get away from them with two goals in 11 minutes.

In a battle between two sides gripped by underwhelming runs of form, the first blow was always likely to be decisive. “If we are all together,” Matthias Jaissle surmised, “this journey can be successful.” If Newcastle can continue to face teams as sapped of confidence as Crystal Palace, that will also help their success.

5. Aston Villa (2–1 Win vs. Man City)

Nico turning up the noise 👂 pic.twitter.com/qCJobsSqOM

— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) October 25, 2026

Everything came together for Unai Emery at a half-built Villa Park. Nicolas Jackson’s tireless sprinting was rewarded with two crisp goals, Matty Cash managed to muzzle the jinking of Jérémy Doku and, perhaps most impressively of all, Zion Suzuki was imperious between the posts.

Putting Erling Haaland’s obligatory goal to one side, Villa’s goalkeeper could not be beaten, racking up an impressive six saves while also making 12 line-breaking passes—more than any other Villa player on the pitch.

4. Liverpool (2–0 Win vs. Brighton)

Two wins at home this week ✊ pic.twitter.com/OpK5QZ4Px1

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 25, 2026

Brighton had seemed impregnable heading to Anfield. Riding high on a run of four successive Premier League wins by a combined score of 15–0, the division’s form team were considered favorites against Liverpool in the eyes of some.

However, Andoni Iraola had spotted the thermal exhaust port in the Death Star and aimed his quickest players straight at the ventilation shaft. As Bradley Barcola repeatedly proved, Liverpool’s frontline had the beating of Brighton’s pedestrian rearguard for pace. Once an early lead was established, Iraola was content to let his team cede possession and pick the visitors off in transition.

Unsurprisingly, Liverpool’s beaming head coach smiled: “I am liking a lot of things I am seeing on the pitch.”

3. Tottenham (2–0 Win vs. Chelsea)

Magnifique. pic.twitter.com/xv2WdVfWdE

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 25, 2026

This will be a victory Tottenham fans can justifiably cherish. After one win at Stamford Bridge since 1990, any triumph at the home of their fierce rivals, however it may come, should be lauded.

As is so often the case with Roberto De Zerbi’s teams, Tottenham were mightily impressive in the first two-thirds of the pitch. Yet, while they have been let down by their finishing in other games, Spurs could count upon Mike Penders punching the ball into Chelsea’s goal on Saturday.

Mathys Tel’s slaloming strike put the seal on a night which ended with Spurs fans belting out “olé!”

2. Bournemouth (3–0 Win vs. Man Utd)

Manchester United 0-3 AFC Bournemouth: pic.twitter.com/LkCXVmX1Na

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) October 25, 2026

For many, Bournemouth’s performance will get sucked into the Manchester United vortex along with Michael Carrick. In truth, Marco Rose’s side didn’t even need to be that impressive to claim a third 3–0 win at Old Trafford in less than three years, gratefully gobbling up the glut of errors their obliging hosts were all too eager to give up.

1. Arsenal (2–0 Win vs. Everton)

What it means 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/NwxDAETlSY

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 25, 2026

This was a win for Ezri Konsa, who scored his first goal for the club; set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, who could celebrate the team’s maiden goal from a corner of the season; and Andrea Berta, who built a roster which allowed Mikel Arteta to rotate after the midweek excursion to Bayern Munich while still naming a lineup that completely dominated Everton.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Ranking All 20 Premier League Teams’ Performances on Matchday 8.

Premier League

Manchester City have scheduled a meeting with the representatives of striker Erling Haaland in November to discuss his plans for the future in the aftermath of the club’s guilty verdict. (Source: indykaila)

A new left back will be Manchester United’s top priority in the January transfer window, with RB Leipzig’s David Raum emerging as the leading target. (Source: Daily Briefing)

Man Utd are also exploring a loan move for Man City left back Rayan Aït-Nouri, who has grown frustrated with his limited minutes during the first half of the season. (Source: Africafoot)

Juventus are also monitoring Aït-Nouri with a view to a January approach. (Source: Ekrem Konur)

Arsenal are one of several top clubs across Europe tracking Club Brugge striker Nicolò Tresoldi. (Source: Sky Deutschland)

Bayern Munich winger Lennart Karl is attracting interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd, with major concerns growing about the 18-year-old’s development in Munich. (Source: TEAMtalk)

If Chelsea are prepared to lower their asking price for right back Malo Gusto, Man City will return to the table with an offer in January. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Arsenal and Chelsea are both tracking Inter Milan midfielder Andy Diouf, who is also of interest to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. (Source: fussball-news)

Liverpool are currently not planning to offer a new contract to midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as they prepare to start rebuilding that area of the team in 2027. (Source: Ben Jacobs)

Brighton & Hove Albion center back Luka Vušković is being followed by a number of European giants, including Liverpool and Real Madrid. (Source: Football Insider)

Both Barcelona and Napoli are looking at Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall as a potential target. (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)

Newcastle United and Tottenham have asked about AC Milan center back Fikayo Tomori and midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The former Chelsea duo are increasingly likely to return to the Premier League, with a whole host of other clubs interested. (Source: TEAMtalk)

La Liga

Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has made it clear he is happy at Camp Nou and is not interested in rumors of interest from Bayern Munich. (Source: Florian Plettenberg)

PSG midfielder Vitinha is a player of interest to Barcelona, who have been pointed to an asking price of €140 million ($157 million). (Source: Ekrem Konur)

Barcelona sporting director Deco recently held a meeting with the agent of defender Jules Koundé to assess his difficult start to the season. (Source: SPORT)

Despite questions about his future at Real Madrid, right back Trent Alexander-Arnold is not being targeted for a return to Liverpool. (Source: Football Insider)

In response to Hansi Flick’s desire for Barcelona to sign a new center back in January, club officials have suggested a move for emerging Stuttgart star Finn Jeltsch. (Source: El Nacional)

But it is Real Betis’ Natan that is emerging as the strongest candidate for Barcelona. The Brazilian is open to making the move as he would rather remain in La Liga. (Source: Juan Jesus)

Endrick has turned down an approach from AC Milan over a January exit from Real Madrid, who also have no interest in negotiating any form of transfer at this point. (Source: Bernabéu Digital)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Plot Man City Raid; Barcelona Eye Vitinha.

Enzo Maresca’s City had been perfect through seven rounds of matches, even with the guilty verdict hanging over the club since the September-October international break.

Yet a sloppy performance at Villa Park, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guéhi particularly poor, was punished by on-loan striker Nicolas Jackson. Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki also thwarted City with six saves over the 90 minutes.

City remain top of the current Premier League standings, but it was the first sign of any domestic weakness this season. Taking to the pitch shortly afterwards, Arsenal drew level on points with their greatest rival at the top of the table, held in second place only on goal difference.

The Gunners emerged victorious over Everton in what threatened to be difficult circumstances without star winger Bukayo Saka—sidelined potentially until Christmas. Arsenal lacked natural creativity, but it mattered little because last season’s set-piece prowess returned with a bang.

After those results and two others in the Premier League on Saturday, Opta’s supercomputer has updated its predictions once more.

Supercomputer Predicts 2026–27 Premier League Title Winner

Arsenal’s statistical chance of winning the Premier League—thereby retaining an English championship for the first time since 1935—stands at more than 50%. Manchester City, on the other hand, are falling away, given less than a 35% chance now.

One thing is clear, the champion is one of these two. Brighton & Hove Albion are hanging in there as the only team with a greater than 5% chance. Liverpool little over 3% chance of a second title in three seasons, while Chelsea’s humbling defeat to Tottenham Hotspur has done their chance more harm.

Supercomputer Predicts 2026–27 Champions League Race

In the hunt for the Champions League, it would take a colossal collapse for Arsenal and Manchester City to miss out, both rated with chances in excess of 90%. Top four is a guaranteed spot in the competition, but the Premier League is likely to again command a fifth due to the ongoing strong performance of English clubs in UEFA tournaments.

At present, Brighton have odds in their favour better than 50/50 of making into the Champions League for the first time ever. Liverpool are not far behind, with Chelsea also rated at more than a 30% chance of qualifying. Aston Villa have around a 21% chance, after which the likelihood drops quite sharply for Brentford, Leeds United and Everton.

Manchester United’s chance of being among Europe’s elite next season is falling on account of a five-match winless run in the Premier League. As of now, it is under 6%.

Supercomputer Predicts 2026–27 Premier League Relegation Battle

Two wins in a row has suddenly made a massive difference for Tottenham Hotspur, whose chance of an unthinkable relegation is shrinking to 14%. Their predicted finish is now 13th place, which is still not very good, but worlds away from consecutive 17th-place finishes in the last two seasons.

There are six teams in much more danger, each with a greater than 25% chance of dropping out of the division into the EFL Championship. Ipswich Town and Hull City should survive immediate relegation but will be looking nervously behind them the whole way. Things can easily change.

Crystal Palace (28%) and Nottingham Forest (29%) are not in a good place. Fulham are almost at 31% chance of relegation, with Sunderland and Coventry City in excess of 40%.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Supercomputer Predicts Premier League Table As Man City Suffer First Loss.

The Blues have made discernible progress at the start of Xabi Alonso’s reign and have picked up back-to-back victories after the international break. After thumping Bournemouth 5–1, Alonso’s side secured a gritty victory at the previously unbeaten Everton last weekend.

Pedro Neto’s first Premier League brace on his 187th appearance fired Chelsea to the sort of victory they haven’t enjoyed under BlueCo. Remarkably, it was their first clean sheet in the competition since January, as Alonso’s shift to an asymmetric shape in possession paid dividends.

Spurs, meanwhile, breathed a sigh of relief after securing their maiden Premier League win of the season on Monday night over a Frank Lampard-led Coventry City. Roberto De Zerbi’s side had performed better without just reward earlier in the campaign, but three points were all that mattered for the Lilywhites.

Building on that result will be tough, though, given the club’s wretched record at the Bridge since the Premier League’s inception.

Chelsea vs. Tottenham Score Prediction

Spurs’ Stamford Bridge Misery Continues

Alonso said after last week’s triumph at Hill Dickinson Stadium that he was looking forward to Saturday’s duel, and the Spaniard was complimentary of De Zerbi’s Spurs ahead of the derby.

"I have seen a good team in bad results. We are expecting a tough game. We need to be prepared. Early days for everything," he said in his press conference before the game, with Spurs down in 16th despite claiming a desperately needed win on Monday.

De Zerbi’s side still rank lowly on the xG front, but have notched the most touches in the final third in the division. This is a tidy outfit that’s good between the boxes, yet it’s at both ends of the pitch where matches are decided, and that’s ultimately where Spurs have underwhelmed at the start of the new season.

The visitors will be content with a point here, while Chelsea are targeting a third successive victory.

• Tottenham’s Stamford Bridge record: Spurs’ dreams often cease in SW6. Supporters have been haunted by their trips to Stamford Bridge over the years, with the Lilywhites claiming just one Premier League victory at Chelsea this century. Dele Alli scored twice in a 3–1 victory over Antonio Conte’s Blues in 2018. In fact, that’s the only defeat the Blues have sustained to their London rivals at the Bridge across all competitions since 1990.
• Head-to-head: It’s not just at home where Chelsea have had their way with Tottenham. The hosts have won the previous six meetings, and have also won more games in all competitions against Spurs than they have against any other club (83 wins).
• Hungry forwards: Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers love playing against Spurs. While Palmer has five goal contributions in as many games in this fixture, Rogers notched six in six games against the Lilywhites during his time at Aston Villa. Both have enjoyed productive starts to the season, too, in harmony with leading goalscorer João Pedro.

Prediction: Chelsea 3–1 Tottenham

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham

Alonso has confirmed that Malo Gusto is available for Saturday’s derby after missing the trip to Merseyside through illness.

Pep Chavarría remains sidelined for the hosts after sustaining an injury in the warm-up at Everton, so Alonso will likely decide between Marco Palestra and Jorrel Hato at left wing back. Pedro Neto is a certainty to keep his spot after his goalscoring antics last week.

Emiliano Martínez has undergone jaw surgery after his nasty collision at Hill Dickinson Stadium, so young goalkeeper Mike Penders will make his first Premier League start on Saturday.

Reece James is likely to be out until the new year, while Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha are also absent.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Tottenham (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Henderson, Caicedo, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; João Pedro.

Tottenham Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea

A more cautious approach to recovery hasn’t drastically altered Tottenham’s fortunes on the injury front, with a list of players out of Saturday’s match.

Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert are recovering from ACL tears, while Destiny Udogie, Sávio and Lucas Bergvall are recent additions to the treatment room. Udogie was a surprise absentee against Coventry, and it’s unclear when he’ll be back in action.

Pedro Porro could recover from his hamstring injury in time for the trip to Stamford Bridge, but a start seems unlikely. Archie Gray could deputize for the Spaniard, especially if De Zerbi reverts to a back four.

The Spurs boss insisted that the injuries Andy Robertson and Tosin Adarabioyo sustained on Monday evening won’t keep them out of Saturday’s game. Dejan Kulusevski has also made his long-awaited return from a complicated patella injury that sidelined him for 526 days.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Tonali, Fernandes; Kudus, Maddison, Marmoush; Solanke.

What Time Does Chelsea vs. Tottenham Kick Off?

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Stamford Bridge
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Kickoff Time: 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. BST
• Referee: Chris Kavanagh
• VAR: John Brooks

How to Watch Chelsea vs. Tottenham on TV, Live Stream

• MORE: Full list of Premier League broadcasters around the world.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Chelsea vs. Tottenham: Preview, Predictions and Lineups.

Premier League

Chelsea are ready to make an offer of over €100 million ($112 million) for Barcelona midfielder Fermín López after a failed approach for the Spain international during the summer. (Source: El Nacional)

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Manchester United are both watching Como midfielder Nico Paz ahead of what could be huge bids at the end of the season. (Source: Nicolò Schira)

Galatasaray midfielder Aleksey Batrakov, 21, has emerged as a target for both Arsenal and Liverpool, who have been alerted to his release clause of £50 million ($67 million). (Source: TEAMtalk)

Arsenal have joined the race to sign breakout Monza striker Gustavo Varela, who has scored six goals in his first six Serie A games this season. (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport)

Tottenham Hotspur are relaxed about interest in right back Pedro Porro from both Barcelona and Real Madrid and will use a huge asking price to scare off the Spanish giants. (Source: Football Insider)

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has rejected a new contract and wants to leave the club as soon as possible. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Man Utd are all interested in the England international. (Source: Ekrem Konur)

Lewis Hall remains interested in swapping Newcastle United for Man Utd, despite signing a new contract at St James’ Park. (Source: The i Paper)

Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have all identified Brighton & Hove Albion center back Luka Vušković as a future transfer target. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Liverpool informed Valencia of a desire to trigger the release clause of 19-year-old winger David Otorbi, prompting the Spanish side to tie him down to a new contract with an even higher clause. (Source: Tribuna Deportiva)

Aston Villa will back out of their conditional obligation to sign Chelsea loanee Alejandro Garnacho if the winger does not improve for the club in the coming weeks. Like Harvey Elliott last season, he could be frozen out to avoid him making a certain number of appearances. (Source: Football Insider)

La Liga

Real Madrid are prepared to consider offloading right back Trent Alexander-Arnold in January. (Source: Bernabeu Digital)

Man City striker Erling Haaland is prepared to join either Barcelona or Real Madrid in the future, but only if they agree to insert a reasonable release clause in his contract to give him the freedom to pursue another move further down the line. (Source: El Nacional)

Barcelona are no longer in the race to sign Man Utd youngster JJ Gabriel, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain the only suitors remaining. (Source: Football Insider)

But Barcelona are prepared to pursue the signing of Como midfielder Nico Paz, for whom Real Madrid hold a buyback clause, at the end of the season. (Source: François Gallardo)

PSG are looking at Athletic Club winger Nico Williams as they search for a replacement for the injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. (Source: Eurosport)

Barcelona are continuing to monitor the situation surrounding Man City’s guilty verdict in the hope that their move for 17-year-old USMNT midfielder Cavan Sullivan collapses, giving them the chance to strike. (Source: SPORT)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Haaland Makes Barcelona, Real Madrid Demand; Man Utd Battle Chelsea for Paz.

Fatigue is certain to play its part in the division’s eighth round as those who are well-rested seek to take full advantage of their empty midweek schedules.

The relentless calendar refuses to yield, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United all tasked with overcoming awkward fixtures despite a quick turnaround.

Here are Sports Illustrated’s predictions for how Gameweek 8 might pan out.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH SI FC’S QUICKFIRE PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZZES

• 3 Minute Quiz: Name Every Premier League Winning Team, Including Two Surprise Champions

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Ipswich vs. Nottingham Forest Prediction

Prediction: Ipswich 1–1 Nottingham Forest

• Location: Ipswich, England
• Stadium: Portman Road
• Date: Friday, Oct. 23
• Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Tom Bramall

While not the most glamorous fixture of the upcoming round, Friday’s contest at Portman Road holds major significance for both Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest.

The Tractor Boys have amassed a respectable nine points from their opening seven matches, with two-thirds of their total picked up on their own patch. Wins over Sunderland and Fulham have propeled them to 10th place, and their home form will prove essential to survival.

A visit from struggling Forest will be marked as another incredibly winnable fixture for Gary O’Neil and his players.

The Oliver Glasner revolution is yet to ignite in the Midlands, with goalscoring a familiar issue for the Tricky Trees. One would expect them to collect something from their trip east, but a second victory of the season might be just out of reach.

Aston Villa vs. Man City Prediction

Prediction: Aston Villa 1–2 Man City

• Location: Birmingham, England
• Stadium: Villa Park
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Kickoff Time: 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Peter Bankes

Questions continue to be asked over the meaningfulness of Man City’s domestic matches as they await the outcome of their appeal against their guilty verdict for financial misconduct. When a final punishment is dished out, their seven successive victories at the start of the campaign could effectively count for nothing.

But for the time being, the show must go on.

City have been undeniably efficient on the field during their perfect Premier League streak, even if Enzo Maresca’s side still lack the imperiousness exhibited by previous iterations under Pep Guardiola. They have already conquered Man Utd and Liverpool on their travels, and now they must bypass a resurgent Aston Villa team.

Unai Emery has seemingly mastered another rebuild at Villa Park, with five victories across the previous six outings. They will undoubtedly push City to their limits on Saturday, boosted by three straight home wins in this fixture.

