Freddie Cotton

Universitatea Craiova host KuPS in the decisive second leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying-round tie after a 1-1 draw in Finland. Craiova have struggled for consistency early in the 2025-26 season but are considered stronger in attack and are seeking to build on last season's Superliga title. KuPS are top of the Veikkausliiga and unbeaten in 13 league matches, although they have yet to reach the finals of a European competition. Craiova will be without Pavlo Isenko and Alexandru Iamandache, while KuPS continue to miss Samuel Pasanen and Jerry Voutilainen. The preview predicts a 2-0 home win for Craiova.

Arsenal face Real Betis at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in a pre-season friendly scheduled for 7:30pm UK time on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. UK viewers can watch the match on Premier Sports 1 or stream it via Premier Sports Player. Arsenal will not provide a live stream because of a technical fault, with refunds promised to supporters who paid for the game; highlights will be available through the club’s YouTube channel, website and app. Mikel Arteta is expected to use the fixture to assess squad fitness and distribute minutes, while Manuel Pellegrini is preparing Real Betis for a demanding season that includes their first Champions League campaign since 2006.

Ipswich Town host Le Havre at Portman Road in a summer club friendly. Ipswich are preparing for a Premier League return after winning automatic promotion from the Championship, while Le Havre narrowly preserved their Ligue 1 status for another season. Gary O'Neil's Ipswich side have several injury absences, and Le Havre may welcome back goalkeeper Mory Diaw and include new signing Josh Maja. Ipswich are favored to win 2-1.

Japan seeks to build on a promising Nations Championship campaign after a competitive performance against Ireland, while France aims to secure consecutive wins following a strong second‑half display versus Australia. Japan makes several pack changes, whereas France adjusts its forwards but keeps its backline intact. France holds a dominant historical record against Japan, positioning them as strong favourites, with expectations of a bonus‑point victory to challenge Ireland at the top of the Northern Hemisphere standings.

South Africa enters the final round of the Nations Championship in strong form after consecutive wins over England and Scotland, extending an 11-match winning streak. Wales arrive with mixed results, following a bonus‑point win against Fiji and a defeat to Argentina, placing them mid‑table in the Northern Hemisphere standings. Team changes see South Africa rotate heavily while maintaining core strengths, whereas Wales introduce adjustments in both pack and backline. Forecasts predict a dominant South African victory, expecting the Springboks to overpower Wales in Durban.

Argentina seek to build on their bonus‑point win over Wales as they host England in the Nations Championship, aiming to overcome a long home defeat streak against the visitors. England arrive buoyed by a dominant win over Fiji, looking to improve their tournament position and extend their strong recent record against Los Pumas. Both sides announce minimal lineup changes, with England retaining the XV that delivered their recent victory, while Argentina make two adjustments. A close match is forecast, with England narrowly favoured to win.

St Joseph’s face a difficult task overturning a two‑goal deficit against Bohemians in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifier after the Irish side secured a strong first‑leg win. Bohemians enter the match on a four‑game winning and clean‑sheet run, while St Joseph’s rely on their potent attack led by Pablo Rodriguez Moreno. Both sides are expected to keep largely unchanged lineups, with Bohemians favoured to progress despite St Joseph’s home advantage.

Australia seeks to rebound from a narrow loss to Ireland as they host France in the second round of the Nations Championship. Despite strong first-half efforts, Australia fell late in their opener, while France also suffered a close defeat to New Zealand after failing to capitalise on an early advantage. Both teams make changes ahead of the match, with Australia altering their backline and France welcoming the return of Romain Ntamack. France enters confident, having won most recent meetings between the sides. The preview predicts a tight contest with France edging Australia to claim their first win of the campaign.

Fiji and England enter their Nations Championship match seeking recovery after opening-round defeats, with Fiji adjusting their lineup following a second-half collapse against Wales and England making key changes including the return of Henry Slade. England’s recent poor run contrasts with a strong 2025 streak, but the team aims to regain momentum against an inconsistent Fiji side. With historical results favoring England, they are projected to secure a 34–18 win to revive their campaign.

