Ellis Stevens

Hearts host Rapid Vienna at Tynecastle Park in the first leg of their Conference League playoff qualifying tie. Hearts have improved after losing their opening four matches, recording wins over Dundee United and Inverness CT alongside a draw with Benfica, but they face a Rapid Vienna side unbeaten in 15 matches and winners of their last 11. Rapid have scored 29 goals and conceded five in eight matches this season, although their European away record was weaker last term. Both teams have several injury absences, while Hearts are expected to rely on Claudio Braga in attack and Rapid may name an unchanged side after an 8-0 victory. The predicted result is a competitive 2-2 draw.

Five potential Premier League transfers are highlighted ahead of the 2026-27 season: Liverpool could renew its pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola despite a £145m valuation gap; Tottenham appear close to signing Manchester City's Savinho for about £85m; Manchester City are negotiating with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi; Newcastle are pursuing Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha in a permanent deal; and Arsenal are preparing a bid for Brighton's Jack Hinshelwood, who could cost around £50m. The moves remain speculative, though several are reportedly advancing.

Rangers host defending champions St Mirren at Ibrox in the Scottish League Cup second round. Rangers have failed to win any of their first four competitive matches under Derek McInnes and are dealing with several injuries, while St Mirren have won five of six games and conceded only four goals. Despite St Mirren’s stronger form and recent cup success, Rangers are judged superior on paper, with a 2-1 home victory predicted.

Hearts host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Tynecastle Park in the second round of the Scottish League Cup. Hearts made a poor start to the 2026-27 season but have responded with a win over Dundee United and a draw against Benfica, while Inverness remain unbeaten after topping League Cup Group F despite consecutive goalless Championship draws. Hearts are missing several injured players, whereas Inverness may retain its unchanged, defensively strong back line but could alter its attack. Hearts are favoured to advance, with a predicted 3-0 victory.

Dundee United host Celtic at Tannadice Park in the second round of the Scottish League Cup. Dundee United topped their group but are winless in three matches after a 4-0 defeat by Hearts, while Celtic have begun the season with wins over Dundee and Kilmarnock. Dundee United may rotate heavily and face injury absences, while Celtic remain without Jota but could debut Haissem Hassan. Celtic’s strong recent record against Dundee United and superior current form lead to a predicted 3-0 away victory.

Chelsea defeated AC Milan 3-0 in a pre-season friendly in Indonesia, with Joao Pedro scoring either side of half-time and Moises Caicedo adding a spectacular volley. Chelsea dominated the match, recording 18 shots to AC Milan's five and eight shots on target to none. Xabi Alonso's switch to a back five was praised, while Ruben Amorim's AC Milan side was criticized for its disjointed pressing and cautious buildup. Chelsea next face Johor Darul Ta'zim and Real Sociedad, while AC Milan will meet Manchester United.

Hearts host Dundee United at Tynecastle Park in the second round of the 2026-27 Scottish Premiership season. Hearts have lost their first four competitive matches, including heavy Champions League and Europa League qualifying defeats, and will be without Stuart Findlay through suspension along with several injured players. Dundee United began the campaign more positively, winning three Scottish League Cup group matches and drawing 1-1 with Rangers, although they have injury concerns over Miller Thomson and Bert Esselink. Despite Hearts' two wins in the clubs' last three meetings, Dundee United have avoided defeat in their last three visits to Tynecastle, and the preview predicts a 2-1 away win.

Dundee host Aberdeen at Dens Park in the second round of the Scottish Premiership after losing 1-0 to Celtic, while Aberdeen arrive after a 2-1 comeback win over Hearts and five consecutive victories in all competitions. Dundee are expected to retain Simon Murray, Joe Westley and Charlie Reilly in attack, while Aberdeen will rely on the in-form Kevin Nisbet. Aberdeen’s stronger form leads to a predicted 3-1 away victory.

HJK Helsinki host Motherwell in the first leg of the Conference League third qualifying round after both teams comfortably won their previous ties. HJK defeated Coleraine 8-0 on aggregate but suffered a 3-0 domestic loss to SJK, while Motherwell beat HB Torshavn 5-0 on aggregate and opened their Scottish Premiership campaign with a 2-1 win over Hibernian. Teemu Pukki is expected to lead HJK’s attack, while Motherwell could start Tawanda Maswanhise after his weekend substitute appearance. Motherwell have several injured players unavailable and are tipped to take control of the tie with a 2-0 first-leg victory.

St Johnstone return to the Scottish Premiership after winning the 2025-26 Championship, but enter their opener against Kilmarnock following a disappointing Scottish League Cup exit. Kilmarnock finished 10th last season after a late run of four consecutive wins and have remained unbeaten in 90-minute play across their last 10 matches. Their recent record against St Johnstone and four League Cup clean sheets support a projected 1-0 away victory, with Joe Hugill and Tyreece John-Jules expected to lead the attack. Ruari Paton is likely to spearhead St Johnstone’s lineup.

