Sam Varley

Peterborough United host Mansfield Town in their first home League One match of the 2026-27 season, seeking to recover from a 2-0 defeat by Bradford City. Mansfield arrive after beating Doncaster Rovers 2-1 but are also coming off cup defeats to Sheffield United and Manchester City Under-21s. Peterborough will be without suspended defender David Okagbue and several injured players, while Mansfield remain without Baily Cargill, Luke Bolton and likely David McGoldrick. Sports Mole predicts a 2-1 away win for Mansfield, who are aiming to make it two league victories from two.

Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley both enter their second League One match seeking their first league points after opening-day defeats. Doncaster lost 2-1 to Mansfield, while Barnsley suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Bromley. The preview discusses both teams’ summer changes, expected formations and injury or selection concerns, and predicts that Doncaster’s stronger attacking options will secure a 2-1 home victory in the South Yorkshire derby.

Watford begin their 2026-27 Championship campaign at home to Southampton after both clubs won their EFL Cup openers. Watford, now managed by Alessio Dionisi, are seeking to improve on last season's 16th-place finish and will rely on a relatively settled lineup despite defensive depth concerns. Southampton finished fourth last season after a strong revival under Tonda Eckert, reached the playoff semi-finals, and have strengthened their squad, including making Cyle Larin's loan permanent. They begin the new campaign with a four-point deduction linked to the Spygate scandal but are viewed as promotion contenders. Southampton are predicted to win 3-1 at Vicarage Road.

Mansfield Town host Sheffield United in the first round of the EFL Cup, with both sides playing their first competitive match of the 2026-27 season. Mansfield finished 10th in League One last season and defeated Sheffield United 4-3 away in the FA Cup, but have lost striker Will Evans and made several squad changes. Sheffield United finished 13th in the Championship, have made limited summer additions and could be without Gustavo Hamer amid transfer speculation. Despite Mansfield’s home advantage and previous victory, Sheffield United are predicted to win 3-1 and advance to the second round.

Barnsley host Wigan Athletic at Oakwell in the opening round of the 2026-27 EFL Cup, with both clubs coming off mid-table League One finishes. Barnsley have brought back manager Daniel Stendel and substantially reshaped their squad after defensive problems and a 15th-place finish. Wigan, under Gary Caldwell for a first full season, also endured major squad changes but remain a concern in attack after scoring only 49 league goals last season. Barnsley are tipped to win 1-0 in a low-scoring match.

Union SG and Bodo/Glimt begin their Champions League qualifying campaigns in Belgium, with both entering at the third qualifying round. Union SG arrive after winning the Belgian Super Cup on penalties against Club Brugge and benefiting from a strong preseason, while Bodo/Glimt have won five consecutive domestic matches without conceding and lead the Norwegian Eliteserien. Both teams are expected to retain largely unchanged lineups, though Bodo/Glimt remain without several injured players and have lost striker Kasper Hogh to Celtic. The preview predicts a closely contested 1-1 first-leg draw.

Bodo/Glimt host Lillestrom in the Norwegian Eliteserien aiming to extend a four-match winning run and strengthen their one-point lead over Viking. The hosts have scored 37 league goals and conceded 11, while Lillestrom sit fourth after a strong first half of the season, particularly away from home, despite losing 2-1 to Viking last time out. Bodo/Glimt are missing August Mikkelsen and Hakon Evjen, while Lillestrom remain without Camil Jebara, Eric Kitolano and Linus Alperud. Sports Mole predicts that Bodo/Glimt's form and attacking quality will prevail in a 3-1 victory.

O'Higgins host Boca Juniors in the second leg of their Copa Sudamericana knockout-round playoff after losing the first leg 1-0 in Argentina. O'Higgins must overturn the deficit despite recent domestic defeats, while Boca arrive after a 3-0 league loss but are expected to restore several regular starters. Injuries keep Milton Gimenez and Adam Bareiro out, while Miguel Merentiel leads Boca's attack and Leandro Paredes returns to midfield. The preview predicts a 2-1 Boca victory and a 3-1 aggregate win for the Argentine club.