However, with Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden all entering the match in encouraging form, one would be brave to bet against the undefeated Cityzens.

Arsenal vs. Everton Prediction

Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Everton

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Emirates Stadium
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
• Referee: Tony Harrington

Arsenal have eked out recent Premier League victories over Leeds United and Forest to keep pace with City at the summit. They might be forced to do similar when a stubborn Everton side visit the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners, who drew 2–2 at Bayern Munich midweek, remain as defensively resilient as ever, but their forward line—which will be without Bukayo Saka this weekend—still needs to pull its weight. They managed just one shot on target at the City Ground last Sunday, despite claiming all three points.

Everton will be certain to frustrate the reigning champions, with David Moyes ordering his players to sit deep and utilize the counter-attack. In Thierno Barry, they boast an in-form forward, while the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish could prove useful sources of invention.

Arsenal should still get over the line, though.

Coventry City vs. Fulham Prediction

Prediction: Coventry 1–0 Fulham

• Location: Coventry, England
• Stadium: Coventry Building Society Arena
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
• Referee: Adam Herczeg

There was understandable fear among supporters of Coventry City and Fulham during the first few weeks of the Premier League campaign, but there are signs the tide is turning for both clubs.

Coventry have won two of their last three matches, moving them out of the relegation zone and a point above Fulham. Álvaro Arbeloa’s men, meanwhile, secured impressive draws with Liverpool and Manchester United before the international break, and finally clinched a first league win by beating Hull City last time out.

This is unlikely to be a thriller between two of the division’s lowest scorers, but it’s an encounter which could have enormous ramifications come the end of the season.

Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur Prediction

Prediction: Chelsea 3–1 Tottenham

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Stamford Bridge
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
• Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Chris Kavanagh

An intriguing London derby closes Saturday’s action as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom were able to rest midweek, renew their bitter rivalry.

Unfortunately for Spurs, their dismal record at Stamford Bridge means they appear unlikely to build on a first Premier League win of the season last Monday. They have won just once at the stadium over the past 25 years, losing seven of their previous nine visits in all competitions.

To make matters worse, they are greeted by the league’s second-best offense, which has scored 17 times in just seven matches under Xabi Alonso’s guidance. They fired five past Bournemouth during their most recent home match as João Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers continue to purr.

The victory over Coventry will have boosted morale in the Tottenham camp, but this is still Spurs we are talking about. They have been dire for much of the season and deservedly sit 16th in the standings.

Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle United Prediction

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2–3 Newcastle

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Selhurst Park
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
• Kickoff Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
• Referee: Paul Tierney

There’s been no shortage of excitement during Pierre Sage’s reign, which already appears under threat of a premature conclusion, but the problem is the Eagles have often found themselves on the wrong side of dramatic twists and turns.

Last weekend’s 5–0 defeat to A23 rivals Brighton & Hove Albion was utterly disastrous, with Palace’s lightly-stocked squad struggling to juggle Premier League and Europa League duties simultaneously.

Luckily, they face another side in underwhelming form, with Newcastle United’s strong start under Matthias Jaissle having faded into mediocrity. Even without European soccer to worry about, the Magpies have lost three of their last four matches—conceding nine times across those defeats.

This one really could go either way, but Newcastle’s freshness might give them the edge.

Hull City vs. Brentford Prediction

Prediction: Hull 1–2 Brentford

• Location: Hull, England
• Stadium: MKM Stadium
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
• Kickoff Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
• Referee: Rob Jones

Hull’s dream start to their Premier League return has been dampened slightly by recent results. They are winless in five matches and have lost two of their last three, putting pressure on them to get a result on home soil against Brentford.

The Tigers are unbeaten at the MKM Stadium thus far, beating Man Utd before draws with Aston Villa and Everton, but Brentford can’t be underestimated under Keith Andrews.

Despite several suspensions in midfield, the Bees will still be considered slight favorites for their journey north this Sunday, especially with the attacking weapons at their disposal.

Liverpool vs. Brighton Prediction

Prediction: Liverpool 2–2 Brighton

• Location: Liverpool, England
• Stadium: Anfield
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
• Kickoff Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
• Referee: Sam Barrott

Liverpool may have won five of their last six matches in all competitions, but they are winless from their three Premier League games at Anfield this season. Next up for them is the division’s third-placed side and top goalscorers: Brighton.

The Seagulls have scored 15 times in four consecutive victories as Fabian Hürzeler continues to work miracles on the south coast. Their exceptional recruitment has allowed the German to build a team capable of matching the league’s best with its intensity and quality.

Liverpool have also been strong in the final third under Andoni Iraola, despite their porousness in defense. Four of their matches this season have involved both sides scoring two or more times each, including recent European wins over LASK and Villarreal.

This should be a goal-laden contest brimming with quality. A draw might be the safe bet, but both sides will fancy their chances of sneaking victory.

Manchester United vs. Bournemouth Prediction

Prediction: Man Utd 1–1 Bournemouth

• Location: Manchester, England
• Stadium: Old Trafford
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
• Kickoff Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
• Referee: Jarred Gillett

Man Utd have grown all too familiar with crisis since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. They once again find themselves in peril after seven successive matches without victory.

The pressure continues to rise for Michael Carrick as a dismal start to the season gets worse by the week. The humiliating and deserved 4–1 defeat to Como midweek was the final straw for many, despite only two months of the season having been played. The knives are being sharpened as a full-blown mutiny looms.

The Red Devils desperately need a response at home to Bournemouth this weekend, but history points to another disappointing day. Prior to last season’s bonkers 4–4 draw between the sides at Old Trafford, United had lost their previous two home games against the Cherries 3–0.

Bournemouth don’t appear quite as threatening now Andoni Iraola has departed, but a rampant win over Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan on Thursday night will ensure there’s no inferiority complex heading to Manchester.

Sunderland vs. Leeds United Prediction

Prediction: Sunderland 0–1 Leeds

• Location: Sunderland, England
• Stadium: Stadium of Light
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 25
• Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. BST / 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Stuart Attwell

After being the success story of last season, Sunderland trail the standings seven games into the new campaign. Another side struggling to balance European and domestic soccer, they are in dire need of a result against Leeds United.

The Whites, who are currently perched in seventh, will aim to pile more misery on their hosts. They have proven an awkward adversary for many this season, with only Arsenal having beaten them in the Premier League.

Whether Leeds can build on an encouraging start to the season might hinge on just how fatigued Sunderland are after their trip to Poland.

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 8

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Premier League Predictions: Spurs at Rivals Chelsea, Liverpool Host in-Form Brighton.

Premier League

Galatasaray have ended their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who remains of interest to clubs in Saudi Arabia as talks over a contract extension at Old Trafford remain stalled. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hoping to capitalize on the negativity surrounding Vinícius Júnior and has asked the recruitment team to once again explore a move for the under-fire Real Madrid winger. (Source: El Nacional)

Also on Arsenal’s list of January targets is Atlético Madrid winger Álex Baena. (Source: FootballTransfers)

Flamengo have identified Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson as a long-term target but will only make a move if the Brazilian indicates an interest in returning to his homeland. (Source: 1News)

Chelsea remain “one to watch” when it comes to Arsenal left back Riccardo Calafiori, who is of interest to Real Madrid. (Source: Si Phillips)

Roma are expecting offers for midfielder Manu Koné across the next two transfer windows, with both Chelsea and Liverpool still keen after exploring moves during the summer. (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)

Arsenal and Man Utd are also in the race to sign Koné. (Source: Asromalive)

Chelsea continue to chase a deal for Como midfielder Nico Paz but face having to pay significantly higher than the €80 million ($90 million) buyback clause available for Real Madrid. (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)

Sporting CP winger Flávio Gonçalves, 19, is expected to be the subject of bids worth up to €50 million ($56 million) from both Chelsea and Man Utd when the January transfer window opens. (Source: Mark Brus)

AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus are all looking to take Man Utd right back Diogo Dalot back to Serie A, following a previous loan in 2020–21. (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport)

Manchester City are readying a bid of €50 million ($56 million) to sign Club Brugge striker Nicolò Tresoldi, who is seen as a long-term replacement for Erling Haaland. The 22-year-old is also being followed by Chelsea, Everton, Leeds United, Man Utd and Newcastle United. (Source: Fichajes)

Freiburg attacking midfielder Yuito Suzuki, 24, is on the radars of both AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur. (Source: fussball-news)

Aston Villa have contacted the agent of Fenerbahçe winger Oğuz Aydın over a potential move. (Source: Sercan Hamzaoğlu)

With Malo Gusto being followed by Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Tottenham, Chelsea have started looking at signing a new right back. (Source: Flashscore)

La Liga

If Man City are sanctioned for breaking the Premier League’s financial rules, Barcelona would look to strike deals for both striker Erling Haaland and midfielder Rayan Cherki, although the Frenchman’s arrival would likely spell the end for Fermín López at Camp Nou. (Source: El Nacional)

Trent Alexander-Arnold is prepared to consider his options in the January transfer window as he continues to struggle for minutes at Real Madrid. A short-term loan to the Premier League in January is a possibility. (Source: indykaila)

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has already approved a reunion with Alexander-Arnold, with the former Real Madrid boss keen to see a deal struck. (Source: Si Phillips)

Barcelona’s tough 4–2 defeat to PSG in the Champions League has seen club officials start to consider signing a handful of new defenders in the January transfer window if they can find the necessary funds. (Source: SPORT)

Members of Hansi Flick’s coaching staff are growing increasingly concerned by the performances of fullback João Cancelo, but the Barcelona manager’s loyalty is unwavering. (Source: Juan Jesus)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Arsenal Reopen Vinicius Jr Talks; Chelsea Chase Alexander-Arnold.

Premier League

Manchester United fear that Benjamin Šeško’s shin injury could keep him sidelined until 2027, which would potentially force the club into a search for an emergency striker in January. (Source: The Sun)

Xabi Alonso is keen to be reunited with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Chelsea would face competition from Liverpool for the Real Madrid fullback. (Source: Si Phillips)

Liverpool’s ambitions of signing Mexican sensation Gilberto Mora have been hampered by the increasing interest from AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Arsenal are interested in the Turkish playmaker Can Uzun who is coming off another fast start to the season with Eintracht Frankfurt. (Source: CaughtOffside)

PSG and Bayern Munich are both battling for the services of Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernández, who has also incited interest from Real Madrid. (Source: Fichajes)

Manchester United have elbowed their way into the race for Roma fullback Wesley. It will take upward of €50 million ($56.2 million) to prise away the Brazilian. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister is primed to be the subject of a €60 million ($67.3 million) bid from Real Madrid as one of the Spanish giant’s first signings of 2027. (Source: Fichajes)

As Lisandro Martínez teeters toward a free transfer this summer, United are considering a move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as the Argentine’s alternative. (Source: Daily Mail)

Chelsea are lining up another raid of Brighton & Hove Albion, with Yasin Ayari the next figure of interest. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Tottenham are considering an offer of as much as €100 million ($112.2 million) for Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis. (Source: Fichajes)

Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs have been bluntly told by Club Brugge that Nicolò Tresoldi is not for sale in January. (Source: TEAMtalk)

La Liga

If they are successful in their pursuit of Erling Haaland, Real Madrid have accepted that they will have to sell one of Kylian Mbappé or Vinícius Júnior. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also sniffing around Manchester City’s star man. (Source: Fichajes)

Tottenham’s Pedro Porro would be open to leaving north London for either Real Madrid or Barcelona this summer, surprisingly enough. (Source: Football Insider)

José Mourinho is keen on a reunion with his former Manchester United gem Scott McTominay, who has gone on to even greater heights with Napoli in recent years. (Source: Fichajes)

Injury to Dani Olmo has all but quashed Barcelona’s hopes of selling the €80 million ($89.8 million)-rated attacking midfielder to Bayern Munich. (Source: El Nacional)

Bayern Munich are prepared to stump up €40 million ($44.9 million) for Barcelona’s versatile Gerard Martín. However, amid rival interest from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, Barça are demanding in excess of €100 million. (Source: Fichajes)

In an ideal world, Luis Enrique would not have seen Gavi get on a plane back to Barcelona after their Champions League clash in Paris. PSG are primed to sign the Spanish midfielder for €40 million at the behest of their head coach. (Source: El Nacional)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Eye Emergency Striker; Real Madrid’s Mbappe, Vini Jr Sale Plan.

Premier League

Liverpool are readying a bid of €20 million ($27 million) to re-sign Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold as soon as the January transfer window opens. (Source: Fichajes)

Manchester United are exploring a possible move for Crystal Palace winger Ismaïla Sarr, who is also wanted by both Newcastle United and Sunderland. The Red Devils still have striker Jean-Philippe Mateta on their radar, too. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Mateta would be interested in leaving Palace in January and sealing a switch to Man Utd. (Source: talkSPORT)

Roma right back Wesley, who is comfortable on the left side of defense, is also being lined up by Man Utd ahead of the winter window. (Source: Football Insider)

In the face of interest from Real Madrid, Arsenal have made it clear they will not listen to offers below €100 million ($112 million) for left back Riccardo Calafiori. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Manchester City have set an asking price of €110 million ($123 million) for attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, who is another of interest to Real Madrid. (Source: Fichajes)

Arsenal and Man Utd are keen on Bournemouth forward Evanilson, who could be a target for both clubs in the winter window. (Source: fussball-news)

Brentford striker Igor Thiago has his own admirers ahead of January. Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested, as are La Liga giants Atlético Madrid. (Source: 4-4-2)

Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland are all tracking Strasbourg winger Gessime Yassine, but Chelsea already have long-term plans to bring the 20-year-old to Stamford Bridge. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama could reignite their interest in signing Tottenham striker Richarlison after seeing a summer move collapse. (Source: Torcedores)

La Liga

Real Madrid are ready to reignite their interest in Man City midfielder Enzo Fernández, believing they made a mistake not bolstering in that area of the pitch during the summer. (Source: Fichajes)

Despite reports to the contrary, Man City striker Erling Haaland would happily link up with Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid, but his representatives are trying to push him towards Barcelona, where it is believed there is a better environment for the Norway international. (Source: El Nacional)

Man Utd center back Lisandro Martínez remains of interest to Atlético Madrid and favors a transfer to La Liga if he leaves Old Trafford in the aftermath of his explosive interview. (Source: The i Paper)

Getafe are open to signing Sergio Ramos on a free transfer to bring the 40-year-old defender back to La Liga for the first time since the summer of 2024. (Source: Radio Nacional de España)

Following approaches from Arsenal, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona did not hesitate to extend the contract of young defender Xavi Espart, who is viewed as untouchable at the Camp Nou. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Barcelona are watching Man City defender Joško Gvardiol in the hope that any sanctions against the Premier League side could see him made available for transfer. (Source: Fichajes)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Haaland’s Real Madrid U-Turn; Martinez Decides Man Utd Future.

The ESL was doomed almost from its inception. In response to the strain put on club finances by the COVID-19 pandemic, Europe’s traditional elite concocted a closed shop competition, stripped of promotion or relegation, which would be governed by its founding members. A dozen clubs released a sensational joint statement on April 18, 2021 announcing the imminent scheme to rival UEFA’s Champions League.

Within three days, all six Premier League clubs had publicly withdrawn from a proposal which inspired fearsome fan backlash. They were soon joined by Atlético Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan in hastily back-pedalling.

European Super League’s Original Founding Members’ Exit Dates

• Manchester City: April 20, 2021
• Liverpool: April 20, 2021
• Arsenal: April 20, 2021
• Tottenham Hotspur: April 20, 2021
• Manchester United: April 20, 2021
• Chelsea: April 21, 2021
• Atlético Madrid: April 21, 2021
• AC Milan: April 21, 2021
• Inter Milan: April 21, 2021
• Juventus: June 6, 2023
• Barcelona: Feb. 7, 2026
• Real Madrid: Yet to withdraw, but struck an agreement with UEFA on Feb. 11, 2026

Juventus would hold on to the plan until June 2023, while Barcelona didn’t reliquinsh their grip until February of this year. Real Madrid would soon after reach “an agreement of principles for the wellbeing of European club football” with UEFA to finally bring an end to the ESL. Or so everyone thought.

A new report from The Athletic, however, has claimed that Real Madrid “want” Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to cover what they are thought to owe when it comes to the cost of setting up the ESL, given their swift withdrawals effectively brought the plan to an end.

That sum could amount to as much as €80 million ($89.9 million), which would require each of the 12 founding clubs to stump up about $7.5 million. Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, the longest hold-outs in the ESL scheme, are thought to have been sharing the financial burden up to this point.

Do Real Madrid Have a Legal Case?

While his grand plan to “save soccer” (from what, it’s never been quite established) was crumbling all around him in those days during the great exodus of clubs, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez had a warning. “I’m not going to take my time to explain what a binding contract is here,” he snapped. “But the fact is, the clubs can’t leave.”

The dozen founders “signed a 120-page contract,” according to Juve’s ex-chairman Andrea Agnelli, when they settled on this ESL plot, ensuring they were not only conspirators but legally binding shareholders. It has been widely reported that 11 of the dozen remain indelibly tied to the project, with Inter Milan the only club to have managed to wangle their way out.

The finer details of the contract’s wording will ultimately dictate whether the clubs are forced to pay their share. Although, a savvy-enough lawyer could presumably argue either case given the vagaries which exist in even the most carefully studied documents.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Explaining the ‘$90 Million Bill’ Real Madrid Have Handed Six Premier League Giants.