Aberdeen host Hearts at Pittodrie Stadium in the opening round of the 2026-27 Scottish Premiership season. Aberdeen finished ninth last season but have won all four of their League Cup group matches, while Hearts narrowly finished second before losing the title to Celtic and then losing several key figures, including manager Derek McInnes, to Rangers. New Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken has overseen mixed results and a 6-0 aggregate Champions League qualifying defeat to Sturm Graz. Aberdeen are expected to field Kevin Nisbet in attack, while Hearts may reshuffle their defence and forward line because of injuries. Aberdeen's strong start and unbeaten record in their last 14 home meetings with Hearts lead to a predicted 2-1 victory for the hosts.

Arsenal are reportedly seeking another attacking player after signing Christos Tzolis, with Vinicius Junior emerging as a potential target despite new contract talks with Real Madrid. If the Brazilian remains in Madrid, Sports Mole identifies Bradley Barcola, Nico Williams and Julian Alvarez as alternatives. Barcola could cost at least £140 million, Williams reportedly has a £77 million release clause, and Alvarez is expected to cost more than £100 million. Each would offer Arsenal pace, creativity or attacking versatility as the club aims to retain the Premier League title and compete in the Champions League.

Hearts host Sturm Graz in the second leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie after suffering a 4-0 defeat in Austria. Hearts must attack aggressively to overturn the deficit, while Sturm Graz need only avoid a heavy loss to progress. Hearts may make several lineup changes, whereas Sturm Graz could largely retain its winning side despite injury concerns involving Amady Camara and Jacob Hodl. The preview predicts a 2-1 Sturm Graz win and a 6-1 aggregate victory, which would send Hearts toward the Europa League qualifiers.

Auckland FC host Tottenham Hotspur in a preseason friendly as Auckland prepare for their upcoming A-League campaign and Spurs continue early preparations under Roberto De Zerbi. Auckland come off a successful play-off run, while Tottenham enter following a 1-0 win over MK Dons and with several new signings. Spurs are expected to rotate but are still predicted to secure a comfortable victory.

Motherwell aim to rebound from two pre-season defeats as they host Torshavn in the first leg of their Conference League qualifying tie. New manager Alfred Johansson seeks his first positive result, while Torshavn arrive with improved league form and three straight wins but a long winless run in European competition. Both sides may field recently in‑form players, including Elijah Just for Motherwell and Jakup Thomsen for Torshavn, with the hosts expected to secure a comfortable home victory.

Malisheva enter their Europa Conference League second qualifying round tie buoyed by a 6-2 aggregate win over Vllaznia, while Hibernian begin their campaign aiming to extend their strong record of reaching later qualifying phases. Despite Malisheva’s promising home form, Hibernian are expected to secure a first-leg advantage following solid pre-season results and stronger overall squad options. Injuries affect selection for both teams, but key attacking players such as Kreshnik Uka for Malisheva and Nathan Lowe for Hibernian are expected to feature prominently.

HamKam enter the match in strong form with a five‑game unbeaten run and aim for a top‑half finish, while Tromso IL sit atop the Eliteserien despite having played more matches than close rivals. Both sides carry momentum, with HamKam strong at home and Tromso performing well in recent fixtures but less consistent away. With few squad issues for either side aside from Tromso’s absences due to injuries and suspension, the preview predicts a balanced contest ending in a draw.

Manchester United look to complete their midfield rebuild after securing Andrey Santos and moving to sign Youri Tielemans, identifying the need for a physically dominant ball-winning player following Casemiro’s exit and Manuel Ugarte’s injury. Three targets are analysed: Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, valued for his technical quality and defensive improvement; Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, a powerful ball-winner whose reduced valuation could make a deal feasible; and Roma’s Manu Kone, offering physicality, versatility and strong ball‑progression skills, with performances at the 2026 World Cup further highlighting his suitability for Michael Carrick’s system.

Colombia and Ghana meet in Kansas City in a World Cup Round of 32 match, with Colombia entering after topping Group K and Ghana progressing as a third-place finisher in Group L. The fixture kicks off at 2:30am UK time and will be shown on ITV1, with live streaming available on ITVX and highlights on BBC iPlayer, ITVX, social media platforms and TikTok following an agreement with FIFA. Both teams aim to advance, Colombia seeking to match or improve on their 2018 run and Ghana hoping to repeat their 2010 quarter-final achievement.

England’s comeback win over Congo DR highlighted the decisive influence of Thomas Tuchel’s substitutes, with Anthony Gordon assisting both of Harry Kane’s goals. England’s squad depth has repeatedly shifted matches throughout the tournament, offering a strategic advantage as they prepare to face Mexico in the Round of 16. The team’s ability to inject quality late in games is positioned as a potential key to progressing further in the World Cup.

Liverpool are shifting focus to alternative winger targets after withdrawing from their pursuit of Yan Diomande, who prefers a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Options being considered include Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, PSG’s Bradley Barcola, and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo, each offering potential to reinforce the wide attacking positions following departures and uncertain futures within the squad.