Lech Poznan host Aarhus in the second leg of their Champions League qualifying tie with a 4-1 aggregate lead after an emphatic away victory. The Polish champions are expected to retain much of the same lineup, with Mikael Ishak leading the attack and Alex Douglas and Ali Gholizadeh still injured. Aarhus, the Danish champions, must overcome the deficit without suspended goalkeeper Jesper Hansen and injured Luka Callo and Nicolai Poulsen. Sports Mole predicts another Lech Poznan win, 3-1, which would produce a 7-2 aggregate score and send them through to the third qualifying round.

Caykur Rizespor face Hull City in a pre-season friendly in Slovenia on Tuesday, with both teams preparing for their respective top-flight campaigns. Rizespor are unbeaten in three friendlies, including a 3-1 win over Osijek, while Hull began their camp with a 3-0 victory over Konyaspor after winning promotion to the Premier League via the Championship playoffs. Both sides are expected to rotate their squads, and Hull are predicted to win 3-0.

Leeds United will open their 2026-27 pre-season campaign against Wrexham in Tampa, Florida, while Wrexham arrive having already drawn with Wisla Krakow and defeated Manchester United. Leeds finished 14th in their first Premier League season after promotion and have strengthened their squad, while Wrexham finished seventh in the Championship and narrowly missed the playoffs after three consecutive promotions. Both managers are expected to rotate their lineups, with Liberato Cacace set to return for Wrexham and Noah Okafor absent for Leeds. The preview predicts a 1-1 draw.

HJK Helsinki begin their UEFA Conference League qualifying campaign seeking to leverage home advantage after an inconsistent domestic season, boosted by a recent league win and contributions from Teemu Pukki. Coleraine enter on the back of strong domestic form and successful preseason results, aiming to secure their first European win since 2020-21. Fitness updates include the return of Ville Tikkanen for HJK and Matthew Shevlin leading the Coleraine attack. The preview predicts a 3-1 victory for HJK based on superior experience and quality.

Sheffield Wednesday continue pre-season seeking their first win after a difficult previous campaign impacted by administration and points deductions, while new ownership and summer signings aim to rebuild confidence. Preston North End enter the friendly following a strong 4-1 win in their opening pre-season match and look to progress under manager Paul Heckingbottom after finishing mid-table last season. Both sides may rotate lineups, with several new additions expected to feature. Preston are predicted to win 3-1 based on current readiness and form.

Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion meet in a pre-season friendly following contrasting previous campaigns, with Wednesday seeking momentum after relegation and a new ownership-led rebuild, while West Brom aim to build on a late-season resurgence under James Morrison. Both clubs have undergone significant squad changes, with several departures and new signings expected to feature. Despite Wednesday’s renewed optimism, West Brom are predicted to start pre-season with a win.

Chesterfield begin their pre-season with ambitions of improving on last season’s playoff disappointment, integrating new signings and rotating heavily ahead of the new League Two campaign. Sheffield United look to build on an opening friendly win as they prepare for a third Championship season under Chris Wilder, fielding a mixed squad and incorporating new arrivals. A competitive match is expected, with a narrow Sheffield United win predicted due to greater squad depth.

Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town begin their pre-season with a friendly in Portugal as both teams prepare for the 2026–27 campaign. Birmingham enter with squad continuity and improved form under Chris Davies, while Huddersfield start a new era under permanent manager Martin Drury after significant squad turnover. Both sides integrate new signings, but Birmingham’s depth and stability make them favourites, with a predicted 3–1 win.

Netherlands and Morocco meet in Monterrey in a World Cup 2026 round‑of‑32 match after both teams advanced with seven points from their groups. The fixture kicks off at 2am UK time, with ITV1 broadcasting live coverage and ITVX offering online streaming, while highlights will be available across BBC iPlayer, ITVX and various social platforms. Netherlands aim to progress toward a first World Cup title following a strong group performance, while Morocco look to build on their rising international status and World Cup pedigree after another strong group stage showing.

Georgia and Israel enter their international friendly looking to reset after unsuccessful World Cup qualification campaigns. Georgia seeks to halt a four-match losing streak, boosted by the return of key forward Georges Mikautadze alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Israel aims to build on positive elements from its qualifying run despite missing attacker Manor Solomon, relying instead on Oskar Gloukh and Dor Turgeman. Both sides prepare for a competitive match, with Georgia given a slight predicted advantage due to home conditions and squad quality.