Premier League

Arsenal have reached out to explore a deal for Barcelona fullback Xavi Espart, who has been hit with a price tag of €80 million ($90 million). (Source: El Nacional)

Scouts from both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have watched Espart in action this season, with Aston Villa also following his development closely. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Liverpool are exploring a reunion with out-of-favor Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose struggle for minutes has also piqued the interest of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has already spoken with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso and a number of Blues players, and he is keen to make the move to Stamford Bridge. (Source: Si Phillips)

Chelsea’s willingness to move for Scott in January could see them emerge as leading suitors, particularly as Arsenal and Liverpool may prefer to wait until the end of the season to pursue a deal. (Source: The Athletic)

Two unnamed clubs have joined Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu. (Source: Football Insider)

Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has asked his agent to explore a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Chelsea identified as potential landing spots. (Source: El Nacional)

Nottingham Forest and Tottenham are both interested in signing 20-year-old Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otávio. (Source: fussball-news)

Johan Manzambi’s impressive start to life with Aston Villa has caught the eye of both Barcelona and Bayern Munich. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Newcastle United officials were in the stands to watch Valencia winger David Otorbi, 19, in action this weekend. (Source: MARCA)

La Liga

Barcelona and Real Madrid are ready to butt heads over the signature of Stuttgart center back Finn Jeltsch, who is also on the radar of Liverpool. Offers of €50 million ($56 million) are expected to arrive for the 20-year-old. (Source: SPORT)

January could see Barcelona reignite their pursuit of Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez, but they will need to lower his asking price. To do so, players like Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong or Roony Bardghji could be offered in exchange. (Source: Fichajes)

Bayern Munich are the latest side to establish interest in Barcelona defender Gerard Martín, who is already a target for Inter Milan and Liverpool. There is also interest in the 24-year-old from Chelsea and Tottenham. (Source: fussball-news)

Real Madrid have wrapped up contract extensions for Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler and Thibaut Courtois, with formal announcements the only thing missing. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)

If Alejandro Balde leaves Barcelona in January, manager Hansi Flick would seek a reunion with Bayern Munich left back Alphonso Davies. (Source: El Nacional)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Liverpool Battle Rivals for Alexander-Arnold Return; Barcelona’s New Alvarez Plan.

Chelsea kept their first top-flight clean sheet since January; Dejan Kulusevski played his first Tottenham Hotspur match in 526 days; Manchester United had their first “fresh start” since midweek and Enzo Maresca became the first manager to win his opening seven Premier League games at a new club—ever.

It remains to be seen what fragments of history are preserved once Manchester City’s ongoing battle with the Premier League is brought to a merciful conclusion. But amid this legal limbo, the action on the pitch is the only solid ground we have to stand on.

Ranking Criteria

• Performance: This is the crux of the exercise: How well did each team play when considering the flow of a game divorced from the final score. If it was simply a judgement of scoreboard statistics you may as well go straight to the table.
• Expectations: Not all results are equal. Teams that upset the odds with their display are rewarded more favorably.
• Venue: As the behind-closed-doors season of 2020–21 proved, playing in front of your home fans is a huge advantage, so any away results are given a little extra bonus.

20. Sunderland (2–0 Loss vs. Bournemouth)

Kevin Danso’s 17th-minute red card can only partly be used as mitigation for this desperate implosion. Sunderland were already 1–0 down (thanks in part to a Danso blunder) and could have conceded another by the time the defender was dismissal.

“If I have to be honest with you, we are not good,” the Black Cats fullback Nordi Mukiele damningly admitted. “Maybe because we became arrogant, maybe. This is what I think.”

19. Crystal Palace (5–0 Loss vs. Brighton)

Pierre Sage summed it up pretty succinctly: “My feeling after the game is shame.” It would have been a common sensation in the Crystal Palace locker room.

18. Hull (1–0 Loss vs. Fulham)

“It’s easy to analyze this game,” Hull City boss Sergej Jakirović quietly fumed. “We were out of everything.”

The Tigers were dutifully outshot, outrun and out-thought by their under-pressure hosts. Fulham dominated every conceivable aspect of the contest, making a mockery of their 1–0 margin of victory. Jakirović offered a more telling reflection that the scoreline: “It was men against boys.”

17. Newcastle (1–0 Loss vs. Aston Villa)

This was an damning contrast of control and chaos for Newcastle United. While Aston Villa played with the collective calm of a team benefitting from a three-second radio delay, the Magpies were left to thrash around in real time, haphazardly haring about the place, never too near to goal.

For a team that is so willfully gung-ho, and spent more than $225 million on forwards in less than two years, Newcastle were left to rely upon the 6'7" merchant of chaos, Dan Burn, as a late striker option.

“We were not smart enough,” Matthias Jaissle curtly concluded.

16. Coventry (3–1 Loss vs. Tottenham)

During Frank Lampard’s playing days at Chelsea, Tottenham’s home ground was uncharitably known as “Three Point Lane” rather than White Hart Lane, such was the lopsided nature of the London rivalry at the time.

Lampard’s Coventry City left the capital with zero points on Monday after failing to capitalize upon a strong start and fast finish to a night of rare euphoria for the hosts.

15. Everton (2–0 Loss vs. Chelsea)

It says everything that David Moyes hailed Harrison Armstrong’s crunching challenge on Josh Acheampong as “the best part” of the goalless first half.

Considering the Toffees conceded two cheap goals while taking just two shots in a tame second 45 minutes, that tackle was probably the highlight of Moyes’s afternoon. And it was a foul.

14. Brentford (2–1 Loss vs. Liverpool)

This game swung violently on the tamest act that could conceivably be deemed as violent conduct. Yehor Yarmoliuk’s timid brush of his head toward Jérémy Jacquet warranted the red card which it received, although his battling teammates scarcely deserved the change in momentum they would be unable to control thereafter.

13. Ipswich (3–2 Loss vs. Man City)

Zian's second goal for Town. 👊 pic.twitter.com/eRB81mBOQI

— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) October 18, 2026

“The aim was to come here and cause them problems and get points,” Dara O’Shea reflected. Ipswich achieved half of that, bloodying Manchester City’s nose without coming too close to getting that knockout blow.

12. Leeds (1–1 Draw vs. Man Utd)

🎯 "DCL WITH A CLINICAL FINISH!" pic.twitter.com/ScKix8gXjO

— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 18, 2026

It says plenty about where Leeds are at that Daniel Farke could come away from a draw with Manchester United and be justifiably disappointed with a point. Yet, this was not a case of wasted chances or bad luck.

Leeds played the occasion rather than the opposition in the first half, timidly prodding at a United side very much there for the taking. As underwhelming as the visitors have been, even this iteration of the Red Devils can’t be given a 45-minute head start and still lose.

11. Man Utd (1–1 Draw vs. Leeds)

Back-to-back #PL goals for @BMbeumo19 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/tWTDqIXc3i

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 18, 2026

The bright lights perennially beaming down upon Manchester United seem to be more blinding than most. A much-improved display against Atlético Madrid inspired Lisandro Martínez to give Jason Wilcox a public job review. A performance at Elland Road worthy of little more than a disinterested shrug somehow convinced Michael Carrick to hail a “fresh start.”

There was a fresh tactical approach which spelled out United’s place in the current hierarchy. Carrick didn’t deploy a new formation so much as set his players with 11 individual tasks, each one predicated on what their Leeds counterparts were doing at that exact moment. This grand show of inferiority did not tighten a leaky rearguard or improve their porous press but it did at least get a point.

10. Arsenal (1–0 Win vs. Nottingham Forest)

Noni delivers the defining moment 🎯 pic.twitter.com/c8o1UErdlJ

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 19, 2026

The James Bond villain Auric Goldfinger tells 007: “Once is happenstance. Twice is a coincidence. Three times is enemy action.” Arsenal were their own worst enemies for the third match in succession at the City Ground.

Just as in the wins over Leeds and Lille, Mikel Arteta’s champions didn’t bother turning up for the opening hour. Just as in those narrow victories, the team’s substitutes inspired a win which didn’t offer an overwhelming amount of confidence.

Arteta has publicly vaunted the positives of this sequence, namely Arsenal’s strength in depth and an ability to “manage the emotional part” of matches. Yet, if fans hope to endure any overriding emotions aside from frustration (followed by relief) it may be an idea to start brightly for once.

9. Nottingham Forest (1–0 Loss vs. Arsenal)

This was an 80-minute masterpiece in how to play Arsenal from Nottingham Forest. Martin Ødegaard was put in a jail of red fabric, Bukayo Saka shunted to the fringes and Eberechi Eze bulldozed into a halftime withdrawal. Matz Sels didn’t even have to make a save. Unfortunately, Forest’s goalkeeper would end the game without denying Arsenal’s only shot on target, which was diverted by a cruel double deflection.

The only criticism for Oliver Glasner’s side was a familiar one: no clinical composure. It’s now more than eight hours of soccer since Forest last scored a goal in front of their home fans.

8. Liverpool (2–1 Win vs. Brentford)

Everyone wants to do the Isak celebration. pic.twitter.com/DqyWgNnxKn

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) October 17, 2026

Andoni Iraola may have been more concerned with the two players who ended the match in the treatment room, but there was plenty of positives for the Reds to take from a win that has to be put in the context of Yehor Yarmoliuk’s first-half red card.

Alexander Isak got another goal, Jérémy Jacquet looked even more imperious than Virgil van Dijk and Florian Wirtz was a central creative hub, misleading statistics or not.

7. Aston Villa (1–0 Win vs. Newcastle)

Manzambi at St. James' Park for the Villa 😏 pic.twitter.com/4PR6McfDs4

— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) October 17, 2026

This serene away win was made all the sweeter by the goalscorer. Newcastle had reportedly agreed a fee for Johan Manzambi only to be gazumped by Aston Villa a few days later this summer. Naturally, the Swiss World Cup star scored the game’s only goal at St James’ Park.

6. Man City (3–2 Win vs. Ipswich)

"I had to wait for my moment” 💫

🩵 @PhilFoden pic.twitter.com/WcS1MFemtq

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 19, 2026

“Bananas, no bananas, it makes no difference to me,” Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil sighed. It would appear to make no difference to Manchester City either.

Putting aside the tumultuous off-field machinations clanking around in the background, Enzo Maresca has set about constructing one of the best starts the Premier League has ever seen. City were not as faultless as their record may suggest against Ipswich—they have an odd habit of delivering more porous displays at the Etihad this term—but when there is a striker as remorselessly relentless as this current iteration of Erling Haaland, the league leaders don’t look like slipping on a banana peel just yet.

5. Tottenham (3–1 Win vs. Coventry)

Dejan Kulusevski is back 💪 pic.twitter.com/RtkOf27NxY

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 19, 2026

This was like being briefly transported back to May 2025. James Maddison was scoring goals, Dejan Kulusevski was on the pitch and Tottenham were winning home matches. There’s been three managers, 20 signings, a new institutional figurehead and more than $700 million spent but Spurs finally got back to that hazy memory of better days.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side did their best to delay this gratification for that little bit longer against Coventry, starting shakily before a nervy conclusion was mercifully spared by an increasingly common phenomena, a Ben Davies goal.

4. Bournemouth (2–0 Win vs. Sunderland)

Ice cool from our number nine 🧊

His third goal in as many games 🇧🇷 🙌 pic.twitter.com/8w5teBlLEi

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) October 19, 2026

Marco Rose put Bournemouth’s rampant victory down to “mentality.” The Cherries were unified in one mindset of barreling straight through their limp-wristed visitors to earn a laughably one-sided win.

Bournemouth racked up 29 shots to Sunderland’s three, amassed an outrageous xG of 4.23 to 0.07 and set up camp inside the opposition’s penalty area with 56 touches.

3. Chelsea (2–0 Win vs. Everton)

Chelsea's track jacket is straight out of the 90s. pic.twitter.com/Q1PmbwP7Mc

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) October 17, 2026

“Today was not just about playing nice football,” Xabi Alonso reflected. Very little nice football was played by either side in an arm wrestle of a game defined by Emiliano Martínez’s concerning head injury.

Yet, Chelsea’s ability to win in ugly circumstances will be a minor triumph for Alonso, who has seen his side’s scintillating attacking play countered by a flimsy rearguard. “We needed a result like this,” the manager pointed out after Chelsea racked up the club’s first Premier League clean sheet at the 24th attempt.

2. Fulham (1–0 Win vs. Hull)

Álvaro Arbeloa needed this. After six winless games to start his managerial career in the Premier League, the former Real Madrid manager was staring down the barrel of a swift dismissal. Fulham belatedly got that win and with a performance which vindicated all Arbeloa’s stubborn beliefs.

“Today was finally the day,” he smiled.

1. Brighton (5–0 Win vs. Crystal Palace)

This was a symphony from Brighton. Five goals, one of which was a contender for the best of this season or any other, against your chief rivals is a day to savor. As poor as Crystal Palace were, this was a moment to celebrate the Seagulls, whose scoring blitz ensured that only Barcelona have racked up more goals across all competitions this season.

“We have to stay very humble,” Fabian Hürzeler insisted without much success. “I’m more happy that the fans have a good night out.” That part he could at least count on.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Ranking All 20 Premier League Teams’ Performances on Matchday 7.

The hatred between the two north London clubs runs deep, an indisputable fact which Pochettino will have grasped after spending five years in Tottenham. The passionate Argentine embraced a fanbase which loved him back, taking a young Spurs team to three consecutive top-three Premier League finishes while also reaching the 2019 Champions League final.

However, the cost of signing just one senior first-team player across two years eventually caught up to Pochettino, who was unceremoniously dismissed during the November international break. “Big thanks to you all!” the departing manager wrote on a tactics board in the locker room. “We can’t to say (sic) goodbye... you will always be in our hearts.”

Yet, just days later Pochettino was in discussion with Arsenal’s hierarchy about taking on the post recently vacated by Unai Emery, The Telegraph’s Sam Dean has revealed in his new book, Arsenal: The Inside Story of Arsenal’s Rebirth Under Mikel Arteta.

Pochettino is described as a “strong candidate” who “showed willingness to engage” with a club he had spent the previous half-decade being paid to despise. While the move from N17 to N5 may look like an upward move now, at the time Spurs were very much in the ascendancy. Across Pochettino’s final three seasons at the club, Tottenham finished each one above their loathed neighbors.

What Would Crossing North London Divide Have Meant for Pochettino?

Only two managers have ever taken charge of both Arsenal and Tottenham. Terry Neill was always an odd fit as Spurs boss considering he had spent the entire 1960s representing the Gunners with distinction. Neill was never fully accepted by those in N5—with his reputation unhelped by continuing to manage Northern Ireland while narrowly avoiding relegation—and he cemented his reputation as an enemy agent by jumping ship when Arsenal came calling in 1976.

George Graham had not only played for Arsenal, but oversaw the club’s most successful period for half a century as manager between 1986–95. Graham had the decency to wait more than three years before he surprisingly took on the challenge of winning over Spurs fans. The 1999 League Cup title would help soothe the anger which saw him booed vociferously on his debut for the club, but he is not remembered fondly in N17. Despite his success on the pitch and in the dugout, Graham’s legacy at Arsenal has also been somewhat tinged.

Pochettino would have undoubtedly banished the considerable goodwill he is still afforded by many Spurs fans had he made the staggering move from Tottenham directly to Arsenal. There was enough discontent when the Argentine joined Chelsea in 2023, although the fact that he was only in west London for one trophy-less year has helped him work his way back into the hearts of those at Spurs.

How Pochettino Ended Up at USMNT

Pochettino is a self-confessed soccer romantic but his appointment in charge of the USMNT is underpinned by the cold reality of this business: money. After taking on the management of commercial assets in-house, the U.S. Soccer Federation had the financial clout to present their new candidate with a salary befitting the big beasts of the international stage.

When the USMNT initially went in search of a new manager in 2024, there was no avalanche of résumés. ESPN reported that it wasn’t until the potential salary on the table became clear that they actually received any interest in the post, with Pochettino one name under consideration along with the likes of Zinédine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Xavi Hernández.

Working in the favor of all involved parties was Pochettino’s relationship with Matt Crocker, the USSF’s sporting director at the time of negotiations. The pair had crossed paths at Southampton and after draining spells at demanding superclubs Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, Pochettino was open to the prospect of leading a co-host at the 2026 World Cup.

After a shaky start to his tenure, Pochettino won plenty of hearts and minds on the grand home stage. The affection is clearly mutual, as the Argentine committed his future to the program until the 2030 World Cup earlier this year. Who knows if any of that would have happened had he made the contentious decision to join Arsenal all those years ago.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as How Mauricio Pochettino Almost Caused Major Career Scandal Before USMNT Job.

Premier League

While he may have agreed to sign a new Real Madrid contract which makes him the club’s second highest-paid player, behind only Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham maintains a “long-term ambition” to play in the Premier League. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been singled out at the center back to line up alongside Pau Cubarsí for Barcelona’s 2027–28 season once his contract on Merseyside expires. (Source: El Nacional)

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both closely scouting Barcelona’s latest academy sensation Xavi Espart. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Not content with Espart, Arsenal and Spurs are also battling each other for the signature of Club Brugge’s talented forward Nicolò Tresoldi. (Source: Tuttosport)

There is the real belief that Alex Scott could end up costing Chelsea or Liverpool more than the £100 million ($133 million) starting price set by Bournemouth. (Source: Football Insider)

Barcelona have already begun negotiations for Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland before Real Madrid can even open up a dialogue with the Nordic goal-gobbler. (Source: El Nacional)

Amid interest from Liverpool, Juventus’ versatile defender Pierre Kalulu has also attracted interest from Manchester United. (Source: Football Insider)

Tottenham are tracking Eintracht Frankfurt’s towering young striker Younes Ebnoutalib amid rival interest from across Europe. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich target Castello Lukeba will be available for €50 million ($56.2 million) next year. (Source: El Nacional)

Leeds United face stiff Premier League competition to sign Marseille winger Igor Paixão, who is valued at £40 million ($53.2 million). (Source: Football Insider)

La Liga

Lionel Messi has “recommended” Mexican wonderkid Gilberto Mora to Barcelona’s recruitment team, who are already tracking the 18-year-old star for Club Tijuana. Barça will have to compete with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid for Mora’s services. (Source: El Nacional)

Barcelona are prepared to rival Real Madrid for the signature of Arsenal’s overlooked midfielder Martín Zubimendi. (Source: Fichajes)

Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, met with the representative of Dani Olmo amid mounting interest from Bayern Munich. The midfielder is thought to be keen on staying in Catalonia. (Source: SPORT)

Despite interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, Frenkie de Jong is set to have a January transfer blocked by Hansi Flick, who doesn’t want to jeopardize Barcelona’s depth. (Source: El Nacional)

Barcelona will battle Manchester City and Manchester United for the interest of Real Betis center back Natan in 2027. (Source: fussball news)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Barcelona Follow Messi’s Tip; Bellingham’s Premier League Ambition.