KI Klaksvik host Atert Bissen in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier, entering the match on a mixed run of form but with prior experience in European competition. Atert Bissen arrive after winning their first-ever BGL Ligue title in just their debut top-flight season, securing a place in Champions League qualifying for the first time. Both sides are expected to make minimal changes to their lineups, with Klaksvik relying on Arni Frederiksberg’s creativity and Atert Bissen led by top scorer Roman Ferber. Klaksvik are tipped to take a narrow home advantage into the second leg.

Portugal and Spain meet in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with kickoff set for 8pm UK time. The match airs on BBC One, with streaming available via BBC iPlayer and radio coverage on BBC Sounds. Highlights will appear on BBC iPlayer, ITVX and TikTok. Portugal seek a deep run amid speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future, while Spain aim to reinforce their status as contenders after their recent European Championship win.

Denmark and North Macedonia meet in a World Cup playoff semi-final, with Denmark seeking a third consecutive qualification after a late slip in their group allowed Scotland to finish top. North Macedonia reached the playoffs via their Nations League performance and enter under new coach Goce Sedloski. Denmark are favoured due to stronger form and squad depth, despite missing defender Joachim Andersen, while North Macedonia rely heavily on Eljif Elmas. A 2-0 Denmark victory is predicted.

Nottingham Forest and Fulham prepare for a crucial Premier League fixture with both clubs struggling for form. Forest, winless in six and hovering above the relegation zone on goal difference, face several injuries including John Victor, Nicolo Savona and Chris Wood, while Jair Cunha remains a doubt. Fulham’s push for European qualification has stalled after four losses in six matches, with Kevin Santos out and Harry Wilson questionable. Predicted lineups feature heavily rotated squads as both sides aim to regain momentum.

Fulham seek to rebound from consecutive Premier League losses as they travel to Nottingham Forest, hoping for the return of injured top scorer Harry Wilson. Bernd Leno is expected to resume in goal, with a back line of Tete, Andersen, Bassey and Sessegnon. Emile Smith Rowe is favoured to start in attacking midfield, supported by a combination of Bobb, Chukwueze or a returning Wilson, while Raul Jimenez is set to lead the attack. Kevin remains sidelined for the season with an ankle injury.

Nottingham Forest prepare to face Fulham with several injuries affecting squad selection as Vitor Pereira considers options in midfield and attack. Key players remain unavailable while Lorenzo Lucca returns from injury, and defensive changes are expected after Jair Cunha’s setback. Decisions between Ibrahim Sangare and Nicolas Dominguez in midfield, as well as the choice of attacking partner for Morgan Gibbs-White, shape the predicted lineup.

Nottingham Forest, winless in six Premier League matches and sitting just above the relegation zone on goal difference, look to revive their form against Fulham after drawing with Manchester City. Despite injuries, Forest aim to counter a poor head‑to‑head record against their visitors. Fulham remain in mid‑table but have seen their European push falter following inconsistent results and recent cup elimination. With both sides missing key players, Forest are tipped to secure a narrow home win to boost their survival hopes.

Wales enter the final Six Nations round seeking a large win to avoid finishing last, having lost all previous matches and struggling in recent years. Italy arrive in strong form after historic victories over Scotland and England and could finish as high as third with a bonus‑point win and favourable results elsewhere. Both sides retain mostly stable lineups, with Italy making minor changes in the forwards and at scrum half. Italy are predicted to extend their strong campaign with another victory over Wales.

France’s title hopes hinge on securing a bonus‑point win against England after a heavy loss to Scotland, while England seek to avoid finishing last following three consecutive defeats. France make several changes in the pack and introduce Pierre‑Louis Barassi in the backline, whereas England adjust their forwards with Ollie Chessum replacing Tom Curry. With home advantage and stronger form in recent meetings, France are tipped to win comfortably and potentially secure back‑to‑back Six Nations championships.

Ireland enter the final Six Nations round with a chance to reclaim the title, needing victory over Scotland and a favourable result from England’s match against France. Scotland remain in contention for their first championship but must overcome Ireland, despite losing their last 11 matches in Dublin, and rely on England to limit France. Both teams make several forward changes, with Ireland also welcoming back Bundee Aki. Ireland are tipped to win 32–20, continuing their strong home record and staying alive in the title race.