Cambridge United seek to extend a nine‑match unbeaten run and strengthen their automatic promotion position, while Grimsby Town aim to consolidate their playoff standing after recent strong form. Cambridge remain third with a game in hand and boast the league’s best defensive record, whereas Grimsby sit seventh after a series of victories highlighted by a 5–0 win over Barrow. Both sides face injury concerns but are expected to maintain largely unchanged lineups. A closely contested match is anticipated, with neither team holding a clear advantage.

Barnsley aim to reignite their push toward the League One playoff positions after three consecutive draws, while Doncaster Rovers look to extend their recent improvement and increase their cushion above the relegation zone. Barnsley sit 12th with games in hand but have struggled to convert performances into wins, whereas Doncaster have taken 21 points from their last 13 matches to move three points clear of the bottom four. Both sides face injury absences, with Barnsley missing Josh Earl and Tawanda Chirewa and Doncaster without Sean Grehan, Tom Nixon and Francis Okoronkwo. Predictions indicate an evenly matched contest likely to end in a draw.

Hull City seek to recover from recent poor form as they aim to secure their place in the Championship’s top six, facing already‑relegated Sheffield Wednesday. Hull remain fifth but have lost three of their last four games and face further setbacks with suspensions and injuries. Sheffield Wednesday continue a difficult season marked by administration, a points deduction and just one league win, though recent performances have shown slight improvement. Squad shortages affect both teams, but Hull are favoured to win against an injury‑hit and struggling Wednesday side.

Sheffield United aim to end a winless run and move back toward the upper half of the Championship table, while Wrexham look to reclaim a playoff position after recent setbacks. Sheffield United remain 15th after drawing with Birmingham despite playing with 10 men. Wrexham continue their push for a top-six finish following mixed recent results, sitting level on points with sixth-placed Southampton. Both sides handle multiple injuries, with Sheffield United missing key defensive and goalkeeping options and Wrexham lacking several attackers. A close contest is expected, with a draw predicted.

Shakhtar Donetsk enter the Conference League second leg in Krakow with a 3-1 aggregate advantage after a strong away performance, while maintaining momentum with seven straight wins across competitions. Lech Poznan seek to overturn the deficit following recent league recovery, led by in-form striker Mikael Ishak. Shakhtar face suspensions and injuries but remain favored to progress, whereas Lech aim to capitalize on renewed confidence despite missing several players. The preview predicts a 2-1 win for Shakhtar, securing a comfortable aggregate victory.

Barnsley aim to extend their unbeaten run and move toward the League One playoff positions, entering the match 12th with games in hand but inconsistent results. Wigan Athletic travel boosted by improved form under Gary Caldwell, having taken 10 points from six matches and climbing three points clear of the relegation zone after a key win over Bradford City. Barnsley continue without key injured players but rely on David McGoldrick's strong scoring form, while Wigan are expected to keep a stable lineup with Joe Taylor and Caylan Vickers leading the attack. A balanced contest is anticipated, with a 1-1 draw predicted.

Bolton aims to revive their promotion push after drawing at Rotherham, remaining third but well behind second-placed Cardiff. Doncaster, now 17th, strengthened their relegation battle with recent wins and seek further momentum. Bolton are expected to edge the match, supported by strong recent form and deeper attacking options, while Doncaster look to continue climbing with the return of influential players like Adelakun and captain Owen Bailey.

Huddersfield Town seek to reinforce their playoff position despite inconsistent form under Liam Manning, while Lincoln City enter the match on a dominant 20-game unbeaten run and with a four-point lead at the top of League One. Huddersfield remain weakened by several injuries, whereas Lincoln are expected to keep a settled lineup following six straight wins. Lincoln’s strong defensive record and attacking momentum place them as favorites to secure another victory.

Mansfield Town seek back-to-back wins after ending a long winless run with a midweek victory over Reading, while Barnsley arrive aiming to close the gap to the playoff positions following improved recent form and a draw against Cardiff City. Both sides contend with injury absences but are expected to field largely unchanged lineups, with Mansfield focusing on gaining ground on the top half and Barnsley targeting further momentum. A closely contested match is anticipated, with a draw predicted.

