BBC Sport asked 32 pundits to predict the top four teams in the Premier League for the 2025-26 season. An AI prediction tool and Opta's 'Supercomputer' also contributed forecasts. Liverpool is widely expected to remain at the top, with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea also predicted to be among the top contenders.
Key Facts
BBC Sport consulted 32 TV and radio pundits for their Premier League predictions.
An AI tool and Opta's 'Supercomputer' provided additional forecasts.
Liverpool is predicted to be the champion by most experts and AI models.
Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea are also expected to be in the top four.
The AI prediction used Microsoft Copilot Chat, and Opta used a complex algorithm.
Predictions considered the team line-ups as of August 14, before the transfer window closed.
Liverpool's past success and talent in the midfield boost confidence in their performance.
The AI and human predictions mostly agree on the rankings for the upcoming season.
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Tottenham criticized the racial abuse directed at player Mathys Tel after their defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup. Tel, who missed a penalty in the shootout, received negative comments online, prompting Tottenham to pledge working with authorities to address the issue.
Key Facts
Mathys Tel, a Black French player for Tottenham, was racially abused online.
The abuse happened after Tottenham lost to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on penalties.
Tel missed a penalty during the shootout, which ended 4-3 in favor of PSG.
Tottenham called the abusers "cowards" and condemned the racial abuse.
The club announced it will collaborate with authorities and social media platforms to identify and act against the abusers.
Tel joined Tottenham from Bayern Munich after initially being on loan.
He came on as a substitute in the 79th minute when Tottenham was leading 2-0.
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The article provides predictions for the upcoming Premier League season, particularly focusing on top teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea. It discusses the transfers, strategies, and challenges each team faces as the new season begins. Liverpool is highlighted as the defending champions with major player changes and signings.
Key Facts
Liverpool won the Premier League last season and is a favorite for the title again.
Liverpool made significant player transfers, spending over £100 million, including signing Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Arsenal aims to win a trophy after five years, with new players like Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres added to their squad.
Manchester City faces challenges due to player injuries but has added new talent like Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Chelsea, under new management, is aiming to recover and compete for the league title again after winning international club titles.
The article makes predictions about the performance and potential challenges for each team in the upcoming season.
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BBC Sport is launching a new approach to football coverage that focuses more on fans. They plan to offer free content about every game, player, and event, with new programs, shows, and formats. Key presenters like Wayne Rooney will bring fresh insights and entertainment.
Key Facts
BBC Sport is focusing its football coverage more on fans, offering it for free.
New shows and formats will be introduced, featuring presenters like Wayne Rooney.
Highlights of Premier League games will be available on Saturdays and Sundays at 8 PM on iPlayer, the BBC Sport app, and website.
BBC Sport's "Match of the Day" returns with a new presenting team.
The BBC will provide over 209 Premier League commentaries on 5 Live.
Extensive live coverage will also be available for the Scottish Premiership and NIFL Premiership.
New program formats will include in-depth interviews and debates on current football topics.
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Wayne Rooney responded to comments by NFL legend Tom Brady, who criticized Rooney's work ethic as head coach of Birmingham City. Brady, a part-owner of the club, expressed concern about Rooney's efforts, which Rooney called "very unfair" and attributed to Brady not fully understanding soccer.
Key Facts
Tom Brady is a minority owner of Birmingham City, a soccer club in England.
Wayne Rooney was head coach of Birmingham City for 83 days before being replaced.
Brady criticized Rooney's work ethic during a documentary.
Birmingham City went through several managerial changes in the 2023-2024 season.
The club was relegated to a lower league at the end of the 2023-2024 season.
Birmingham's ownership invested £30 million in player transfers, setting a record in League One.
Birmingham City topped League One in the 2024-2025 season with 111 points.
Rooney has launched a new podcast called The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC platforms.
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Two sets of sisters from Nant Conwy rugby club in North Wales, Nel and Branwen Metcalfe, and Gwenllian and Alaw Pyrs, have been selected for Wales' squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. The sisters will play for Wales as they begin their tournament campaign against Scotland. This accomplishment highlights the community support and development at their local rugby club.
Key Facts
Nel and Branwen Metcalfe, as well as Gwenllian and Alaw Pyrs, are sisters selected for Wales' Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 squad.
All four players come from the Nant Conwy community rugby club in North Wales.
The team's first match will be against Scotland on 23 August at Salford Community Stadium.
Branwen Metcalfe, Wales Under-20s captain, is set to make her senior debut.