Premier League

Viktor Gyökeres will push for a move away from Arsenal in January after growing tired of his limited role this season. There is interest across England, Italy, Germany and Spain, and the Gunners would be open to selling if they can find a replacement. (Source: TEAMtalk)

But Arsenal have concerns over their pursuit of Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez. The Premier League champions fear Barcelona may have the advantage once again, after he changed to the agent that sealed Rodri’s Camp Nou transfer in the summer. (Source: SPORT)

Bruno Fernandes wants to leave Manchester United in January and has rejected the offer of a new contract over growing frustrations towards the direction of the club. Galatasaray are preparing a move but will have to fend off competition from Barcelona. (Source: Fanatik)

Similarly, Lisandro Martínez has made it clear he does not see a future for himself at Man Utd. (Source: Manchester Evening News)

Liverpool have identified Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu as a possible January target. (Source: Football Insider)

Andoni Iraola has asked Liverpool to spend €140 million ($157 million) to sign Barcelona midfielder Fermín López as a replacement for Florian Wirtz, who is wanted by Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Al Hilal. (Source: El Nacional)

Liverpool are also considering a move for Aston Villa midfielder Johan Manzambi amid doubts over the future of Alexis Mac Allister, who is being followed by Real Madrid. (Source: Fichajes)

Chelsea and Man Utd have opened talks over a deal for Real Betis center back Natan, but Barcelona are currently leading the race for his signature. (Source: fussball-news)

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has requested the appointment of former Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio and has also asked for a new striker to arrive in January, with Real Madrid’s Endrick being targeted. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

Arsenal, Man Utd and Newcastle United are all tracking Roma right back Wesley. (Source: Asromalive)

La Liga

Bayern Munich have ruled out January moves for Barcelona pair Dani Olmo and Jules Koundé, despite holding longstanding interest in both players. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

River Plate are ready to launch a spectacular move for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez, keen to offer him a temporary six-month loan deal that would pave the way for a permanent exit to Barcelona next summer. (Source: Fichajes)

Real Madrid are reassessing their midfield targets heading into the January window and are no longer prioritizing a move for Arsenal’s Martín Zubimendi. (Source: Bernabeu Digital)

Barcelona want a new right back and have been offered the chance to sign Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes by the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes. (Source: El Nacional)

Man Utd youngster JJ Gabriel is due to decide his next club in the near future. Barcelona or Real Madrid are seen as the most likely destinations ahead of either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain. (Source: SPORT)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Barcelona Eye Wantaway Fernandes; Liverpool’s $157 Million Wirtz Replacement.

England’s top tier returned after a three-week absence last weekend, with much of the discourse surrounding Manchester City’s trip to Anfield off the back of their guilty verdict for breaching the competition’s financial rules over a nine-year period. The extent of City’s indiscretions means the division is seemingly in flux until we learn of the sanctions and outcome of the club’s appeal.

Still, like Enzo Maresca’s side, we must navigate the upcoming period as if the darkest of clouds aren’t looming overhead.

A full slate of Premier League fixtures is upon us once more, with Gameweek 7 starting in Merseyside and culminating in the considerably more desperate half of north London. There’s scope for plenty of thrills and spills in between.

Here are Sports Illustrated’s predictions for how things might pan out.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH SI FC’S QUICKFIRE PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZZES

• 3 Minute Quiz: Name Every Premier League Winning Team, Including Two Surprise Champions

• 2 Minute Quiz: Name the 10 Most Expensive Premier League Summer Signings of 2026

• 1 Minute Quiz: Name the Premier League Golden Boot Winners of the 2020s

Everton vs. Chelsea Prediction

Prediction: Everton 1–2 Chelsea

• Location: Liverpool, England
• Stadium: Hill Dickinson Stadium
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Kickoff Time: 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Paul Tierney

Xabi Alonso hailed a "complete performance" from his heavily scrutinized Chelsea side last weekend in their 5–1 rout of the winless Bournemouth, who were the latest to succumb to an early blitz from the Blues.

Jordan Henderson scored a rare brace in Chelsea’s feel-good victory, as João Pedro and Morgan Rogers each continued their productive starts to the campaign.

They’re kicking off the weekend‘s action at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they were comprehensively beaten in March. Everton’s goalscorers in that 3–0 victory, Beto and Iliman Ndiaye, are no longer at the club, but the Toffees are yet to taste defeat in the Premier League and are on course for their longest unbeaten run to start a season since 2006–07.

They’ll be emboldened by their impressive record at home to Chelsea, with the visiting Londoners winning on just one of their previous nine visits to Everton.

Brentford vs. Liverpool Prediction

Prediction: Brentford 2–2 Liverpool

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Gtech Community Stadium
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
• Referee: John Brooks

Liverpool had the chance to blow off some steam midweek, putting LASK to the sword in a 6–3 victory. It certainly wasn’t an occasion for defensive purists, but Reds supporters were left hugely encouraged by Bradley Barcola’s official arrival and the performance of Florian Wirtz.

Barcola, who didn’t have much of a preseason due to the World Cup and lingering transfer interest, failed to step up against Manchester City last weekend before scoring his first three Liverpool goals in Austria.

The French winger will aim to take that form into Saturday’s contest away at Brentford, where Liverpool were beaten 3–2 last season. The Reds have had their issues at the Gtech Community Stadium over the years, and Keith Andrews‘s side are unlikely to make this bout an enjoyable one for the visitors, given the physical make-up of their roster.

Fulham vs. Hull City Prediction

Prediction: Fulham 1–1 Hull

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Craven Cottage
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
• Referee: Chris Kavanagh

Hull City are now just a victory away from topping Derby County’s record-low points haul of 11—a tally that plenty thought they’d struggled to bypass once their return to the Premier League was confirmed via a scrappy playoff final victory over Middlesbrough.

The Tigers fought back to earn a result against Everton last time out, taking their tally up to nine from six games. It’s 2008–09 all over again, just without a manager who dons an earpiece. Sergej Jakirović has proven himself to be a canny tactician at the highest level, elevating a roster that isn’t exactly laden with talent and extracting every ounce of potential.

Hull are a difficult team to beat, and they arrive at Fulham feeling as if they belong. The Cottagers, on the other hand, are in a state of consternation. Álvaro Arbeloa is struggling to garner widespread backing, and defeat could add to his growing number of detractors. The former Real Madrid boss desperately needs to win here.

Manchester City vs. Ipswich Town Prediction

Prediction: Man City 4–1 Ipswich

• Location: Manchester, England
• Stadium: Etihad Stadium
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
• Referee: Farai Hallam

Paris Saint-Germain were hardly the saviours of soccer midweek, given the nature of their rise to European soccer’s summit, but plenty were undoubtedly content with Man City’s midweek defeat.

It was a first-class affair that could’ve 5–5. PSG‘s early exhibition set them on course to victory, yet City created enough in the second half to earn an unlikely point.

Ipswich Town, as admirable as their start to the season has been, won’t operate with the swashbuckling brilliance of Luis Enrique’s Parisians, and will be out to frustrate Enzo Maresca’s side in Manchester.

Maresca has insisted this is the perfect game for the Cityzens to bounce back, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they rout the Tractor Boys on home soil.

Newcastle United vs. Aston Villa Prediction

Prediction: Newcastle 1–2 Aston Villa

• Location: Newcastle, England
• Stadium: St. James’ Park
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Jarred Gillett

It feels like Newcastle United are in the midst of a delayed ‘gelling-in’ process, endured by Aston Villa during the first month of the season.

The start of Matthias Jaissle‘s tenure was bright enough, but Eddie Howe‘s successor has overseen woeful performances in Newcastle’s previous two outings on the road. The Magpies were thumped 4–1 by Leeds United and Coventry on either side of an unconvincing home victory over Hull.

Jaissle portrays himself as a facilitator of high-octane, vertical soccer, but Newcastle are yet to perform with such a discernible style. Unai Emery’s Villa, on the contrary, remain a distinct outfit despite the change in personnel over the summer.

The Villans are certainly finding their feet after a worrying start, with new signings Johan Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson coming to the fore.

Bournemouth vs. Sunderland Prediction

Prediction: Bournemouth 2–0 Sunderland

• Location: Bournemouth, England
• Stadium: Vitality Stadium
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Kickoff Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
• Referee: Craig Pawson

It’s a battle of the Europa League participants on the south coast this weekend, as Bournemouth and Sunderland face off after securing continental victories on Thursday.

While the Black Cats required a late Noah Sadiki strike to down Portuguese second tier outfit Torreense away from home, Bournemouth cantered to a 3–0 victory over Sturm Graz. Both teams are two from two to begin the league phase, and likely to prioritize their rare European excursions over domestic action this term.

However, the competence of the three newly promoted sides means the pair must be careful. They’ve combined for just one Premier League victory so far (Sunderland beat bottom-of-the-table Fulham 1–0 on Matchday 2), and won‘t want to find themselves in relegation strife.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Crystal Palace Prediction

Prediction: Brighton 3–0 Crystal Palace

• Location: Falmer, England
• Stadium: Amex Stadium
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Kickoff Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
• Referee: Rob Jones

While the legitimacy of the A23 Derby is often questioned, there‘s no denying the contempt that Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace have for one another.

Brighton are out to replicate what Palace achieved in the Conference League last season, with the Eagles’ triumph in Leipzig guaranteeing them a place in the Europa League for the first time. Pierre Sage’s side were beaten in Lyon on Thursday, while the Seagulls made light work of Lithuanian outfit Kaunas Žalgiris.

Fabian Hürzeler’s side are likely to be too strong for the rest of Europe’s third-tier competition, especially given the start they’ve made to the Premier League season. Brighton are third after grinding out a 2–0 win at Sunderland last weekend, proving that they can win in a myriad of ways.

However, they have a troubled record in this fixture as of late, winning just two of the previous 14 meetings. Palace, though, are one of the Premier League’s big overachievers through six weeks, per FotMob’s ‘expected points’ table.

Leeds United vs. Manchester United Prediction

Prediction: Leeds 2–1 Man Utd

• Location: Leeds, England
• Stadium: Elland Road
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Kickoff Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
• Referee: Darren England

Tottenham Hotspur may be 19th after barely surviving the drop last season, yet there’s no debating who the Premier League’s crisis club is.

Lisandro Martínez called out Manchester United’s hierarchy after their Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, for which he was ‘formally punished’ by the Red Devils. However, the saga is likely to spill over, with the Argentine’s comments hardly depicting a happy camp.

It’s been a bitterly disappointing start to the new season, with the good feeling generated from Michael Carrick’s interim spell as manager rapidly sapped. United aren’t performing with the requisite intensity in and out of possession, and a demanding fanbase is concerned that things will worsen before they improve.

A trip to Elland Road is unlikely to prove the perfect tonic for Carrick’s men, given what we’ve seen from Daniel Farke’s stubborn Leeds United outfit so far this term. The Whites ruffled Arsenal’s feathers last weekend and look primed to compete fiercely for a European spot.

Bruno Fernandes’s form against Leeds is at least a source of hope for the visitors, with their out-of-sorts star recording nine goal contributions in seven Premier League outings.

Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal Prediction

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0–1 Arsenal

• Location: Nottingham, England
• Stadium: City Ground
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 18
• Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. BST / 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Michael Oliver

Arsenal have performed in mere bursts after their defeat at Brighton, but that’s been enough for the Gunners to come from behind to beat Leeds and ease past Lille in the Champions League.

While Man City appear to be formidable contenders for their crown, the size of the punishment that could be heading their way means Arsenal are unlikely to be threatened by the Cityzens.

Nottingham Forest have held Mikel Arteta’s side to a pair of goalless draws on their previous two trips to the City Ground, and Oliver Glasner could do with a morale-boosting result this weekend after his side succumbed at his old stomping ground last time out.

Forest had no business losing 3–1 to Palace at Selhurst Park, especially after Dan Ndoye handed the visitors an early lead. Glasner’s men were dominant for 40 minutes, but failed to capitalize on their superiority before Daichi Kamada restored parity.

The hosts are thus down in 15th with just a single league win to their name. The underlying metrics are encouraging, but Evangelos Marinakis doesn’t come across as a man who has much time for xG and touches in the opposition box.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Coventry City Prediction

Prediction: Tottenham 2–0 Coventry

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
• Date: Monday, Oct. 19
• Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: Andy Madley

Many Tottenham supporters had pinpointed this fixture as the ignition date of Roberto De Zerbi’s first full season at the helm.

Coventry City, however, have won back-to-back games and possess a manager in Frank Lampard who loves nothing more than sticking it to Spurs. Lampard‘s introduction of youth supplied a freshness to the Sky Blues in their hammering of Newcastle on Monday night, and now they’re out to secure their first major scalp since returning to the top flight.

Spurs are still a big fish despite their stark demise over the past 18 months. They’re winless after six games and ought to have won at Old Trafford last weekend, but De Zerbi’s side were at least resilient after being reduced to 10 men to earn a point.

The hosts have issues in front of goal, yet it seems as if they’re on the brink of clicking. An early goal would do them wonders on Monday night.

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 7

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Premier League Predictions: Everton Host Goal-Crazy Chelsea, Man Utd at Rivals Leeds.

Premier League

Arsenal and Manchester United are both considering moves to sign Sporting CP left back Maxi Araújo for around €65 million ($73 million). (Source: fussball-news)

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has requested the signing of Arsenal center back William Saliba, with a bid of €90 million ($101 million) set to test the Gunners’ resolve. (Source: El Nacional)

Man Utd have “set their sights” on Real Betis striker Troy Parrott, whose price tag has been set at his €80 million ($90 million) release clause. (Source: Ficherio)

Club Brugge striker Nicolò Tresoldi, 22, is being followed by both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. (Source: Tuttosport)

Liverpool are leading Chelsea in the race to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. (Source: Daily Mail)

Scott remains high in Chelsea’s thinking, and the Blues could even sign two midfielders in the January transfer window. (Source: Simon Phillips)

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has asked Chelsea to invest €120 million ($135 million) in two Barcelona players: midfielder Frenkie de Jong and right back Jules Koundé. (Source: El Nacional)

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have registered interest in Brentford forward Kevin Schade. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has requested the signing of Real Betis center back Natan in the January window. (Source: Ficherio)

Man Utd face disappointment in their winter pursuit of Sevilla loanee Youssouf Fofana, who has no desire to cut short his temporary deal in favor of a switch to Old Trafford. (Source: Vamos Mi Sevilla)

Juventus are ready to rival both Chelsea and Liverpool in pursuit of emerging Benfica right back Daniel Banjaqui. (Source: Tutto Juve)

Roberto De Zerbi has a list of five striker targets for Tottenham to pursue in January. Under consideration are Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis, Espanyol’s Roberto Fernández, Real Madrid’s Endrick, Freiburg’s Igor Matanović and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Beşiktaş are ready to offer a contract to Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock when he enters the final six months of his existing deal in January. (Source: Fotomaç)

Sporting CP midfielder Issa Doumbia is a target for both Brentford and Newcastle. (Source: Ekrem Konur)

La Liga

Real Madrid have settled on Arsenal’s Martín Zubimendi and Napoli’s Scott McTominay as their two top targets to bolster in midfield. (Source: SPORT)

Jude Bellingham has snubbed interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City in favor of signing a new contract with Real Madrid. (Source: Fichajes)

Jules Koundé is prepared to consider leaving Barcelona over his drop in minutes. Alongside Chelsea, there is Premier League interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd, while Bayern Munich continue to explore a deal as well. (Source: 4-4-2)

An emotional Alejandro Balde is also looking to leave Barcelona after accepting defeat in his quest to win over manager Hansi Flick. Man Utd could try to strike a deal in January. (Source: Juan Jesus)

Real Madrid want a new center back and are looking at Brighton & Hove Albion’s Luka Vušković, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck. (Source: Fichajes)

Atlético Madrid have joined the race to sign Club Brugge striker Nicolò Tresoldi amid doubts over the future of Julián Alvarez. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: PSG Make Saliba Bid; Bellingham’s Premier League Decision.

Premier League

Lisandro Martínez will not block any efforts from Manchester United to sell him in January if the Red Devils choose to cash in in response to his heated outburst against the club’s hierarchy. (Source: indykaila)

Erling Haaland has decided to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, fearing the club are no longer able to compete for Champions League glory. A move to Barcelona is his preferred option. (Source: El Nacional)

Bournemouth will consider offers of over £80 million ($106 million) for unsettled midfielder Alex Scott in January after he refused to sign an extension to his contract, which expires in 2028. (Source: Sky Sports News)

It is a two-way battle between Chelsea and Liverpool for Scott. The Reds are also looking at Roma’s Manu Koné and Monaco’s Lamine Camara as potential alternatives. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Newcastle United have raised their asking price for Man Utd target Lewis Hall, who could now cost upwards of €100 million ($112 million). (Source: Flashscore)

Man Utd are ready to try and sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong once again and appear to be leading the race, with his €65 million ($73 million) asking price too high for rival suitors Juventus. (Source: Tutto Juve)

On the other hand, neither Man Utd nor Chelsea are prepared to advance their interest in De Jong amid concerns over his injury history. (Source: SPORT)

Arsenal are interested in signing Bayern Munich center back Kim Min-jae in January amid concerns over the injury to Piero Hincapié. (Source: Christian Falk)

Tottenham Hotspur will explore a move for Real Madrid center back Antonio Rüdiger at the end of the season when his contract expires. (Source: Football Insider)

Aston Villa are ready to rival Atlético Madrid and Juventus for the signature of Lyon midfielder Pavel Šulc. (Source: Tutto Juve)

La Liga

Barcelona are braced for the departure of midfielder Gavi and will look to replace him with Lucas Bergvall from Tottenham. (Source: El Nacional)

Real Madrid want to sell Vinícius Júnior in January. Arsenal remain interested in the struggling winger and are prepared to pay as much as €150 million ($168 million) to get a deal done. (Source: Fichajes)

Juventus will look to sign Real Madrid midfielder Bernardo Silva in January but could only pursue a loan deal and would need the Spanish side to continue paying part of his salary. (Source: TUTTOmercatoWEB)

Despite reports to the contrary, Bayern Munich have no interest in signing Barcelona right back Jules Koundé. (Source: Christian Falk)

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are chasing a deal for Tottenham right back Pedro Porro but face having to make him the most expensive player in his position of all time, with Spurs demanding over €75 million ($84 million) to authorize a fsale. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Barcelona are watching Lisandro Martínez’s situation at Man Utd closely as he approaches the final six months of his contract. (Source: Juan Jesus)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Real Madrid Push for Vinicius Jr Sale; Haaland Requests Man City Exit.