Port Vale seek vital points in their fight against relegation after a midweek loss halted momentum built through recent league improvements and FA Cup success. Huddersfield Town aim to consolidate their position in the playoff places following a narrow win over Rotherham United. Both sides contend with significant injury absences, with Port Vale likely to rotate due to a congested schedule and Huddersfield potentially maintaining a similar lineup to their previous victory. Huddersfield are tipped to edge the match based on their quality and recent result.

Rotherham United seek vital points in their fight against relegation after a recent defeat left them three points from safety, while Bolton Wanderers aim to continue their promotion push following a strong run that includes a dramatic comeback win over Wycombe. Rotherham face significant injury issues but may regain Joe Powell, whereas Bolton remain without several attackers yet still boast ample forward depth. Bolton are backed to win due to superior form and quality.

Sheffield Wednesday enter the match seeking momentum after ending a long losing streak, though their relegation is already sealed due to severe point deductions and poor form. Ipswich Town continue their pursuit of automatic promotion despite recent draws, sitting fourth with a strong goal-scoring record. Wednesday remain hindered by numerous injuries, while Ipswich also face absences but have depth to rotate. Ipswich are expected to be too strong, with predictions favoring a 3-1 away win to revive their promotion push.

Norwich City seeks a third straight league victory as they host Sheffield United, having risen from the relegation zone under Philippe Clement despite a recent FA Cup defeat. Sheffield United arrive aiming to maintain their climb into the Championship’s top half after recovering from a poor early-season start, though their playoff hopes have faded. Both sides face significant injury absences, with Norwich relying on Mathias Kvistgaarden and returning midfielder Anis Ben Slimane, while Sheffield United cope with suspensions and fitness doubts, including Patrick Bamford. Norwich’s strong recent league form makes them slight favourites for a narrow win.

Sheffield Wednesday aim to halt a long losing run as they host Watford, having already been relegated due to point deductions and poor form. Watford enter the match pursuing a playoff spot under new manager Edward Still after mixed recent results. Both sides face injury challenges, with Sheffield Wednesday expected to rotate and Watford likely to adjust defensively. Watford’s stronger form and position give them the edge, with a predicted away victory.

Barnsley aim to restart momentum in League One after inconsistent form has left them 13th, while Exeter City visit under returning manager Matt Taylor, seeking to end a winless run and stabilize their mid‑table position. Both sides face injury issues, with David McGoldrick and Jayden Wareham highlighted as key attacking threats. A tightly contested match is expected, with a likely draw forecast.

Huddersfield Town aim to regain a League One playoff position after recent defeats, while Rotherham United seek to extend a small resurgence as they fight to escape the relegation zone. Huddersfield face injury issues and inconsistent form under Liam Manning, and Rotherham arrive with their own injury problems but improved defensive stability. With both sides needing points for contrasting objectives, a tightly contested Yorkshire derby is anticipated, with expectations leaning toward a draw.

Derby County aim to strengthen their push for the Championship playoffs after returning to winning form with a 3-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers. Sitting six points off the top six, they prepare to host relegated Sheffield Wednesday, who remain on a 13‑match losing streak and continue to struggle following administration and major points deductions. Derby are expected to maintain a settled lineup, while Wednesday anticipate the return of Pierce Charles in goal but still face significant squad limitations. The matchup is forecast to end in a comfortable Derby win, continuing their momentum and extending Wednesday's poor run.

Ipswich Town and Hull City meet level on points in a key Championship match, each seeking to close the gap to the automatic promotion places. Ipswich enter the game following strong defensive and attacking displays, while Hull look to build on consecutive wins under Sergej Jakirovic. Both sides face injury absences but retain multiple in-form attacking options. Ipswich are predicted to edge the contest based on depth and recent performances.

Leyton Orient aim to secure back-to-back wins to bolster their League One survival bid after defeating Northampton Town, while Barnsley look to recover from a loss to Huddersfield Town as they attempt to climb toward the playoff positions. Both sides struggle defensively, setting up expectations for a high-scoring match, with a 2-2 draw predicted. Team news highlights injuries for Leyton Orient and a mostly fit Barnsley squad led by David McGoldrick in attack.

Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield United aim to revive their Championship playoff hopes after midweek defeats left both clubs several points outside the top six. QPR enter the match with significant injury issues and declining form following a heavy loss to Southampton, while Sheffield United look to regain momentum after falling to Coventry City despite recent improvement. Both teams face midfield absences but expect key returns, with Patrick Bamford central to the Blades’ attack. A closely contested draw is predicted as each side seeks to avoid falling further behind in the playoff race.

Southampton enter the match on an eight‑game unbeaten run as they push for a Championship playoff place, while relegated Sheffield Wednesday seek to end a long losing streak amid ongoing off‑field difficulties and an extensive injury list. Southampton are expected to maintain their winning momentum after a dominant midweek victory, with a largely unchanged lineup likely, whereas Sheffield Wednesday continue to struggle with absences and administrative uncertainty. Southampton are tipped for a comfortable win.

Norwich City aims to recover from a recent loss and strengthen their Championship survival hopes, buoyed by improved performances under Philippe Clement. Sheffield Wednesday arrive already relegated due to severe financial issues and points deductions, compounded by extensive injuries and suspensions. Norwich’s form and stability contrast sharply with Wednesday’s depleted squad and long losing streak, leading to an expectation of a comfortable Norwich victory.

Sheffield United seek a third consecutive win to continue their rise toward the Championship playoff positions after recent derby and away victories. Coventry City travel in strong form as they aim to reinforce their automatic promotion push, having regained momentum with successive wins and leading the division in goals scored. Team news highlights key suspensions and fitness concerns for both sides, with predicted lineups reflecting current form. Coventry are tipped to edge a close match as both teams pursue crucial points.

Sheffield United aim for a fourth consecutive derby win to boost their late push toward the Championship playoff positions, entering the match in improved form after a poor start to the season. Sheffield Wednesday travel across the city facing near-certain relegation following points deductions, injuries and a long run of defeats, hoping only to delay the drop and reclaim local bragging rights. Team news highlights United's stable lineup options and Wednesday's extensive injury list, with predictions favouring a comfortable home victory.

Huddersfield Town aim to retain their playoff position after recent defeats, while Barnsley seek to close an eight‑point gap with games in hand following a midweek win. Huddersfield contend with several injuries but welcome back key attackers, whereas Barnsley look set to maintain a stable lineup with in‑form forward Reyes Cleary. Despite Huddersfield’s home advantage, Barnsley’s improved momentum leads to a predicted away victory.

Luton Town seek to revive their League One playoff pursuit after consecutive defeats, while Burton Albion aim to build on a crucial win that lifted them out of the relegation zone. Luton’s inconsistent form under Jack Wilshere and ongoing injury issues pose challenges, whereas Burton look to extend momentum from their recent victory over Rotherham. Both sides contend with key absences, and despite Luton’s struggles to convert quality into results, they are narrowly favoured for a home win.

Rotherham United aim to revive their League One survival hopes after consecutive defeats left them 23rd in the table, while Doncaster Rovers arrive with renewed confidence following a run of improved results and a midweek win. Team news notes injuries for both sides, with Rotherham likely to make defensive adjustments and Doncaster expected to remain unchanged. Doncaster’s stronger recent form leads to a predicted 2-0 away victory.

Bolton aim to extend their unbeaten run and strengthen their push for automatic promotion, entering the match third in League One after two consecutive late draws. Blackpool, improved under Ian Evatt and boosted by a vital midweek win, remain close to the relegation zone but continue to face significant injury challenges. Bolton are expected to have more depth and form, with a narrow win predicted despite Blackpool’s renewed confidence.

Doncaster Rovers seek to extend their lead over the League One relegation zone as they host playoff-chasing Huddersfield Town, with both sides aiming to rebound from recent setbacks. Doncaster look to build on improved form after a cup shootout win, while Huddersfield attempt to regain momentum under Liam Manning despite injuries and a weakened attack. The match is expected to be closely contested, with a 1-1 draw predicted.

