Viking vs Start

The EFL Cup will start on Friday, 7 August 2026, breaking decades of midweek tradition by moving to a pre-season weekend slot. This fundamental calendar shift addresses fixture congestion but transforms the competition's identity, creating new challenges for clubs, players and betting markets alike.

Former Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici has identified Lucas Bergvall as a summer target for Fiorentina, according to reports from Italy. The Swedish midfielder, who Paratici originally signed for Spurs in 2024, has emerged as one of the Premier League's most exciting young talents.

Sheffield Wednesday will start their League One campaign with a 15-point deduction after new owners offered creditors just 6p in the pound. Former owner Dejphon Chansiri's refusal to write down debts has created an impossible situation, transforming the Owls from promotion candidates to survival battlers before the season even begins.

Harry Maguire's FA suspension for improper conduct leaves Manchester United without their resurgent defender for Saturday's crucial clash at Chelsea. With United's defence already decimated by injuries, Erik ten Hag faces his biggest selection crisis of the season at the worst possible moment.

Hugo Ekitike's Champions League opportunity turned to nightmare after just 34 minutes as the PSG striker was stretchered off against Liverpool. The injury deepens PSG's attacking crisis and potentially marks the end of Ekitike's troubled stint in Paris.

Mohamed Salah has been dropped to the bench for Liverpool's crucial Champions League quarterfinal second leg against PSG, marking the second consecutive European knockout match where Arne Slot has left out his star forward. The decision comes with Liverpool needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, raising serious questions about the manager's tactical approach and the team's chances of progression.

Manchester United are monitoring Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche ahead of a potential £40 million summer move. The 24-year-old winger has registered 15 goal contributions this season and could finally solve United's decade-long right wing problem as they prepare for Champions League football.

Newcastle United have made Manchester United's struggling £50m midfielder Manuel Ugarte their priority summer signing. The Uruguay international has started just seven Premier League games since joining from PSG, with the Magpies seeing an opportunity to sign quality at a reduced price while solving their defensive midfield problems.