Arsenal enter their Premier League match against Everton with several injury concerns. Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard are major doubts, while Mikel Merino remains sidelined with a long‑term foot injury. The team avoided new setbacks during recent FA Cup and Champions League fixtures, and no players are suspended for the upcoming match.

Celje host AEK Athens in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League round of 16 tie, entering the match with strong home form despite recent league losses. AEK Athens arrive in excellent overall form, unbeaten in 11 away matches and solid defensively. Both sides face injury and eligibility issues, with several players unavailable. The preview predicts a balanced contest ending in a 1-1 draw, setting up a decisive second leg in Greece.

Port Vale seek to extend their recent unbeaten run as they host Bradford City following an FA Cup upset against Sunderland. Despite remaining bottom of League One, improved form and home advantage offer hope against a Bradford side strong at home but struggling away. Bradford aim to reinforce their promotion push but have lost five consecutive away matches. Both teams deal with several injuries, and the preview predicts a 1-1 draw, with Port Vale expected to carry momentum into their survival bid.

Barnsley seek consecutive wins as they host Cardiff City, aiming to close the gap to the League One playoff places despite defensive weaknesses and inconsistent form. Cardiff remain strong promotion contenders but have recently slipped after two defeats, relying on their potent attack to regain momentum. Both sides face injury challenges, but Cardiff are backed to edge the match 2-1 as they look to reclaim top spot during a pivotal stretch of fixtures.

Manchester City prepares to face Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 with key players Rico Lewis, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic all sidelined through injury. Lewis is expected to return soon from an ankle problem, while Gvardiol faces a lengthy spell out with a tibial fracture. Kovacic continues recovery from a significant ankle and heel injury with no set return date. Manchester City enters the tie with no suspensions.

Tottenham Hotspur prepare for their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid while contending with numerous injuries, including major doubts over Radu Dragusin and Djed Spence and longer-term absences such as Ben Davies, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus and James Maddison. Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski are also unavailable, and Wilson Odobert faces a long recovery after an ACL rupture. No suspensions affect the upcoming match, though Micky van de Ven will miss the following fixture against Liverpool after a recent red card.

Fulham seek progression in the FA Cup against Southampton, benefiting from home advantage and a strong recent record against their opponents. Southampton enter the tie in excellent form despite Championship status but face several injury concerns. Fulham also deal with absences yet are expected to edge the contest based on squad strength and motivation to recover from a midweek defeat.

Top contenders for the Premier League Player of the Season include standout performers from Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, with Declan Rice, Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes and Gabriel Magalhaes highlighted for their significant influence on their teams' campaigns. Outside candidates such as Igor Thiago, Antoine Semenyo and David Raya are noted for exceptional contributions that have driven strong seasons for their clubs. The analysis reflects individual productivity, team impact and potential to shape the title race as the season approaches its conclusion.

Mansfield Town face Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round at One Call Stadium, with kickoff set for 12:15 UK time and live coverage available on TNT Sports and various international broadcasters. Mansfield seek financial gains and a rare deep cup run, while Arsenal aim to extend their strong FA Cup history as they continue competing on multiple fronts. Streaming options include Discovery+, club channels, and BBC Radio Nottingham, with highlights available on YouTube shortly after the match.

Italy enter the Six Nations clash against England on a poor run but remain defensively solid despite attacking struggles. England arrive off consecutive defeats and sluggish performances, threatening their position in the standings. Both teams make significant lineup changes, with Italy altering their backline and England making broader adjustments. Despite Italy’s improved competitiveness, England are narrowly tipped to extend their historical winning record in Rome.

Scotland enter their Six Nations clash against France seeking to extend their resurgence after consecutive wins, while France aim to maintain their unbeaten run and move closer to a Grand Slam. Scotland make several changes to their forward pack and bring in Darcy Graham in the backline, whereas France rotate their second row and adjust their centre pairing. France’s dominant form and strong recent record against Scotland position them as narrow favourites in what is expected to be a closely contested match.

Wolves host Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round at Molineux, where the teams meet again shortly after Wolves’ late league win. The match kicks off at 8pm UK time and will be broadcast on BBC One and TNT Sports, with streaming available via BBC iPlayer and Discovery+. Both sides seek progression to the quarter‑finals, with Wolves aiming to make an impression amid their likely relegation and Liverpool looking for silverware after inconsistent domestic results.