The Nant Conwy club and community have provided strong support for these players.
The rugby club is known for its community spirit and developing local talent.
Nant Conwy RFC's chairman and coaching staff expressed pride in the girls' achievements.
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Paris St-Germain's coach, Luis Enrique, replaced Gianluigi Donnarumma with Lucas Chevalier as their main goalkeeper. The change happened even though Donnarumma helped the team win the Champions League last season. Chevalier, praised for his skills with the ball, helped PSG win against Tottenham in the Super Cup.
Key Facts
Gianluigi Donnarumma, previously the main goalkeeper, was replaced by Lucas Chevalier.
Chevalier recently joined PSG from Lille.
Donnarumma was crucial in PSG's Champions League victory last season.
Luis Enrique chose Chevalier due to his skills with the ball and fitting the team's style.
Chevalier played a key role in PSG's win over Tottenham in the Super Cup.
Chevalier was named Ligue 1's best goalkeeper last season.
The decision reflects a trend towards goalkeepers who are good with ball control and distribution.
Chevalier successfully stopped a penalty in the match against Tottenham.
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Tottenham Hotspur played against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Super Cup and initially led 2-0. However, PSG made a strong comeback and won the match on penalties. Despite the loss, Tottenham's new manager Thomas Frank's strategy showed promising signs but also revealed areas needing improvement.
Key Facts
Tottenham Hotspur led 2-0 against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup.
PSG made a comeback and won the match in a penalty shootout.
Thomas Frank is the new manager of Tottenham, having replaced Ange Postecoglou.
Under Frank's management, Tottenham showed effective set-piece strategies.
The match highlighted that Tottenham needs to work on maintaining pressure late in games.
Frank's previous team, Brentford, was strong in both offensive and defensive set-pieces in the Premier League.
Tottenham's gameplay under Frank focused more on effectiveness rather than style.
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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won the UEFA Super Cup by beating Tottenham on penalties after both teams finished the game with a 2-2 draw. PSG scored two late goals to level the match and then succeeded in the penalty shootout.
Key Facts
PSG won the UEFA Super Cup by defeating Tottenham 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
The match ended 2-2 in regular time, with PSG scoring two goals late in the game.
Lee Kang-in scored in the 85th minute, and Goncalo Ramos equalized in stoppage time for PSG.
Nuno Mendes scored the winning penalty for PSG.
The UEFA Super Cup is an annual match between winners of the Champions League and Europa League.
Tottenham led 2-0 early in the second half with goals by Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
PSG's victory marked their fifth trophy win of 2025.
PSG had less preparation time for the match compared to Tottenham.
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UEFA displayed a banner with the message "Stop Killing Children. Stop Killing Civilians" before a football match in Italy. This action followed criticism over UEFA's earlier tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, a Palestinian player killed in Gaza. Nine child refugees from various countries carried the banner onto the field.
Key Facts
UEFA displayed a banner with a message calling to stop the killing of children and civilians.
The banner was shown before a football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham in Udine, Italy.
UEFA faced backlash for its initial tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, a Palestinian player killed in Gaza.
Nine child refugees from Palestine, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Iraq carried the banner onto the pitch.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah had criticized UEFA for not mentioning the circumstances of al-Obeid's death.
Suleiman al-Obeid was reportedly killed by an Israeli attack while waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
UEFA also announced initiatives to help children affected by war in various countries, partnering with several humanitarian organizations.
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The article discusses the highlights of the Super Cup match between Paris St-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur. It is part of the UEFA Champions League for the 2025/26 season.
Key Facts
The match is part of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 season.
It features a game between Paris St-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur.
The article highlights key moments from this Super Cup match.
The Super Cup is a soccer competition.
The event is covered by BBC One.
Paris St-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur are both well-known soccer teams.
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Liverpool is close to signing 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni from Parma for around £26 million. Leoni, who has played for Italy's Under-19 team, will join Liverpool's defensive lineup, while the club is also negotiating to sign another defender from Crystal Palace.
Key Facts
Liverpool is negotiating to sign Giovanni Leoni, a young defender from Parma.
The transfer fee for Leoni is about £26 million.
Leoni has played for teams like Padova and Sampdoria before joining Parma.
He has represented Italy in the Under-19 national team.
Liverpool is also trying to sign Marc Guehi, a defender from Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace wants about £40 million for Guehi, but Liverpool is offering less.
Liverpool has spent around £270 million on new players this summer.
The club has earned back roughly £170 million through selling players.