Premier League

Manchester United and Manchester City are among the two clubs vying for the signature of Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović, with the potential of a bid in excess of €100 million ($111.2 million) in the offing. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the market but Bayern have no intention to sell. (Source: Fussball News)

Frenkie de Jong has turned down interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea to prioritize his Barcelona future. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Versatile Juventu fullback Pierre Kalulu is on Liverpool’s shortlist of potential replacements for Jeremie Frimpong. (Source: TuttoMercatoWeb)

Brentford are demanding more than €70 million ($78.4 million) for Kevin Schade amid widespread interest across the Premier League. (Source: Sky Germany)

Despite his public outburst, Manchester United have no intention of hurriedly shunting Lisandro Martínez out of Old Trafford’s revolving door. However, the expectation is that he moves on this summer, when his contract expires. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Manchester United and Arsenal are keeping tabs on Newcastle United’s jet-heeled winger Bazoumana Touré after his promising start to life on Tyneside. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Liverpool are ramping up their interest in Mexican starlet Gilberto Mora. Club Tijuana have set an asking price of £30 million ($39.5 million), to make sure he would be the most expensive sale in Liga MX history. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Chelsea are one of several clubs sniffing around Philadelphia Union forward Malik Jakupovic, who also of interest to Borussia Dortmund. (Source: Sky Germany)

Tottenham Hotspur are continuing to consider a move for Real Madrid’s veteran center back Antonio Rüdiger. However, the defender’s most likely option would appear to be the Saudi Pro League. (Source: Football Insider)

Despite struggling for playing time, Alejandro Garnacho is targeting a permanent move to Aston Villa from Chelsea this summer. (Source: Flashscore)

Atlético Nacional midfielder Juan Manuel Rengifo has caught the eye of Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle. Bournemouth, Brentford and Crystal Palace are also in the mix. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Crystal Palace center back Jaydee Canvot would be open to a Selhurst Park exit if PSG are interested. (Source: Football Insider)

La Liga

After ruling out Galatasaray’s prolific frontman Victor Osimhen, Barcelona are prioritizing an approach for Bournemouth’s young gem Junior Kroupi. (Source: El Nacional)

Real Madrid are leading Barcelona in the race for Manchester United’s wantaway teenage star JJ Gabriel. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)

In an unexpected twist, Real Madrid could be in line to hijack Pedro Porro’s much anticipated move to Barcelona, where he is highly coveted by Lamine Yamal in particular. (Source: El Nacional)

Getafe have emerged as the leading contenders to usher former Manchester United, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho in from the wilderness. (Source: DAZN España)

In a blow to the likes of Real Madrid and several of the Premier League elite, Michael Olise is on the cusp of agreeing a new Bayern Munich contract. (Source: El Nacional)

MLS

Paul Pogba’s most likely destination is MLS, where D.C. United have been touted as potential suitors. Saudi Arabia is not considered a likely option. (Source: Daily Mail)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Man Utd’s $110 Million Bidding War; Real Madrid Hijack Yamal’s Dream Target.

Premier League

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have both emerged as suitors of Manchester United center back Leny Yoro. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Arsenal have joined the race to sign Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise as part of their pursuit of a new superstar forward. Liverpool, Real Madrid and PSG are all keen on the Frenchman. (Source: Fichajes)

Also in Arsenal’s sights is Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez. The Gunners are now believed to be leading the race for a player whose poor start to the season has seen his price tag drop down to €120 million ($134 million). (Source: SPORT)

Chelsea are ready to offer a “hefty” contract to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in January, having settled on the Dutchman as a replacement for Enzo Fernández. (Source: Football Insider)

Liverpool have concerns about signing Ronald Araújo permanently after his poor performance in the defeat to Manchester City. (Source: El Nacional)

Tottenham Hotspur right back Pedro Porro wants to return to Spain, where Barcelona are growing increasingly interested in his services. (Source: Fichajes)

Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham are among the many admirers of Benfica right back Daniel Banjaqui. The 18-year-old also has interest from Italy, Germany and Spain. (Source: 4-4-2)

Arsenal and Aston Villa are both ahead of Newcastle United in pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa. (Source: Football Insider)

Dinamo Zagreb striker Dion Beljo, 24, has played his way onto the radars of Everton, Man Utd and Tottenham ahead of the January transfer window. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Pumas UNAM are prepared to sell 24-year-old midfielder Pedro Vite, who has been the subject of an approach from Manchester City’s ownership group. (Source: Federción Postera)

La Liga

Scouts from both Barcelona and Real Madrid watched Man City striker Erling Haaland in action against Liverpool at the weekend. Barça were also checking up on loanee Ronald Araújo, while Madrid officials wanted a closer look at Reds midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz. (Source: TEAMtalk)

As well as Real Madrid, Wirtz is being followed by Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. (Source: Ekrem Konur)

Real Madrid have offered Jude Bellingham a new contract to try and fend off interest from Chelsea, who are “very keen” on the England international. (Source: indykaila)

PSG hope to sign Barcelona defender Eric García and are ready to pay upwards of €70 million ($78 million) to get a deal done. (Source: El Nacional)

Real Madrid are showing strong interest in signing Borussia Dortmund center back Nico Schlotterbeck, who is also being chased by Liverpool and Man Utd. (Source: fussball-news)

As Real Madrid prepare for the eventual departure of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, they have shown interest in Arsenal’s David Raya, Porto’s Diogo Costa and Toulouse’s Guillaume Restes. (Source: Fichajes)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Chelsea Eye Bellingham; Arsenal Join Olise Race.

Many have been left wondering whether there is even any point to going ahead with a season that is being played out amid perhaps the biggest controversy the Premier League has ever seen. Having been found guilty of a significant number of financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018, City are potentially facing a seismic punishment that could alter the landscape of the English game as we know it.

As it stands, no punishment has been handed out, with City appealing the verdict and repeatedly proclaiming confidence that their innocence will soon be proven. It has left the Premier League in limbo, but teams do actually have the power to force through the harshest of punishments—expulsion from the division.

Per Rule B6 of the Premier League’s regulations: “The League may expel a Club from membership upon a special Resolution to that effect being passed by a majority of not less than three-quarters of such members as (being entitled to do so) vote by their representatives or by proxy at a General Meeting of which notice specifying the intention to propose the Resolution has been duly given.”

Simply put, that means a total of 15 clubs could come together and vote to kick City out of the competition immediately. According to The Independent, such conversations have already been held among a number of club executives.

“This is a farce that will lead to protest, damage to the integrity and reputation of the competition, and possibly even violence,” one is quoted as saying. “The board has a duty at law to its shareholders to protect, enhance and promote the interests of the Premier League.”

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH SI FC’S QUICKFIRE PREMIER LEAGUE QUIZZES

• 3 Minute Quiz: Name Every Premier League Winning Team, Including Two Surprise Champions

• 2 Minute Quiz: Name the 10 Most Expensive Premier League Summer Signings of 2026

• 1 Minute Quiz: Name the Premier League Golden Boot Winners of the 2020s

Could Man City Actually Be Suspended?

By the letter of the Premier League’s law, it is possible that City could be kicked out of the Premier League if enough clubs believe it would be in the competition’s best interests. After all, that is exactly why the rule exists.

That being said, it is recognized that such a push would almost certainly fail in the current circumstances.

While City await the outcome of their appeal, it is expected that any legal challenge of a hypothetical expulsion would be successful, which would only increase the uncertainty and the tension surrounding the current situation.

Executives are, however, continuing to push for immediate action against City, with many believing the season cannot be allowed to continue on its current trajectory.

The deadline for a final verdict on City’s appeal is Jan. 23, 2027. Given the extended length of the initial case, there is every reason to believe things will take right up until the final second of that window.

That date is currently marked for an away trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on what would be the 22nd match of City’s Premier League season, one week before title rivals Arsenal are due to visit the Etihad.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as How Man City Could Be Immediately Suspended Before Appeal Verdict.

Manchester City currently lead the division with a faultless record from the first six games of the season, but what good will that do them if the independent commission dolls out a swingeing points deduction?

The tangible reward for City’s second-half romp through a crumbling Liverpool could soon be erased, but the quality of their performance, that strike from Erling Haaland, the ingenuity of Rayan Cherki, is crystallized in the moment.

On these shifting sands, everyone has to hold onto the few certainties there are.

Ranking Criteria

• Performance: This is the crux of the exercise: How well did each team play when considering the flow of a game divorced from the final score. If it was simply a judgement of scoreboard statistics you may as well go straight to the table.
• Expectations: Not all results are equal. Teams that upset the odds with their display are rewarded more favorably.
• Venue: As the behind-closed-doors season of 2020–21 proved, playing in front of your home fans is a huge advantage, so any away results are given a little extra bonus.

20. Sunderland (2–0 Loss vs. Brighton)

Any team stripped of their top scorer and talismanic defender is going to suffer but Régis Le Bris was rightly concerned by Sunderland’s distinct lack of “quality or composure” in possession. The Black Cats had 62% of the ball against a team so used to being the protagonist but came up short of ideas without Brian Brobbey to look for.

19. Bournemouth (5–1 Loss vs. Chelsea)

Bournemouth have played better than their meager points total of three, but they were never in danger of earning that elusive first win under Marco Rose at Stamford Bridge.

“The last games we had some good performances,” the incoming manager admitted, “but today we struggled.”

18. Man Utd (1–1 Draw vs. Tottenham)

If this was a clip from the Bundesliga it'd have 50k likes. pic.twitter.com/23QX4zKhlM

— Marc Geschwind (@MarcGeschwind) October 10, 2026

Manchester United have so many problems that people can get bogged down by the irrelevant ones.

Rather than running statistics, Michael Carrick would be wise to dwell on how his collection of players (or strangers?) can look so woefully exposed against a Tottenham Hotspur side that started the game in 20th.

Old Trafford has been a far more forgiving atmosphere than most grounds throughout the club’s 13 years of angst since Sir Alex Ferguson but even match-going fans are starting to lose their patience. Carrick has no defense, in a metaphorical or literal sense. “I understand the disappointment,” he shrugged, “the reality is what it is.”

17. Fulham (2–1 Loss vs. Ipswich)

“Maybe you don’t know me,” an increasingly prickly Álvaro Arbeloa put it to a journalist this weekend, “but I played for the best team in world. I have coached the best team in the world. Maybe you don’t know, but just to let you know, that pressure is part of my life since I was a kid.”

The former Real Madrid player and manager (for all of four months) is being subjected to a torrent of deserved pressure after another listless display and more dropped points.

16. Newcastle (4–1 Loss vs. Coventry)

Another Monday night and another 4–1 thumping. Matthias Jaissle could be forgiven for channeling The Boomtown Rats but Newcastle’s hefty reverse against Coventry City was nowhere near as damning as their implosion at the hands of Leeds United in September.

For large swathes of the weeknight clash, the Magpies had Coventry City on the ropes, creating a glut of chances they found creative ways to spurn. “The result is not what happened in the game,” Nico González fairly claimed. Yet, the backdoor was constantly left open during Newcastle’s attacking raids and the newly promoted hosts were in ruthless mood.

15. Liverpool (3–0 Loss vs. Man City)

Putting aside the mental gymnastics of what this result means in the grand context of the Premier League’s existence, this was an excellent game decided by the referee—as Andoni Iraola has been at pains to point out.

For all Liverpool’s promise across that opening hour of numerical parity, the extent to which the Reds collapsed after Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal cannot get lost in the fog of another refereeing controversy. Liverpool may have only had 10 players but they still collectively completed fewer passes than Cherki managed on his own across those final 30 minutes.

14. Crystal Palace (3–1 Win vs. Nottingham Forest)

Another day at the office for Walter 😅 pic.twitter.com/LbP6mXgI2Z

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) October 12, 2026

Despite getting royally outplayed by their visitors, Crystal Palace’s players were still given a reward by the forgiving Pierre Sage. Sunday’s win ensured that they could have Monday off, sparking very loud festivities bursting out the locker room. Considering the roster were initially facing just a single rest day throughout the entirety of a busy October, some celebration is understandable—even if it wasn’t deserved.

13. Everton (2–2 Draw vs. Hull)

https://t.co/IrHjItUkMl pic.twitter.com/egGdiN5hTx

— Everton (@Everton) October 12, 2026

One of the old clichés that David Moyes has fallen upon one or two times during his 1,202 matches of management is the need for a team to be at their best in both boxes.

Well, Everton were guilty of two defensive blunders while Thierno Barry missed even more chances in the attacking penalty area. Against that backdrop, it’s impressive the Toffees were able to emerge with any points.

12. Hull (2–2 Draw vs. Everton)

Some finish from Mo! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/RDHkGJ08Hr

— Hull City (@HullCity) October 12, 2026

Hull haven’t been declawed just yet. The Tigers have bolstered an unexpectedly bright start in the Premier League’s glamor ties with the kind of dogged battles for points which could be enough to evade a relegation the vast majority had predicted.

Sergej Jakirović captured the mood of one point well earned on Sunday when he concluded: “Congratulations to both teams.”

11. Aston Villa (2–2 Draw vs. Brentford)

Come for the goal, stay for John McGinn’s celebration 😅 pic.twitter.com/X8vYwvnaLf

— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) October 10, 2026

Things are tentatively crawling in the right direction for Aston Villa, even if the sort of form which propelled them to fourth place last season is still some way off. As Unai Emery tellingly admitted: “We need to build the team.” Some vague semblance of structure looked a little clearer on Saturday.

10. Brentford (2–2 Draw vs. Aston Villa)

Frame by Frame of Kris Ajer 📷 pic.twitter.com/jDx14bCGmx

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) October 11, 2026

“You’re unhappy. I’m unhappy too,” Larry David lamented in season four of Curb Your Enthusiasm. “Have you heard of Henry Clay? He was the Great Compromiser. A good compromise is when both parties are dissatisfied, and I think that’s what we have here.”

Brentford’s 2–2 draw fit the bill of an ultimate compromise. Keith Andrews was left to fret over the sluggishness of his returning internationals while Emery was tearing his immaculately gelled hair out at the sight of his side’s lax rearguard action.

9. Tottenham (1–1 Draw vs. Man Utd)

Roberto De Zerbi may have taken heart from Rodrigo Bentancur’s headbutt, yet there were some more orthodox positives washing around Tottenham’s 1–1 draw at Old Trafford.

On another day—perhaps in another season untainted by the club’s current crisis of confidence—Spurs would have long since put the contest to bed before Bryan Mbeumo’s unexpected opener. Dominic Solanke snatched a draw in stoppage time to secure Tottenham the very least they deserved.

8. Nottingham Forest (3–1 Loss vs. Crystal Palace)

Funniest thing this season. Liam Delap is hilarious. pic.twitter.com/NFbSxqMMrg

— Kris Rose-Peters (@danny_rose_p) October 11, 2026

Oliver Glasner came away from Selhurst Park being applauded by both sets of fans. The former Crystal Palace manager had little reason to clap himself after watching his Nottingham Forest side do everything but score.

The visitors had eight of what Opta define as “Big Chances.” Seven were squandered, none more impressively than Liam Delap’s point-blank range close-your-eyes-smash.

The fates had conspired against Forest to such an extent Glasner tied himself in knots while trying to assign blame. “Today it looks like it is just me who is responsible for this,” he shrugged, “call it karma or whatever but it was like I didn’t deserve to win at Selhurst Park because the players did everything.”

7. Ipswich (2–1 Win vs. Fulham)

What it means. 💙 pic.twitter.com/EqFd5DOxOd

— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) October 11, 2026

Ipswich only led for five minutes of stoppage time but they were the better team for the vast majority of Saturday’s clash with Fulham. “We were in control,” Gary O’Neil fairly surmised. “The players were excellent and deserve a lot of credit.”

6. Arsenal (2–1 Win vs. Leeds)

This was a lesson in the bare minimum. Arsenal groggily rose from their slumber for barely 15 minutes of Saturday’s lunchtime kickoff and managed to emerge with three points against a spirited Leeds.

Is that the sign of champions—winning while playing poorly—or a grim portent of what is to come? All’s well that ends well? The coming weeks will tell.

5. Coventry (4–1 Win vs. Newcastle)

Our first ever @PremierLeague win at the @CBSArena. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/u4OkZl6gRx

— Coventry City (@CoventryCityFC) October 12, 2026

“It’s so hard to win,” Frank Lampard reflected at fulltime of Coventry City’s first Premier League home victory in a quarter of a century. It is a lot easier to pick up three points when you score four stunning goals from just six shots on target and a combined xG of 1.43.

4. Chelsea (5–1 Win vs. Bournemouth)

“When you put it in the corner, which corner are we celebrating in?” Cole Palmer turned to ask Jordan Henderson as Chelsea lined up a free kick against Bournemouth. “Just that one to the right, there,” Henderson replied before stuffing his second goal of a staggering afternoon beyond the dive of Djordje Petrović.

Chelsea have developed a slightly concerning habit of letting the opposition back into a game once taking the lead (invariably inside the opening seconds of kickoff), but when Xabi Alonso’s fearsome front three is complemented by the renaissance of a reborn 36-year-old, there can’t be too many complaints.

3. Man City (3–0 Win vs. Liverpool)

Rayan Cherki plays for the love of the game. pic.twitter.com/UUtf6GjE18

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) October 11, 2026

In the face of hostility, Enzo Maresca turned to what he trusts most: control. Manchester City managed to survive a shaky start and had already started to inch in front of their energetic hosts before Gravenberch’s red card paved the way for a procession.

Whether it was an act of defiance or futility can only be decided in the court room. On the pitch, City showed precisely how good you can be after almost a decade of fiddling the finances.

2. Leeds (2–1 Loss vs. Arsenal)

👏 Thank you for your terrific support as always, Leeds fans! Have a safe journey back home and we’ll see you on Sunday at Elland Road! pic.twitter.com/ZzicvMXbJf

— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 10, 2026

Daniel Farke described himself as “heartbroken” to emerge from the Emirates without anything to show for outplaying Arsenal on their own patch. It’s a forgivable reaction considering the quality and consideration of Leeds’ performance against a side Farke hailed as “the best team in Europe.”

Leeds struck a brilliant balance between aggression and cohesion, laying a series of traps in which the champions repeatedly fell. Arsenal only salvaged a win with a brief burst of excellence that stretches far beyond the remit of what Leeds’ budget should be able to withstand.

1. Brighton (2–0 Win vs. Sunderland)

😛💙 pic.twitter.com/QXTQfe6twv

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@BHAFC) October 12, 2026

Brighton are collecting new ways to win. The Seagulls have suffocated opponents with a blistering press, ruthlessly exploited weakened teams and overwhelmed opposition with a remorseless monopoly of the ball.

Fabian Hürzeler added a new string to his bow on Saturday, orchestrating a classic smash-and-grab despite being reduced to 10 men with almost the entire second half still to play.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Ranking All 20 Premier League Teams’ Performances on Matchday 6.