Aston Villa and Chelsea enter a crucial Premier League match with both sides coming off recent defeats that threaten their Champions League qualification hopes. Villa remain fourth despite losses to Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Chelsea sit three points behind Liverpool after falling to Arsenal. Each club faces multiple injuries and suspensions, with Villa missing Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, Andres Garcia and Harvey Elliott, and Chelsea without Levi Colwill, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Estevao, Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk. Sports Mole provides predicted starting XIs for both teams based on current availability.

Everton host Burnley at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with the match kicking off at 7:30pm and aired on TNT Sports 3 in the UK, with streaming options available through Discovery+, Peacock and Stan Sport for international viewers. Highlights will be posted during and after the match across TNT Sports and Sky Sports channels. Everton aim to push toward European qualification while Burnley face an uphill battle to avoid relegation, having struggled in away matches throughout the season.

Chelsea seek a crucial result against Aston Villa to stay in the race for Champions League qualification as suspensions and injuries force lineup changes. With Pedro Neto banned and two wingers unavailable, Alejandro Garnacho and Cole Palmer are expected to flank Joao Pedro. Wesley Fofana returns to partner Trevoh Chalobah in central defence, while Reece James and Jorrel Hato should start as fullbacks ahead of Robert Sanchez. The midfield trio of Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos and Enzo Fernandez is likely to remain unchanged.

Aston Villa seek to recover from poor recent results as they prepare to face Chelsea in a key match for Champions League qualification. Injuries and absences in midfield and attack force Unai Emery to reconsider his lineup, with Douglas Luiz and Amadou Onana expected to anchor midfield and Tammy Abraham potentially replacing the out-of-form Ollie Watkins up front. Jadon Sancho and Emiliano Buendia are likely to remain on the wings as Villa aim to respond to their recent struggles.

Aston Villa aim to revive their form amid a tight Champions League qualification race as they host Chelsea, who also seek to regain momentum following recent dropped points. Both teams face injury and selection challenges, including Villa missing key midfielders and Chelsea managing multiple absences. With neither side showing strong recent form, the matchup is expected to be balanced, leading to a predicted draw.

France seek to continue their strong Six Nations campaign after dominant wins over Ireland and Wales, while Italy aim to rebound from a narrow loss to Ireland despite showing improvement in recent years. France remain heavy favourites given their superior form, home advantage and dominant historical record, with predicted lineup changes reinforcing their depth. Italy field a mostly unchanged side but welcome Ange Capuozzo back at fullback. France are expected to secure a comfortable victory to maintain their pursuit of another grand slam.

Wales enter the Six Nations match on a poor run, having conceded heavily in their opening games and enduring a prolonged period of losses, while Scotland come in boosted by a significant win over England and aiming to build on their momentum. Team changes for both sides include adjustments across the forward pack and backline, with Scotland seeking a bonus‑point victory to strengthen their title hopes. Recent form and historical performance trends point toward Scotland as the stronger side, with expectations of a comfortable win in Cardiff.

England seek to stay in contention in the Six Nations after a damaging loss to Scotland, while Ireland aim to recover full momentum following recent inconsistencies. Both sides face must‑win pressure, though England benefit from strong home form at Twickenham. Team changes include England introducing Tom Curry, Henry Pollock and Tommy Freeman, while Ireland restore key forwards such as Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne and Josh Van Der Flier. England are predicted to edge the contest, supported by a favourable home record and Ireland's uneven performances.

Drita aim to become the first Kosovan club to reach the knockout stages of a UEFA men’s competition as they host Celje in their Conference League playoff. Drita enter the tie with modest scoring form and mixed domestic performances, while Celje look to build on last season’s strong European run despite recent winless matches and a managerial change to Ivan Maevskiy. Both sides face notable absences through suspension and injury. Celje are tipped to edge the first leg due to greater squad quality and prior tournament experience.

Metz enter the match in severe relegation danger after a prolonged winless run and the league’s weakest defensive record, while Auxerre remain in the bottom three due to poor away form and limited scoring despite solid defending. Metz face significant injury and suspension issues, and Auxerre also miss key midfielders. Auxerre’s superior defensive stability and positive recent record against Metz give them a narrow edge in what is expected to be a low-scoring encounter.