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Manchester United, a team that has won the EFL Cup six times, will play against Grimsby Town in the second round of the 2025-26 Carabao Cup. This tournament is also called the EFL Cup and starts its regional matches in this round. Matches will happen during the week starting August 25.
Key Facts
Manchester United will visit Grimsby Town for the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Grimsby Town is a League Two team, while Manchester United is a top-tier Premier League team.
Manchester United is not playing in European competitions this season.
Bromley, another League Two team, will play at home against League One team Wycombe after an upset win over Ipswich.
The EFL Cup has separate Northern and Southern sections in the early rounds.
Everton will play against Mansfield Town at their new stadium, Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The EFL Cup second-round matches will take place the week beginning August 25.
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Alexander Isak, a Newcastle United player, wants to leave the club to join Liverpool. Newcastle has rejected a £110 million offer from Liverpool and Isak remains out of the team's activities. The situation is causing tension, but Newcastle is focusing on team unity.
Key Facts
Alexander Isak wants to leave Newcastle United and join Liverpool.
Newcastle has turned down an offer of £110 million from Liverpool for Isak.
Isak is not taking part in team activities at Newcastle.
Newcastle has the legal right to keep Isak under his current contract.
If Isak isn't played or sold, his market value may drop.
Newcastle is focusing on team unity despite the situation with Isak.
The club's head coach, Eddie Howe, emphasizes overcoming challenges and maintaining team strength.
The team may rely on winger Anthony Gordon for upcoming matches due to a lack of forwards.
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Premier League chief executive Richard Masters stated that there are no current plans to host Premier League matches outside of England. This comes as Italy and Spain plan to hold some of their league matches in the United States and Australia, pending permissions. The Premier League had considered an international match in 2008, but the idea was dropped due to criticism.
Key Facts
Richard Masters, Premier League's chief executive, confirmed no plans to play matches abroad.
Italy and Spain plan to stage league games in the U.S. and Australia, pending approval.
The Premier League previously considered an extra international game in 2008 but shelved it.
11 Premier League clubs are owned by U.S. interests, but there's no majority for rule change.
Liverpool's chairman expressed wishes to play abroad, but there's no current movement.
The idea of playing matches abroad aims to grow the league's international presence.
Premier League matches have grown globally through digital partnerships and broadcasts.
The league has recently spent over £2bn on transfers, significantly more than other leagues.
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Graham Clark hit a six on the last ball of the game, securing a three-wicket win for the Northern Superchargers against the Southern Brave in The Hundred cricket competition. This was the first time in the history of the men's or women's competitions in The Hundred that a match was won this way. Clark scored 38 runs, remaining not out, to help chase a target of 140.
Key Facts
Northern Superchargers beat Southern Brave by three wickets.
The match was part of The Hundred cricket competition.
Graham Clark hit the last ball for six to win the game.
Clark scored 38 not out from 24 balls.
The Superchargers needed 140 runs to win and finished at 141-7.
This was the first time a match in The Hundred was won with a six off the final ball.
England international Tymal Mills bowled the final set where Clark hit the winning six.
Jofra Archer, playing for Southern Brave, took important wickets but was unable to prevent the loss.
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Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, has received a wildcard to compete in the US Open. This makes her the oldest player to compete in a major tennis event in 44 years. Williams returned to tennis after a long break and will also participate in the mixed doubles event.
Key Facts
Venus Williams, 45 years old, has been given a wildcard to enter the US Open.
Williams will be the oldest woman to compete in a major tennis event since 1981.
She returned to tennis in July after a 16-month break.
Williams won a match at the Washington Open, becoming the oldest player to win a WTA Tour singles match in over 21 years.
Venus Williams has won the US Open twice, in 2000 and 2001.
She will participate in the mixed doubles alongside Reilly Opelka.
This will be her 25th time competing in her home Grand Slam tournament.
Williams remains passionate about tennis, despite being considered inactive at the start of the year.
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Graham Clark hit a six on the last ball of the game, helping the Northern Superchargers win against Southern Brave in a cricket match of The Hundred tournament. The Superchargers needed five runs to win when Clark achieved the victory with his shot.
Key Facts
Graham Clark plays for the Northern Superchargers cricket team.
The match was part of The Hundred tournament.
The Northern Superchargers competed against the Southern Brave team.
The Superchargers needed five runs on the last ball to win the match.
Graham Clark hit a six, meaning the ball crossed the boundary of the field without touching the ground, scoring six runs.
The victory was decided on the final delivery of the game.
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