Premier League

Manchester United officials have regrets over the signings of midfield duo Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, instead wishing they had completed deals for Atalanta’s Éderson and Newcastle United left back Lewis Hall. (Source: The Sun)

Back in Man Utd’s sights is Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with the Spanish side prepared to demand over €60 million ($67 million) to sell the Dutchman. (Source: El Nacional)

Man Utd also have interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović, but it is Manchester City who are looking to move ahead in the race for his signature with plans to bid around €100 million ($112 million). (Source: fussball-news)

Chelsea are growing in confidence that they will be able to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in the January transfer window. The Blues are prepared to meet his price tag of £100 million ($132 million). (Source: TEAMtalk)

Leaving Chelsea could be right back Malo Gusto. The Blues are prepared to soften their stance on selling amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain. (Source: Sacha Tavolieri)

Liverpool still have concerns about their future without Mohamed Salah and want to make Porto forward William Gomes their big-money signing in January, although he could cost as much as €100 million ($112 million). (Source: A BOLA)

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Arsenal are ready to listen to offers for striker Viktor Gyökeres, but their asking price of €60 million ($67 million) is too much for Juventus. (Source: Tutto Juve)

Gunners captain Martin Ødegaard has urged Arsenal to win the race for RB Leipzig winger, and fellow Norway international, Antonio Nusa. (Source: Football Insider)

With a deal for Cavan Sullivan wrapped up, Man City are looking at another USMNT youngster, with Borussia Dortmund forward Mathis Albert the subject of a summer approach. (Source: GOAL)

Amid concerns over the fitness of striker Benjamin Šeško, Man Utd manager Michael Carrick is ready to block Joshua Zirkzee’s potential exit in January. (Source: Flashscore)

Liverpool are considering a move for Barcelona left back Alejandro Balde in January but may face competition from both Benfica and Man Utd. (Source: El Nacional)

Everton have moved ahead of both Aston Villa and Leeds United in pursuit of 26-year-old Rennes striker Estéban Lepaul. (Source: TEAMtalk)

La Liga

Napoli are ready to pay €40 million ($45 million) to sign Barcelona midfielder Gavi, who is no longer seen as untouchable at Camp Nou. (Source: El Nacional)

Real Madrid have added Brighton & Hove Albion center back Luka Vušković to their list of targets ahead of the 2027 summer transfer window. (Source: Bernabeu Digital)

Officials from Real Madrid have informed Man Utd of their intention to sign 16-year-old JJ Gabriel as he approaches the end of his contract at Old Trafford. (Source: AS)

Barcelona have reached an agreement to extend the contract of 19-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal amid reports of interest from Liverpool. (Source: Mundo Deportivo)

Atlético Madrid could strike a deal to sign free agent winger Riyad Mahrez following his departure from Al Ahli. (Source: Fichajes)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Man Utd Back for De Jong; Arsenal Want Gyokeres Sale.

Premier League

Erling Haaland has his heart set on a “dream” move to Barcelona, with Catalonia his preferred Manchester City exit route thanks to the allure of playing with Lamine Yamal. Barcelona expect to pull off the deal for far less than his €175 million ($196.1 million) buyout clause. (Source: El Nacional)

Doubts over the future of Leny Yoro have convinced Manchester United to consider offers for the France international. (Source: Football Insider)

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid target, Alex Scott, has now landed on the radar of AC Milan. (Source: TuttoMercatoWeb)

Manchester United are part of the pack chasing after Atlético Madrid forward Giuliano Simeone, who can also count Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur among his admirers. (Source: TEAMtalk)

The impressive performances of Morgan Rogers could convince Chelsea to offload the lesser spotted Jamie Gittens next year. Roma have been tipped as a potential suitor. (Source: Football Transfers)

Rangers will face competition from a host of unnamed Premier League clubs in the battle to secure the services of Arsenal’s young gem Max Dowman. (Source: Football Insider)

Alongside an impeding agreement for Declan Rice, Arsenal are also expected to seal new contracts for Jurriën Timber and Martin Ødegaard. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Chelsea are unwilling to pay the €70 million ($78.3 million) which Monaco are demanding for Lamine Camara. (Source: GOAL)

Newcastle United are vying with Arsenal for the signature of RB Leipzig’s fleet-footed forward Antonio Nusa. (Source: Football Insider)

Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul has been heavily linked with a move to Everton amid competing interest from Aston Villa and Leeds United. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Unfazed by their ongoing legal battle with the Premier League, Manchester City have made an approach for Borussia Dortmund’s U.S. prodigy Mathis Albert. (Source: GOAL)

Everton are also interested in a January move for Bayer Leverkusen’s center forward Christian Kofane. (Source: Football Insider)

La Liga

None of Aston Villa, Liverpool or Manchester United are willing to pay the €40 million ($44.8 million) asking price Barcelona are demanding for Alejandro Balde. (Source: El Nacional)

Barcelona have got U.S. men’s national team record breaker Cavan Sullivan on their list of youthful targets. The Philadelphia Union phenom already has a pre-agreement to join Manchester City, though that could be scuppered by Barça’s interest and the Premier League charges facing the Etihad outfit. (Source: SPORT)

Real Madrid chiefly admire Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, although it would take in excess of €100 million ($111.9 million) to lure the England international away from south London. (Source: DefensaCentral)

Bayern Munich are willing to offer as much as €90 million ($100.9 million) for Barcelona playmaker Dani Olmo, who is not for sale for any price. (Source: El Nacional)

Raúl Asencio will be put on the transfer list once he recovers from surgery in 2027. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)

In the face of interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, Barcelona have set Xavi Espart’s asking price at €80 million ($89.6 million). (Source: Fichajes)

If Pedro Porro is to leave Tottenham for Barcelona, the Catalans will have to raise €50 million ($56 million) in sales. (Source: El Nacional)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Haaland Swayed by Yamal; Barcelona Eye USMNT’s Sullivan.

Manchester City’s most convincing voice won the hearts and minds of supporters reeling from the seismic Premier League verdict before thrashing in the opening goal of Sunday’s win over Liverpool. Rather than focusing on the clash of flesh which he had just endured, Haaland tellingly called the contest a “mental battle.”

Until City’s appeal is heard and a punishment is dished out, every Premier League match involving the club lambasted as a “sham” by their own competition will require some mental gymnastics. The meeting between Liverpool and City was rightly billed as the most important game of the weekend but if the Etihad outfit are deducted enough points to guarantee relegation, it will have been an entirely meaningless endeavor.

In light of the few certainties which exist in this legal limbo, there is always Opta’s supercomputer to turn to.

Supercomputer Predicts 2026–27 Premier League Title Winner

In a world where City aren’t sanctioned—the reality which the club’s owners refuse to leave—Arsenal still remain favorites to claim a second successive Premier League, but only just. The Gunners labored to a win against Leeds United on Saturday which still left them three points adrift of Enzo Maresca’s faultless leaders by the weekend’s finish. Mikel Arteta has a formidable roster of talent, but City aren’t exactly short of star power themselves—and still will be thanks to the lack of relegation clauses in players’ contracts.

Remarkably, Brighton & Hove Albion are third favorites to win the Premier League title. The Seagulls dismantled Arsenal before the international break and returned from the three-week hiatus to claim a fourth win from six top-flight fixtures. They also dumped Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup.

However, Fabian Hürzeler is keen to avoid getting ahead of himself. “Maybe I sound a little old school now but there’s an old phrase: Defense wins championships—and we’re not speaking about championships,” he quickly interjected, “don’t get me wrong, but defense wins also games.”

Chelsea could do with learning that lesson. Xabi Alonso’s free-wheeling entertainers haven’t kept a Premier League clean sheet since January.

Supercomputer Predicts 2026–27 Champions League Race

Once again, any sporting sanction for Manchester City will surely disrupt the race for Champions League qualification. Yet, at this point in time there would appear to be a clear top four, with Liverpool ranked as one of the likeliest European qualifiers despite their teething problems under Andoni Iraola.

Manchester United, by contrast, have a long road ahead if continental competition is to be on the cards next season. The Red Devils have made their worst start to a league season in 40 years. They would finish that campaign with the club’s greatest ever manager at the helm but even Sir Alex Ferguson could only oversee an 11th-place finish.

The likes of Brentford, Everton and Newcastle United habor lofty dreams of their own after making strong starts. The Bees appear best-placed to mount the strongest challenge, while Everton and Newcastle may struggle to maintain their form with such thin squads.

Supercomputer Predicts 2026–27 Premier League Relegation Battle

Hull City and Ipswich Town have the same points as Liverpool after six games of the new season. The two freshly promoted clubs are still focused on survival but it’s been an encouraging start to life back in the top flight. The same cannot be said of Coventry City, even if Frank Lampard’s side did end a 25-year wait for a Premier League win before the international break.

Tottenham Hotspur are still waiting for that sweet taste of victory, but at least Roberto De Zerbi’s side are predicted to avoid relegation. It’s a testament to the new realities of N17 that the manager can take heart from his midfielder heatbutting an opponent simply because it shows some character. Spurs will have to balance that fight with some finesse if they are to fulfill the supercomputer’s prediction.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Supercomputer Predicts Premier League Table As Man City Send Arsenal Title Statement.

Premier League

Chelsea continue to track Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz and would consider reuniting him with manager Xabi Alonso if the Reds choose to entertain offers for the Germany international. (Source: Mark Brus)

While AC Milan lead the race to sign Real Madrid striker Endrick in January, Manchester United are currently posing the biggest threat among Premier League suitors. (Source: Juan Jesus)

Bayern Munich left back Alphonso Davies has emerged as a target for a number of sides across Europe. In England, the Canada international is being watched by Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Man Utd, while Real Madrid and Barcelona are also tracking Davies. (Source: fussball-news)

Joshua Zirkzee has approved a return to Serie A as he prepares to leave Man Utd. Juventus are keen but Napoli are hoping to use former Red Devils Rasmus Højlund and Scott McTominay to sway the striker. (Source: AreaNapoli)

Chelsea are readying a bid of €100 million ($112 million) to sign Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool. (Source: 4-4-2)

Man City left back Rayan Aït-Nouri is looking to end the downward spiral of his career at both club and international level, and has changed agent in anticipation of a departure from the Etihad Stadium. (Source: DZ Foot)

Inter Milan’s Andy Diouf, a natural midfielder who has been converted to wingback in Italy, has emerged as a target for Chelsea, while both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain officials were impressed by his recent France debut. (Source: El Nacional)

Hull City have joined Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of Beşiktaş striker Oh Hyeon-gyu. (Source: Takvim via Sport Witness)

Aston Villa are ready to pay around €20 million ($22 million) to sign Athletico Paranaense striker Kevin Viveros. (Source: RTI Esporte)

During a scouting trip to watch Roma right back Wesley, officials from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd and Tottenham were all captivated by his understudy, 19-year-old Emanuele Lulli. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are locked in a £60 million ($79 million) battle for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa. (Source: Football Insider)

La Liga

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is becoming increasingly interested in a move for Man Utd striker Benjamin Šeško. (Source: El Nacional)

Atlético Madrid are prepared to battle Galatasaray for the signature of Man Utd midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who is also being followed by AC Milan and Juventus as he approaches the final six months of his current contract. (Source: Fichajes)

Real Madrid are ready to meet the demands of 16-year-old Man Utd sensation JJ Gabriel in order to fend off competition from across Europe. (Source: Bernabéu Digital)

If an offer of €80 million ($90 million) arrives from Bayern Munich, Barcelona would consider selling midfielder Dani Olmo and replacing him with a cheaper alternative, perhaps João Félix of Al Nassr. (Source: The Touchline)

Real Madrid are divided over a possible move for Stuttgart center back Finn Jeltsch, with some inside the club believing a more experienced defender is needed. (Source: Jorge C. Picón)

Fenerbahçe are battling Juventus for the signature of Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz in the January transfer window. (Source: Fotomaç)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: La Liga Giants Want Fernandes; Man Utd Plot Endrick Move.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain talent, unlikely to be back playing for Spurs until February 2027 at the earliest, is now a Harvard student, having been accepted onto Harvard Business School’s Crossover Into Business Program.

It describes itself as a “semester-long program in which professional athletes develop their business acumen by working with MBA student mentors.”

“Built” with professional athletes in mind, the program promises to make them “better prepared for business activities during and after their active sports careers.” The mentors “empower them to make better business decisions, all in a way that fits the athletes’ busy lives.”

Like a true business person, Simons used LinkedIn as his platform of choice to announce this.

“I’m going back to school,” he said. “During my recovery, I’ve been trying to use my time in the best way possible. Football is still my main focus, but I also want to keep learning and improving away from the pitch. I’m happy to share that I’ve been accepted onto the Crossover Into Business Program at Harvard Business School.”

The Netherlands international was forced to miss the 2026 World Cup because of his knee injury but has still spent time on both coasts of the United States—including Boston, where he linked up with Dutch-American economist and HBS professor Anita Elberse.

“We first met during my time at FC Barcelona, and later again at Paris Saint-Germain. We’ve stayed in touch over the years, so it was great to see her again and visit Harvard while I was in Boston,” Simons said. “Getting back on the pitch is still my number one priority. At the same time, I want to use this period to keep learning and invest in myself beyond football.”

Harvard lists all manner of professional athletes who have taken the Crossover Into Business Program. Simons is by no means a lone representative from the sport of soccer, but the graduate carrying the flag is 11-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion Chris Bosh. Indeed, the program was originally launched nine years ago in partnership with the NBA.

What Career Can Xavi Simons Have After Soccer?

A lot of professional soccer players who retire stay in the sport as coaches or managers. That will be an option for Simons, too, but he seems to be looking higher.

The 23-year-old said he has “always been interested in more than just football” and wants to “understand the business side of the game better, learn from people in different industries and keep developing as a person.”

Some ex-professionals do go down the soccer business route. Simons’s fellow Dutchman, Edwin van der Sar, did exactly that. He joined Ajax as marketing director in 2012 and was promoted to CEO in 2016, going on to oversee the club’s Champions League resurgence.

David Beckham is arguably as well known for his post-playing business career as what he did on the field, becoming a club owner when he co-founded Inter Miami in 2018. He also recently made history in 2026 as the U.K.’s first billionaire sportsman.

Ex-Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique, meanwhile, is building a multi-club empire with teams in Spain’s soccer pyramid and has other business interests in sports and media.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Invest in Myself’—The Premier League Player Accepted into Harvard.

It’s a battle of the crisis clubs, as Michael Carrick’s 12th-placed Red Devils welcome Roberto De Zerbi’s bottom-of-the-table Lilywhites.

These two have struggled to escape mediocrity and outright incompetence for much of their recent histories, even if Man Utd haven’t yet sunk to the depths Spurs flirted with last term.

But there’s a sense that the Red Devils, after the highs overseen by Carrick during the second half of last season, are merely in the midst of an all-too-familiar cycle that will ultimately end with another manager losing their job.

As for Spurs ... well, they just want something to cling on to.

Is Carrick’s Job Seriously Under Threat?

Carrick was robust in his response to talk of his potential firing before the break, labeling it “nonsense.” But that came before Man Utd’s draw at Craven Cottage, an indifferent display barely salvaged by Matheus Cunha’s late deflected strike.

It was a performance that drew fierce, hyperbolic criticism from prominent Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who said Man Utd’s early second-half performance against Fulham was the “worst 15 minutes” he’d seen from any Red Devils outfit.

Neville’s slander was predicated on the lack of effort and intensity shown by Carrick’s players, decrying their dynamism while they sat in a zonal 4-4-2 mid-block. But Man Utd’s walking out of possession is instructed. Carrick’s zagging, with an absence of man-to-man, while the rest of the division zigs with high-octane affairs predicated on out-dueling and outrunning the opposition.

And as Michael Cox pointed out in an article for The Athletic, league leaders Man City sit alongside the Red Devils with the joint-fewest high-speed runs and sprints. Liverpool and City have also covered less ground than United through five games. More running doesn’t equate to an improved performance.

Still, the role Neville and Co. play in shaping public opinion shouldn’t go unnoticed. They’re remarkably influential. Although plenty suggested Neville’s criticism was over the top, such comments can sow seeds of discontent, perhaps indirectly.

The modern-day manager has such a short shelf life, with results demanded from the outset. Clubs are desperate for their Jürgen Klopp or Mikel Arteta equivalent, but are so often unwilling to let the project marinate. We’re all so impatient.

And the job Carrick has taken on condemns him to win. "This is Manchester United Football Club we’re talking about here." His excellent work as interim manager was predicated on a common-sense approach that allowed United’s best player, Bruno Fernandes, to flourish. He didn’t reinvent the wheel, and nobody should ask him to either. It worked! No Premier League team earned more points last season after Carrick’s arrival than the Red Devils.

Ultimately, he’s a victim of heightened expectations that are perhaps unjust, no matter the size of the institution he currently leads. His first full season at the helm was always going to bring about stiffer challenges with extra games, having benefited from free midweeks during the second half of last season.

INEOS rebuilt his midfield astutely, but was enough done in the summer to compete fiercely on multiple fronts? There are holes in defense, and Carrick is struggling to find the right attacking balance in the absence of Benjamin Šeško.

New issues are seemingly cropping up with each passing week, but Carrick has earned the right to be given the chance to fix them. Defeat here, though, and there’s no doubt that Eddie Howe, masquerading as the Grim Reaper, will feel as if it’s time to start knocking on the Manchester United manager’s door.

When Will Spurs’ Season Ignite?

Ange Postecoglou may have provided one of the best moments in Spurs’ modern history, but at what cost? By sacrificing Premier League results in favor of Europa League prioritization, he paradoxically desensitized a club to losing. It became habitual.

The decision to part ways in the aftermath of Bilbao, ushering in Thomas Frank, proved horribly erroneous, yet plenty at the time understood why such a course of action was taken. Postecoglou was unlikely to ever build something long-term, even if he was one of the very few managers who seemingly understood what it meant to lead Tottenham Hotspur.

The extent of their demise last season meant an under-pressure and unpopular hierarchy felt they had no choice but to hand Roberto De Zerbi the keys. It took a mammoth salary and a guarantee of borderline total control for the Italian to take the job on, but it did pay off. Spurs remain a Premier League club as a result.

Yet by dancing with the combustible De Zerbi, questions have resurfaced regarding Spurs’ long-term outlook.