Barnsley aim to recover from recent poor results as they host Peterborough United, who continue to push for a playoff position after a significant turnaround under Luke Williams. Barnsley’s strong attack is offset by defensive struggles, leaving them near the bottom half of the table, while Peterborough seek to rebound from a weekend defeat but remain firmly in contention for the top six. Both sides face injury absences, and a high-scoring match is anticipated, with Peterborough narrowly favoured.

Stevenage aim to revive their League One playoff challenge after a poor run of form, having dropped to 11th following consecutive defeats. Huddersfield Town arrive seeking to consolidate their top‑six position under new manager Liam Manning, who has overseen improved performances and a recent unbeaten league run. Stevenage face injuries and rely on Jamie Reid in attack, while Huddersfield remain without key forwards but benefit from strong contributions by Cameron Humphreys and Marcus Harness. Huddersfield are tipped to edge the match despite their momentum slowing last week.

Sheffield Wednesday enter the match in last place with severe point deductions, poor form, numerous injuries and a prolonged winless and goalless run. Millwall arrive fifth in the table with strong recent performances, aiming to push toward automatic promotion. Team news highlights several absences for both sides, with new signings and returning players influencing potential lineups. Millwall are favoured to win, with a predicted 2–0 scoreline given Wednesday’s ongoing attacking struggles.

Swindon Town seek a fourth straight win to strengthen their League Two automatic promotion push, having risen to third after recent strong performances. Newport County travel under pressure in a relegation battle, with only five wins and the league’s worst defensive record. Swindon are expected to maintain momentum with key scorer Aaron Drinan leading the attack, while Newport rely on Leicester loanee Nathan Opoku in the absence of key forwards. Contrasting form suggests a comfortable home win.

Stevenage and Barnsley seek to recover from recent defeats as they meet at the Lamex Stadium, with Stevenage aiming to revive their playoff hopes after a prolonged dip in form. Barnsley enter the match struggling for consistency under Conor Hourihane but remain close to the top half despite recent setbacks. Team news includes injuries for both sides and expected attacking roles for Jamie Reid and David McGoldrick. A tightly contested match is anticipated, with a draw considered the most likely outcome.

Wycombe Wanderers and Doncaster Rovers enter their League One match on improved form, with Wycombe aiming to close an eight‑point gap to the playoffs and Doncaster seeking to pull further clear of the relegation zone. Wycombe have taken 10 points from their last five games, while Doncaster have matched that run after recovering from a long slump. Both sides may remain largely unchanged due to injuries, and a balanced contest is expected, with a draw predicted.

Huddersfield Town seek a fourth straight victory under new manager Liam Manning as they host struggling Blackpool, who sit just above the League One relegation zone. Huddersfield enter the match in strong form with recent wins boosting their playoff position, while Blackpool continue to falter despite a managerial change, losing five of their last six league games. Both sides face significant injury issues, with Huddersfield missing several attackers and Blackpool dealing with an extensive injury list. Huddersfield are tipped to win 2-0 based on recent performances and Blackpool’s poor away record.

Bolton aims to extend their unbeaten run and close the gap to League One’s top two, entering the match in strong form with three consecutive wins. Barnsley, sitting lower in the table and struggling defensively, seek to regain momentum amid pressure on management. Bolton are expected to maintain their upward trajectory, with a predicted 2-1 win given Barnsley’s inconsistency and the recent departure of key scorer Davis Keillor-Dunn.

Luton Town seek to continue their push toward the League One playoff positions after a key win, while Bradford City aim to consolidate their top‑six standing following a return to winning form. Both sides deal with notable injuries but retain stable cores, with Luton relying on Nahki Wells and key attacking contributors and Bradford maintaining consistency in midfield and defense. With both clubs rebuilding momentum after recent slumps, the matchup is projected to be evenly balanced, with a 1-1 draw predicted.

Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday meet in a rearranged Championship match with both sides in the relegation zone. Blackburn seek to end an eight-game winless run and close the gap to safety, while Sheffield Wednesday remain bottom due to points deductions, injuries and a long stretch without victory. Both teams face squad shortages, with Blackburn missing several players and Wednesday dealing with extensive injuries but boosted by a new loan signing. Despite improvements in Wednesday’s lineup, Blackburn are tipped to edge the match as the hosts aim to revive their survival hopes.