Everton and Bournemouth enter their Premier League meeting separated by three points, with Bournemouth able to overtake their opponents with a two‑goal victory. Everton list Jack Grealish as their only absentee, while Bournemouth remain without five injured players. Predicted lineups for both teams highlight largely settled selections as both sides aim to build on recent positive results.

Bournemouth aim to move ahead of Everton in the Premier League as they prepare to field an unchanged lineup despite multiple midfield injuries. Justin Kluivert, Tyler Adams, Marcus Tavernier, Ben Gannon-Doak and Julio Soler remain unavailable, though Alejandro Jimenez is expected to be fit. Andoni Iraola is likely to retain the same starting XI that drew with Aston Villa, with James Hill partnering Marcos Senesi in defence and Eli Junior Kroupi supporting Evanilson in attack.

Everton enter their home match against Bournemouth aiming to end a lengthy winless run at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with only Jack Grealish ruled out due to a significant ankle injury. The returns of Carlos Alcaraz, Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite present David Moyes with selection choices, though Michael Keane’s recent strong form may keep him in the lineup. Everton are expected to retain the same starting eleven used in their win over Fulham, including Keane partnering James Tarkowski and Thierno Barry leading the attack.

Everton enter the match on a five‑game unbeaten run with strong defensive performances but inconsistent home form, while Bournemouth arrive as one of the Premier League’s in‑form teams despite persistent away‑day defensive issues. Everton miss Jack Grealish through a long‑term injury, and Bournemouth travel without several key players including Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier. Both sides aim to climb the table, with Bournemouth capable of overtaking Everton with a multi‑goal win, but the prediction favours a narrow home victory based on Everton’s defensive solidity.

Manchester City host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium in a Premier League match with significant implications for the title race, as City aim to close the gap to leaders Arsenal. Broadcast details, streaming options, and highlight availability are outlined for UK and international audiences. City seek to regain momentum after recent dropped points, while Fulham aim to halt a decline in form and remain in contention for European qualification despite a poor record at the Etihad.

Mansfield enter the match on an eight‑game unbeaten run built on strong defensive form, while Exeter sit one point behind them after a much improved mid‑season stretch despite a heavy recent defeat. Both sides contend with multiple injuries, and expected lineups reflect several absences. With balanced recent performances and comparable defensive records, the matchup is projected to finish level.

Port Vale and Burton Albion meet in a key League One relegation battle with both sides struggling for form. Port Vale sit bottom after scoring the fewest goals in the division and dealing with multiple injuries and the departure of top scorer Devante Cole. Burton remain just inside the relegation zone after a poor run of away results and continued injury problems. Both teams lack a clear advantage, with a draw projected as the most likely outcome.

Burnley and West Ham meet at Turf Moor in a crucial Premier League relegation battle, with Burnley in deeper trouble following a long winless run and sitting 19th in the table. West Ham, also in the bottom three, have shown recent improvement with two wins in their last three matches. The match, played at 3pm UK time, is unavailable for live viewing in the UK but can be watched in the USA and Australia through various broadcasters, with highlights available later on multiple platforms.

Nottingham Forest hosts Crystal Palace with both sides managing extensive injury lists. Forest remain without John Victor, Chris Wood and Nicolo Savona, while Palace are missing several key players including Cheick Doucoure, Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton through injury or suspension. Predicted starting lineups suggest Forest may field a strong attacking setup led by Igor Jesus, while Palace are expected to rely on Mateta and Sarr in attack.

Crystal Palace face Nottingham Forest with numerous injuries and suspensions influencing team selection. Nathaniel Clyne returns, while Daichi Kamada and Borna Sosa require late fitness checks. Justin Devenny, Cheick Doucoure, Adam Wharton and Eddie Nketiah are unavailable, and Jean-Philippe Mateta will miss out due to ongoing transfer discussions. Brennan Johnson is expected to start up front, with recent loan signing Evan Guessand in contention for a debut. Crystal Palace are seeking to end an 11‑match winless run without making major changes to their previous lineup.