Desperate to rid themselves of last season’s horrors, a record amount was spent reshaping De Zerbi’s roster, supposedly in his image. Expectations skyrocketed, with absolutely no one foreshadowing a campaign similar to last. “They’ve got too many good players,” optimists have said.

That might be true, but De Zerbi’s profiling of new arrivals has proved detrimental so far. Mateus Fernandes is no No. 10, and he’s unlikely to get the best out of Omar Marmoush down the left.

They’ve offered promise between the boxes, but it’s at both ends of the pitch where Spurs have suffered. They didn’t score their first Premier League goals of the season until Matchday 4, by which point De Zerbi’s side were 3–0 behind to an Aston Villa side boasting a new core.

Underlying numbers at least point toward progress. Spurs haven’t been as bad as the table suggests. Based on FotMob’s expected points table, the Lilywhites should be four points better off in 15th. It’s hardly where they want to be, yet it does point toward a semblance of misfortune.

De Zerbi said after his team exited the Carabao Cup at Anfield that he’s still waiting for his expensive, new-look team to “click,” and there is a sense that once a couple of pieces fall into place, Spurs will find their groove.

However, trips to Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge represent a daunting October, and should the woes that plagued their first month of the season persist, there’s no doubt that supporters will fear a repeat of last season’s descent toward the abyss.

The unwavering faith in the manager that so many possessed at the end of May will be put to the test, that’s for sure.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Man Utd vs. Tottenham: High-Pressure Fixture Could Shape the Season.

Saturday’s clash sees the underwhelming Red Devils take on the Premier League’s basement dwellers, with Spurs notching just a couple of points through five matches. Their first league goals of the season didn’t arrive until Aston Villa rocked up in N17 before the break, but they found themselves 3–0 behind before their late surge.

The underlying numbers suggest Roberto De Zerbi isn’t far away from getting things to “click,” having overseen a major rebuild in the summer with a record amount splashed on 10 fresh faces.

The drastic overhaul after last season’s frightening relegation flirt heightened expectations heading into the campaign, and Spurs, like Saturday’s hosts, are yet to deliver.

No Premier League team earned more points than Manchester United after Michael Carrick arrived on an interim basis last term, with their ascent during the second half of the campaign earning them a return to the Champions League.

However, it’s been a struggle since Carrick took the job on full time. The Red Devils have already exited the Carabao Cup and earned just one league win—a 5–2 rout of the newly promoted Ipswich Town. Before the break, United lost to a 10-man Manchester City in the derby and needed a late deflected strike from Matheus Cunha to salvage a point at Fulham, who were then rooted to the foot of the table.

Man Utd vs. Tottenham Prediction

Pressure Eases on Carrick

The two managers’ jobs aren’t quite on the line yet, but both are certainly feeling the heat. Carrick laughed off sack talk before the break, while De Zerbi still has the goodwill of the Tottenham fanbase after saving the club from relegation last season.

Still, the malaise cannot persist. For United, Saturday’s clash is the start of a hectic run before the end of October, with five games scheduled in 18 days. Given their indifferent opening to the new campaign, it feels like a pivotal month for the Red Devils.

And this is a fixture that hasn’t been too kind to them as of late. There’s been a lack of “Lads, it’s Tottenham” talk in Manchester, with Spurs enjoying an eight-game unbeaten run before United claimed a 2–0 victory earlier this year.

The Lilywhites have no reason to fear a trip to the Theatre of Dreams, and victory here would surely ignite a season that’s yet to get off the ground.

• Not-so-happy hunting ground: While Spurs have had recent success at Old Trafford, supporters have grown familiar with tasting defeat in this fixture. In fact, they have lost 25 Premier League away games against Man Utd; only Everton (26 at Arsenal) have lost more on the road against one opponent.
• Bryan Mbeumo’s record: Benjamin Šeško’s absence means Mbeumo will likely be stationed out wide, which hasn’t exactly borne fruit this season. However, the Cameroonian international loves playing against Spurs. He’s scored six times in 10 outings against the Lilywhites—the joint-most against a single opponent.
• Spurs‘ scoring woes: There’s reason to believe that Spurs will eventually improve under De Zerbi, but the Italian is still without a reliable goalscorer and is operating without a natural No. 10. According to Opta, their 2.82% shot conversion rate is the second-lowest in the division, and their xG (5.00) is the third-lowest. They’re enjoying bright bursts in games, particularly to start, but aren’t creating high-quality chances and cannot play from behind.

Prediction: Man Utd 3–1 Tottenham

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham

There have been a couple of concerning injury updates out of Manchester after the three-week break.

Carrick has confirmed that Patrick Dorgu, who missed a sustained period due to a hamstring injury last season, will spend another spell on the sidelines this month. The Man Utd boss also revealed that Noussair Mazraoui and Benjamin Šeško won’t be ready for Saturday’s game.

Šeško was among those who withdrew from international duty, but there’s more hope surrounding England duo Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford. Amad Diallo is also closing in on a comeback, while Carlos Baleba is set to make his debut for the club.

With Šeško absent, Matheus Cunha will likely lead United’s attack.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Baleba, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha.

Tottenham Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd

Tottenham escaped the international break relatively unscathed on the injury front, with De Zerbi confirming that Dutch defensive duo Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven are available for the trip to Old Trafford.

Van Hecke withdrew from Xavi Hernández’s Oranje camp with a foot injury, while Van de Ven has been dealing with a hand problem.

Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski will travel with the group, but neither are playing a part. Porro sustained a hamstring injury before the break, and Kulusevski is edging closer to a long-awaited comeback. The Swede has been out of action since May 2025, yet remarkably, he’s still started a Premier League match more recently than James Maddison.

The English No. 10 missed the bulk of last season with an ACL tear, and is being carefully managed at the start of 2026–27. De Zerbi said he suffered another fitness setback during the break but is still expected to feature at the Theatre of Dreams.

Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Mykhailo Mudryk are sidelined for the visitors.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Fernandes, Tonali; Sávio, Gallagher, Marmoush; Solanke.

What Time Does Man Utd vs. Tottenham Kick Off?

• Location: Manchester, England
• Stadium: Old Trafford
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Stuart Attwell
• VAR: Jarred Gillett

How to Watch Man Utd vs. Tottenham on TV

• MORE: Full list of Premier League broadcasters around the world

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Man Utd vs. Tottenham: Preview, Predictions and Lineups.

The punishment for the eight-time Premier League winners is not yet known, but what’s guaranteed is a hostile, box-office reception when table-topping City travel to former title rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

In case you’ve forgotten about how things have played out on the field so far, here’s a quick reminder: City are being closely pursued by Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are still finding their feet under new managers and Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are barreling toward crisis.

There have been plenty of upsets, too, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Hull City all punching above their weight, but fewer surprises when it comes to the likes of Fulham and Crystal Palace struggling under untested Premier League coaches.

With a full weekend of action to look forward to, here’s Sports Illustrated’s predictions for Gameweek 6.

Arsenal vs. Leeds Prediction

Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Leeds

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Emirates Stadium
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Kickoff Time: 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Paul Tierney

Arsenal re-emerge with an unfamiliar feeling in the pit of their stomach. It’s been quite some time since the reigning champions were humiliated, but there’s no other way to describe their dismal 3–0 defeat to Brighton before the international break.

The Gunners had enjoyed a perfect start to the season before being deservedly thrashed on the south coast, and it’s now up to Mikel Arteta, fresh from signing a new contract, to inspire a return to winning ways.

Leeds United will be an awkward visitor in Saturday’s early kickoff. Currently fifth in the table and unbeaten in the Premier League thus far, they journey to north London brimming with belief and ready to capitalize on any uncertainty in the Arsenal ranks.

Aston Villa vs. Brentford Prediction

Prediction: Aston Villa 1–1 Brentford

• Location: Birmingham, England
• Stadium: Villa Park
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
• Referee: Craig Pawson

After being gutted during the summer transfer window, Aston Villa can be forgiven for taking time to adjust this season. Following three wins from their last four in all competitions, however, Unai Emery’s men appear to have hit their stride.

They’ve scored three times in each of those victories and will expect another triumph in front of the excited Villa Park faithful. It might not be forthcoming, though.

Keith Andrews continues to work miracles with Brentford, who have claimed nine points in the Premier League this season and hammered Chelsea 3–0 before the international period. They will set out to frustrate their hosts this weekend—and they might just succeed in doing so.

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Chelsea vs. Bournemouth Prediction

Prediction: Chelsea 3–2 Bournemouth

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Stamford Bridge
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
• Referee: Sam Barrott

Brentford’s joy was Chelsea’s misery during Gameweek 5.

A weakened midfield and the absence of João Pedro proved costly at the Gtech Community Stadium, where Xabi Alonso oversaw his third consecutive league match without victory.

Chelsea’s exceptional forward line continues to instil fear in opposition backlines, but the club’s woeful defensive record undermines their progress. It’s a problem Alonso must fix soon.

Luckily for the Spaniard, he faces one of three winless sides remaining in the Premier League. Bournemouth surrendered leads in all four of their opening matches, before their profligacy cost them in the 1–0 defeat to former manager Andoni Iraola and his Liverpool team before the break.

Their last two trips to Stamford Bridge have ended in 2–2 draws. They might just miss out on another stalemate this weekend.

Ipswich vs. Fulham Prediction

Prediction: Ipswich 1–1 Fulham

• Location: Ipswich, England
• Stadium: Portman Road
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
• Referee: Lewis Smith

Gary O’Neil will be very content with six points on the board at this stage of the season, especially considering Ipswich Town have faced Manchester United and Liverpool already. The Tractor Boys have shown signs of life in chaotic wins over Sunderland and Crystal Palace.

Unlike Ipswich, Álvaro Arbeloa’s new-look Fulham have picked up points against Man Utd and Liverpool, but the problem is they suffered three straight defeats before those impressive stalemates.

That means they’re currently 19th in the standings and still desperately awaiting a first Premier League win under the Spaniard.

Sunderland vs. Brighton Prediction

Prediction: Sunderland 1–2 Brighton

• Location: Sunderland, England
• Stadium: Stadium of Light
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT
• Referee: Tom Bramall

Few expected 35-year-old Pascal Groß to be the joint-top provider of goals and assists come the first international break of the season, but the veteran midfielder has been unplayable during a dazzling period for Brighton.

More clever business over the summer has helped propel Fabian Hürzeler’s side up the table early in the season, with only Man City and Arsenal currently ahead of the Seagulls. There is no more confident team in the Premier League right now.

They will need to use that self-belief to overcome Sunderland, who are never simple to beat on their own patch. The Black Cats have suffered just five losses at the Stadium of Light since their return to the top flight.

Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur Prediction

Prediction: Man Utd 3–1 Tottenham

• Location: Manchester, England
• Stadium: Old Trafford
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 10
• Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Stuart Attwell

Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur. Or in other words: ‘El Crisisco’.

It’s Spurs who certainly have the greater concerns heading into the weekend’s meeting. They are bottom of the Premier League table after two goalless draws and three losses from their opening matches and are showing few signs of turning a corner under Roberto De Zerbi.

An astronomical summer spend has failed to stop the rot and the club’s new acquisitions have underperformed to date. Spurs don’t have a dreadful record at Old Trafford in recent years, but one must be brave to bet in their favor this time around.

Michael Carrick is also feeling the pressure in the United dugout after collecting just four points from an appetizing run of league fixtures, and the momentum which underpinned the club’s resurgence during the second half of last season has been lost. Still, United enter the weekend as strong favorites.

Crystal Palace vs. Nottingham Forest Prediction

Prediction: Crystal Palace 0–1 Nottingham Forest

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Selhurst Park
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 11
• Kickoff Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
• Referee: Peter Bankes

The Oliver Glasner derby is unlikely to produce fireworks this Sunday.

The Austrian returns to Selhurst Park for the first time since his bitter summer exit for a battle between two of the Premier League’s least convincing performers this season.

Both clubs have picked up just one victory from their opening five as they adjust to new regimes and they will be determined to avoid defeat this weekend at all costs.

That pretty much guarantees a scrappy, stop-start affair. Forest might just shade it, though.

Hull City vs. Everton Prediction

Prediction: Hull 0–0 Everton

• Location: Hull, England
• Stadium: MKM Stadium
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 11
• Kickoff Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT
• Referee: Michael Salisbury

Hull and Everton have both enjoyed excellent starts to the campaign. The former have managed to stun Man Utd and Chelsea en route to eight points, while the latter remain unbeaten and have claimed two victories alongside three stalemates.

Impressive early runs have been built on sturdy defenses and cautious soccer, which means Sunday’s clash is unlikely to be particularly high-octane.

In fact, there’s a decent chance of a goalless draw being played out at the MKM Stadium, with a point acceptable for both Sergej Jakirović and David Moyes.

Liverpool vs. Manchester City Prediction

Prediction: Liverpool 2–2 Man City

• Location: Liverpool, England
• Stadium: Anfield
• Date: Sunday, Oct. 11
• Kickoff Time: 4:30 p.m. BST / 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Chris Kavanagh

Liverpool vs. Man City always delivers drama on the field, but the latest iteration of the fixture will be dominated by off-field discussions.

This is City’s first outing since they were found guilty of 115 breaches of Premier League financial regulations and while a final punishment remains some distance in the future, the discourse is bound to have a major impact on the mentality of the club’s players ahead of the trip to Liverpool.

Nobody knows how Erling Haaland and Co. will react once they step over the white line and Anfield is hardly a forgiving setting. Liverpool supporters will crank up the atmosphere on Sunday as they voice their grievances—the Reds have finished runner-up to title-winning City teams three times since 2009.

This is a must-watch fixture regardless of the outside noise and it’s the first time in over a decade that neither Jürgen Klopp nor Pep Guardiola will be on the touchline for it.

Enzo Maresca has won all five Premier League games since replacing Guardiola, but things have been trickier for Andoni Iraola at the beginning of his reign. Six points already separate the sides.

Coventry vs. Newcastle Prediction

Prediction: Coventry 0–1 Newcastle

• Location: Coventry, England
• Stadium: Coventry Building Society Arena
• Date: Monday, Oct. 12
• Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• Referee: John Brooks

Coventry City finally got off the mark last time out, clinching a much-needed first victory away at Midlands foes Nottingham Forest. The timing of the international break was sub-optimal for the Sky Blues as they seek to build some momentum.

They will certainly fancy their chances of taking something from Monday’s match against an inconsistent Newcastle United still discovering itself under Matthias Jaissle.

The Magpies will still be considered the favorites heading to Coventry, however, especially considering the quality they possess in the final third. Yoane Wissa and Harvey Barnes have made bright starts to the season and could prove the difference-makers.

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 6

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Premier League Predictions: Man City at Liverpool, Man Utd Host Tottenham.

Premier League

The representative of Erling Haaland has contacted Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid to inform them of the exact transfer fee and contract offer it would take to lure the striker away from Manchester City. (Source: Juan Jesus)

Haaland, for his part, is completely focused on Man City and is not expected to make a decision on his future until the result of the club’s appeal is revealed. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)

Man City have no plans to listen to offers for Haaland regardless of what happens to them. (Source: Football Insider)

Bayern Munich are ready to hand Michael Olise a new contract that includes a release clause valid only for specific clubs, with Liverpool among those set to profit. (Source: indykaila)

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay wants to take time to consider all the options available to him following approaches from both Aston Villa and former employers Manchester United. A contract renewal could include a gentleman’s agreement for a future transfer. (Source: Giovanni Scotto)

Chelsea hope to end interest in young defender Josh Acheampong from Arsenal, Bournemouth, Liverpool and Newcastle United by thrashing out a bumper new contract for the 20-year-old. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Scouts from Arsenal are making regular checks on Juventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso after the club’s data analysis identified him as a potential target. (Source: Hand of Arsenal)

Nottingham Forest are prepared to demand an enormous fee to part ways with center back Murillo in January amid rumors of interest from Man Utd. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Juventus want to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who could push for an exit in January over a lack of minutes. (Source: Tutto Juve)

Chelsea are exploring a move to sign 17-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper Leonard Prescott when his contract expires at the end of the season. (Source: Sky in Germany)

Also in Chelsea’s sights is Villarreal winger Alberto Moleiro, but the 23-year-old is prioritizing a future move to Barcelona. (Source: El Nacional)

La Liga

AC Milan are ready to explore a permanent move for Real Madrid striker Endrick, offering Los Blancos a Nico Paz-like format that would see them hold a buyback clause for the Brazil international. (Source: Calciomercato)

Real Madrid are looking into a deal to sign Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, who worked under José Mourinho at Man Utd. (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)

Barcelona will listen to offers of €70 million ($78 million) for right back Jules Koundé following interest from Liverpool. (Source: Football Insider)

Chelsea have also asked about Koundé’s availability. The Frenchman’s price tag could be as low as €50 million ($56 million). (Source: Matteo Moretto)

Xavi Espart turned down offers from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain before signing his new contract with Barcelona. (Source: El Nacional)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Liverpool Handed Olise Boost; Man Utd Battle Real Madrid for McTominay.

The Premier League’s punchy statement was released right in the midst of a three-week international break. A lack of club action allowed for heightened focus on the fallout from a decision which Manchester City are vehemently appealing, but also prevented so many of the main characters directly affected by this decision from commenting.

Enzo Maresca had used the time well, delivering a clear and defiant defense of his employers before the rest of the Premier League’s managerial class were entitled to have their say.

Unai Emery had Aston Villa’s press officer to thank for blocking any and all questions about the topic, but others weren’t so fortunate.

‘Relentless’—Condemnation Hard to Come by

“The consequences City are staring down look stark.”

Manchester City could face a range of punishments over the 115 Premier League charges. From financial penalties and points deductions to suspension, expulsion and potentially even the stripping of titles.

Sports Illustrated… pic.twitter.com/BU5ksJAzt2

— Sports Illustrated FC (@SI_FootballClub) September 25, 2026

Almost two weeks on from the official verdict, the media officers across the Premier League had clearly warned against the type of strident reaction which those from outside the division’s elite bubble were brave enough to offer. While no one went anywhere near the extremes of former Blackpool manager Ian Holloway—who called City’s owners “a disgrace” when reflecting on his relegated season with Tangerines during the period in question—there was some tentative twisting of the knife.

It was an interesting choice of the word “relentless” from Sunderland’s Régis Le Bris, echoing the term used by Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano in his unblinking address to staff when detailing the club’s response to the verdict.

”The relevant authorities have to be relentless otherwise you lose the value of your competition,” Le Bris bristled. “My position is simple, football has rules on and off the pitch. You have to respect those rules. When they are broken, you should have consequences, otherwise it’s not fair and we want fair competition, we want fair play.”

Crystal Palace’s Pierre Sage called it “a national problem,” while David Moyes had a distinctly Everton-tinged view of the punishment.

As the Toffees manager pointed out, his club were docked six points in 2023 for one breach of the financial regulations which City are found to have flouted more than 100 times. “Looking at it now from where I am sitting, it looks terrible that we have been docked points and pay some fines and not that long ago,” Moyes mused.

“There’s other things that have been going on—nearly 10 years ago—that have not been dealt with. I find that really difficult. I hope it’s not just Everton who are getting picked on here.”

On the other side of Merseyside, Liverpool’s Andoni Iraola added that “uncertainty is not good for anyone involved.”

Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner fretted at the potential consequences for the rest of the division. “The most important thing is the integrity of the league because as soon as the fans can’t trust it, they won’t watch it any more,” he warned.

Mikel Arteta’s Common Stance Does Himself No Favors With Fans

Instead of condemnation for an official guilty verdict, the overriding response from the Premier League’s managers was one of caution. As so many were keen to point out, City are still protesting their innocence and are awaiting the outcome of an appeal.

It felt pointed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City during the tail-end of the period under investigation, should be so at pains to refrain from saying anything even mildly critical of a legal verdict.

“I fully understand the question but it’s very important that we respect the process, the timelines and the ongoing process that’s not resolved—because it’s been appealed,” Arsenal’s manager insisted, contrasting starkly with the mood of indignation in the club’s fanbase. “And my position—and the club’s position—is to not make any further comments until it’s resolved.”

Arteta added: “The people are responsible to manage this process with the right conclusions. I’m sure it will be done and it will be done in the right way.”

Chelsea’s Xabi Alonso made the same argument, warning: “We need to be respectful.” “We need to wait until the final sanctions from the panel,” the former Liverpool midfielder outlined. “They are independent enough to assess all of the situations. I am not an expert. We need to respect the decisions and be patient.”

Alonso was hardly the only manager who weaponized his ignorance. “They have taken a lot of time and analyzed everything,” Iraola added. “My opinion is not valid as I have not read as much.”

Marco Rose admitted to consuming the vast quantities of analysis on the topic but still feigned cluelessness. “I’m not this kind of guy who blames someone with not enough information,” the former RB Leipzig manager, who once lost 7–0 to Manchester City, said. “Of course, I hear everything, I read everything, but I do not have all the information.”

“I’m a football coach not a politician and I love to be a football coach and it should stay like this.”Marco Rose

Newcastle United’s Matthias Jaissle was keen to underscore the scope of his own profession as well: “It is not in my job description to judge on that.”

Keith Andrews also felt any discussion on this topic fell beyond his remit as Brentford manager. “As you’re probably aware, I’m not much of a speculator,” he told assembled media. “I tend to see what’s in front of me and discuss it and deal with that. To speculate, would certainly not be my style. So that’s why I won’t.”

Fabian Hürzeler went as far as admitting it was “a distraction,” although the Brighton boss stressed: “I can’t control anything from that!”

Michael Carrick Lays Out Demands Ridiculed by Jose Mourinho

One manager with a vested interest in this case was Manchester United’s Michael Carrick. Not only is he the head of City’s fiercest rivals, but the former midfielder was part of the United teams that twice finished second to a side now found to have misrepresented their finances to the tune of £900 million.

“I’ve got my own questions about it,” the normally serene head coach seethed. “It’s affected me personally in different ways over a period of time.”

Wary of overplaying his hand before the appeal had been concluded, Carrick limited himself to calling for a swift verdict. “What I will say, the sooner it gets sorted, I think for everyone’s benefit, is essential,” he urged. “Speed is essential for everyone to be clear, to be able to deal with it, to be able to move on, whatever happens. It’s a unique situation to be in at this level, with such a huge impact in so many ways. So we all need to know what’s going to happen.”

Glasner wanted the same thing but warned: “There are thousands of pages to read. I read a book every night and it takes a long time to read a thousand pages. So it takes a bit of time, we have to be patient.”

José Mourinho, Carrick’s Manchester United manager when the Red Devils finished behind City in the 2017–18 season, was not getting his hopes up. “I think that we will reach a conclusion but, being in my 60s, I will have to be lucky enough still to be here when the final verdict arrives,” the current Real Madrid incumbent scoffed in an interview with Corriere dello Sport. “Now a ruling will come, then an appeal ... I’ll be 80.”

Former Premier League Champions Agree on Stripped Titles

The question of reassigning past titles was also raised by the two current Premier League managers who actually lifted the top-flight trophy during their playing days. Both Carrick and Coventry City’s Frank Lampard accepted that any chance of glory had already evaporated.

“It’s the moment that you strive for, to win and achieve in that moment. So the medal here or there, not getting blown away, but that doesn’t bring the feeling of whether you initially win or you don’t win,” Carrick lamented. “In the moment, you can’t take it back. Whether we did end up at some point, something along the lines of if something changes, it doesn’t change the emotion of that moment. Can’t get that back, won’t get that back.”

“That was a moment in time that I got to accept, and I’ll never get back.”Michael Carrick

Lampard was the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield for most of the period under investigation before he curiously signed for City in 2014. The three-time Premier League champion was not losing any sleep over his trophy haul. “I have titles and I don’t have my titles hanging on my wall at home but I have them in my head,” the Coventry boss explained.

“I think it would be very hard to take someone’s title away as a player individually because they should be in your head as opposed to, you know, in this beautiful glass cabinet or whatever.”

The Tide of Apathy

Fulham’s Álvaro Arbeloa had a curt response to the question of how quickly he would like a resolution to the biggest story in Premier League history:

“I don’t care.”Álvaro Arbeloa

Forest’s Glasner was perplexed by the 24-hour coverage of a case which could have repercussions stretching all the way to U.K. foreign policy. “Is this is the only problem in the world we have right now?” the Austrian coach asked.

“It’s not a big topic at our training ground. For us it doesn’t matter.”

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke made the same point. “Not my topic,” he pointed out. “My topic is football.” Gary O’Neil of Ipswich Town freely admitted he had “not even given it a second’s thought.” “It would be crazy of me to try and give you an opinion on something that I know absolutely nothing about,” he shrugged.

Tottenham Hotspur’s press officer wanted to make sure it wasn’t a topic at all for Friday’s news conference, sending out a warning that any questions relating to Manchester City’s case would go unanswered. One sneaky reporter circumvented the blanket ban by raising the topic of Calciopoli, a scandal in Italian soccer which Roberto De Zerbi experienced as a player. The Spurs boss took the bait.

“When you’re a player you don’t think too much, when you’re a coach, the focus is on your players,” he claimed. “I have no time to think about other problems other than my team, my club.” Considering Tottenham sit rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, winless after spending more than $400 million, De Zerbi could be forgiven for overlooking City’s plight.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as ‘Looks Terrible’—How Every Premier League Manager Reacted to Man City’s Guilty Verdict.

October’s first taste of top-flight action brings with it some tantalizing duels up and down the country. It’s the perfect reward for our patience during club soccer’s lengthy hiatus.

Naturally, the division’s big-hitters will steal focus, especially with two fixtures staged between traditional ‘Big Six’ sides. There are awkward clashes for Arsenal and Chelsea, too.

With that in mind, here are five storylines to keep an eye on during Gameweek 6 of the Premier League campaign.

Arsenal’s Ability to Bounce Back Tested

Exactly five months separated Arsenal’s previous Premier League defeat and their shock implosion at Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break. A perfect start to the new season was smashed to smithereens on the south coast during a humbling and deserved 3–0 loss.

Given just how excellent the Gunners have been over the past year, they can be forgiven for having an off-day. After all, Brighton are more than capable of upsetting the odds with their high-octane pressing and raft of unassuming stars.

But Arsenal’s response will be definitive. Will they make an immediate recovery? Or will uncertainty linger?

Leeds United are hardly ideal visitors to the Emirates Stadium this Saturday having made an unbeaten start to the season. They’re currently fifth and just three points behind Mikel Arteta’s men, as well as one of just two teams to have actually conceded fewer than Arsenal’s usually watertight defense.

History suggests Arsenal will be fine, though. They have won their last eight matches against Leeds across all competitions, scoring 13 times during the three most recent triumphs.

Chelsea Out to End Winless Streak

Chelsea joined Arsenal in suffering a humiliating 3–0 defeat on the road during Gameweek 5. Brentford were their conquerors as Xabi Alonso’s weakened side self-destructed late in proceedings at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Unlike Arsenal, however, this was not a one-off for Chelsea. In fact, it was their third successive league match without victory, as well as the third time they have conceded three goals in a match this season.

It’s Alonso’s defense that continues to undermine his progress in the Stamford Bridge dugout and Bournemouth will prove no pushovers this Saturday, either.

Marco Rose’s side might be winless in the Premier League, but the Cherries have taken points off Chelsea in four of the last six matches between the sides. With the likes of Evanilson, Rayan and Marcus Tavernier in their offense, they will capitalize on any rustiness in the home defense.

Chelsea have injury issues to contend with, too, as a host of important first-team faces await late fitness tests. Alonso is sweating over the fitness of João Pedro, Cole Palmer, Moisés Caicedo and Reece James for Bournemouth’s visit—four crucial assets whose absences could prove decisive.

Crisis Clubs Collide

Manchester United supporters have been forced to endure familiar struggles at the start of the new season. The summer’s midfield rebuild and positivity manufactured by last term’s impressive resurgence under Michael Carrick offered hope to the Old Trafford faithful before a ball was kicked. Unfortunately, the Red Devils have reverted to type.

But things could be worse for the club’s fanbase—they could support Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have been in crisis for quite some time after narrowly avoiding relegation last season and starting the current campaign in similarly worrying form. A trip to Old Trafford this weekend appears likely to end in yet more misery for Roberto De Zerbi and his players.

Both sides enter the upcoming clash under significant pressure and the loser—if there is one—is certain to come under unbearable scrutiny.

Tottenham need the points more. They’re currently bottom of the Premier League table following two goalless draws and three dreadful defeats, with their army of expensive new signings failing to deliver early in their Spurs careers.

But United are also desperate for victory after collecting just five points from a palatable run of fixtures. Defeats to Hull City and 10-man Manchester City have soured the mood, with uninspiring draws against Everton and Fulham only exacerbating things.

How Will Man City Respond to Guilty Verdict?

Club soccer still managed to dominate the discourse during the international break as Manchester City were found guilty of 114 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. After a three-year investigation, the damning verdict was finally delivered.

The Cityzens take to the field for the first time since the revelation when journeying to Liverpool this weekend for the Premier League’s headline fixture, and all eyes are on how Enzo Maresca and his players will respond.

While they’re blameless for the club’s current predicament, they will be forced to answer uncomfortable questions both on and off the field. How will they react to being at the center of a remarkable scandal?

City have won all five of their Premier League fixtures under Maresca thus far and will still fancy their chances of extending their perfect record at Anfield. On paper, a sixth successive triumph is certainly on the cards—albeit they have won just three times away at Liverpool this century.

But this is an unprecedented situation City and their employees find themselves in. Nobody knows what impact it will have on their performances, even before a definitive punishment has been handed out.

Andoni Iraola’s Biggest Test Yet

It’s fitting that Liverpool are City’s first opponents since their guilty verdict. The Reds have thrice finished runner-up to title-winning City sides since their cheating began back in 2009 and were the most consistent challengers to Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering outfit over the past decade.

The Anfield crowd will be certain to air its grievances this Sunday.

The atmosphere created by an understandable sense of injustice could prove the catalyst for an era-defining performance from Andoni Iraola’s new-look team. This is by far the Spaniard’s toughest test to date after a fairly tame schedule in the Premier League.

A cacophonous crowd should fuel his high-pressing system.

Liverpool have made progress under Iraola, especially in comparison to last season’s dismal performances under Arne Slot. Even during disappointing results, the Reds have generally been much more enjoyable to watch.

Iraola will be determined to harness the power and passion of the Anfield faithful as he looks for the first major victory of his tenure—and there’s no better time to be facing City.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Five Storylines to Watch When the Premier League Returns.

Premier League

Manchester United have been so impressed by midfielder Youssouf Fofana during his loan with Sevilla that they are prepared to make an offer to sign the Frenchman from parent club AC Milan in January. (Source: VamosMiSevilla)

Meanwhile, Trabzonspor are looking to sign Man Utd goalkeeper André Onana permanently in January, six months before his loan is due to end. (Source: Turkish-Football)

Bayern Munich have no interest in signing Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Despite reports to the contrary, the massive cost of both his transfer fee and wages mean he is not considered a long-term replacement for Harry Kane. (Source: Christian Falk)

Galatasaray are watching Man City’s situation closely with a view to striking a deal for goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma if the Cityzens face any financial sanctions. (Source: Takvim)

Espanyol striker Roberto Fernández has played his way onto the radars of Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. (Source: Fichajes)

Tottenham have made a new striker their top priority for January and are keen on Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis, who is also being watched by Aston Villa and Barcelona. (Source: Mark Brus)

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, a target for Chelsea, has a gentleman’s agreement to leave the club in January. (Source: indykaila)

Chelsea are ready to reconsider their £75 million ($99 million) asking price for right back Malo Gusto ahead of the January transfer window. (Source: Flashscore)

Viktor Gyökeres has no desire to leave Arsenal in January and wants to fight for a starting role. (Source: Football Insider)

Arsenal have made an approach to Tijuana over star midfielder Gilberto Mora. Liverpool had been the favorites to sign the 17-year-old but the Gunners’ negotiations have changed the situation. (Source: El Porvenir)

Juventus want to sign Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario permanently when his loan ends next summer. (Source: Tuttomercatoweb)

Fulham midfielder Josh King is being watched by Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona. (Source: El Nacional)

Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah has concerns about a possible return to Liverpool over the lack of minutes he saw during his time at Anfield. (Source: Football Insider)

La Liga

Despite interest from Chelsea, Jules Koundé is not looking to leave Barcelona and manager Hansi Flick also has no desire to lose the Frenchman. (Source: Juan Jesus)

Real Madrid have been left disappointed by Kylian Mbappé’s behavior this season and are ready to sell the French striker. (Source: Fichajes)

Endrick has given his approval to a loan move from Real Madrid to AC Milan in the January transfer window. (Source: Gazzetta dello Sport)

Man City were looking into a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the summer but walked away amid concerns over his medical report. (Source: Barça Reservat)

Bayern Munich are preparing an offer to sign Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo in January while his admirers from the Premier League continue to hesitate over his price tag, which sits at €90 million ($101 million). (Source: fussball-news)

Paris Saint-Germain want to sign Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios in January. An offer of €70 million ($78 million) could be sufficient even though manager Diego Simeone would be firmly against his sale. (Source: El Nacional)

Real Madrid have made a center back and a central midfielder their next two transfer priorities. (Source: Fabrizio Romano)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Real Madrid Want Mbappe Sale; European Giant Rules Out Haaland.

Premier League

After a little over two seasons of goals, groans and a distinct lack of glory, Kylian Mbappé has supposedly decided to leave Real Madrid in the summer of 2027, with the Premier League lined up as his next destination. (Source: François Gallardo)

There would be no shortage of suitors for Mbappé in England and Liverpool are reportedly putting together a record-shattering offer worth €250 million ($279.7 million) for the prolific Frenchman. (Source: Fichajes)

Manchester United’s quest to bolster their problematic left-back position has led them to consider Bournemouth’s Adrien Truffert. However, Liverpool are also interested in the French defender rated at £60 million ($79.6 million). (Source: TEAMtalk)

Should Arsenal or Real Madrid hope to prise Kenan Yıldız out of Juventus, they would have to stump up €150 million ($168.8 million). (Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

Arsenal’s versatile gem Mikel Merino has caught the eye of Real Madrid, who could be able to snag the World Cup winner for as little as €25 million ($28.1 million). Quite why the Gunners would be willing to part ways with such a valuable asset for so little is unclear. (Source: Fichajes)

Scott McTominay—the Serie A winner under discussion at Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle—could be available for as little as €25 million ($28.1 million). (Source: Sky Sport Switzerland)

Arsenal would be willing to offload misfiring frontman Viktor Gyökeres as soon as January. (Source: Football Insider)

Liverpool are investigating a deal for Hull City’s impressive goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, who has previously come on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur. (Source: Fichajes)

Chelsea are one of many clubs keen on Brazilian wonderkid Eduardo Conceição. However, it remains to be seen if any are willing to come anywhere near the €100 million ($112.5 million) asking price set by Palmeiras. (Source: CaughtOffside)

Freiburg’s free-scoring forward Igor Matanović would be entirely onboard with a move to Manchester United, who are one of numerous elite clubs linked with the Croatia international. (Source: Football Insider)

Liverpool and Manchester United are both vying for the signature of Como’s talented forward Assane Diao. Aston Villa, Everton and Brentford have also been credited with interest in the Senegal international. (Source: 4-4-2)

Newcastle United are billed as the favorites to outmaneuver Nottingham Forest in the pursuit of Lyon midfielder Tyler Morton. (Source: Football Insider)

La Liga

Real Madrid have not been able to replace Luka Modrić since he left the club in 2025. The 41-year-old former Ballon d’Or winner could fill the void himself by opening up the prospect of leaving AC Milan for a return to the Spanish capital. (Source: Fichajes)

Julián Alvarez has softened his firm stance on rejecting Arsenal in the face of staying at Atlético Madrid for the long term. Hope of January move has not yet faded in north London, although there could be competition from Bayern Munich. Barcelona, by contrast, are now focusing on Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Endrick has opened up the prospect of leaving Real Madrid on loan once against this winter and Aston Villa have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the Brazilian. (Source: Cadena SER)

Mikel Arteta has pledged to honor his word and allow Martín Zubimendi his exit in January, with Real Madrid billed as his most likely destination. (Source: El Nacional)

Barcelona are considering an unexpected swoop for Fulham’s academy starlet Josh King. (Source: TEAMtalk)

Rest of World

MLS outfit San Diego have reopened negotiations with Kevin De Bruyne about a potential winter move. There is competition from Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and a Chicago Fire side spearheaded by Robert Lewandowski for the Napoli playmaker. (Source: Fichajes)

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Transfer Rumors: Mbappe’s Premier League Move; Ballon d’Or Winner Eyes Real Madrid.