With a stacked midweek schedule from up and down the country, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: 1xBet

Stoke City

Starting with the hosts, while Stoke might have eventually maintained their Championship status with time to spare last season, the Potters have endured another nightmare start to proceedings. Last seen over the weekend getting blown away against promotion contenders Wolves as they slumped to a woeful 4-1 drumming, the pressure on Mark Robins’ shoulders has now reached a boiling point. Opening up the 2026/27 campaign with a 2-1 loss at home against Swansea on August 15th, the one-time Coventry boss has seen his downbeat squad lose each of their previous four consecutive appearances across all competitions. Watching their EFL Cup adventure come to an abrupt end at the hands of Premier League newcomers Hull City last week, Stoke have also continued to show some glaring defensive issues.

Stoke City Team News

Yet to make a Championship appearance this season and still sidelined with a knee injury, Stoke will once again be unable to call upon veteran defender Aaron Cresswell here. However, aside from the ex-West Ham star, Robins’ camp have reported a clean bill of health.

Completing a season-long loan switch from Ipswich this summer, Ben Johnson will start at the back. Also completing his own respective switch from Portman Road last month, Scottish striker George Hirst will spearhead Stoke’s charge in the final third.

Norwich City

As for the visitors, while Norwich might have endured a stuttering start to proceedings, the Canaries have certainly claimed a much-welcomed boost over the past week. Last seen over the weekend laying down a real statement as they stormed their way to a sensational 4-1 romp at home against promotions hopefuls Burnley, Philippe Clement will be dreaming of a repeat performance in Staffordshire. Likewise, extending on their EFL Cup adventure on August 25th as they snatched a 2-1 victory away at Championship foes Cardiff, the former Rangers boss has seen his squad gain a reputation for their lively outcomes since opening up the 2026/27 campaign. In fact, Norwich’s first five showdowns across all competitions have remarkably produced 19 goals at both ends of the pitch.

Norwich City Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Norwich will travel to Staffordshire on Tuesday night without the likes of Ali Ahmed, Paris Maghoma, Lucien Mahovo, Jovon Makama and Serbian midfielder Mirko Topic.

Bagging a Championship brace against Burnley over the weekend and opening his second-tier account, Australian international Mohamed Toure will lead Norwich’s charge in the final third. Now in his fourth campaign at Carrow Road, former Bournemouth defender Jack Stacey will start at right-back.

Stoke City vs Norwich City Key Factors to Consider

• Norwich are unbeaten in all of their previous six consecutive trips to Staffordshire (two wins, four draws).
• The Canaries have seen their first five competitive appearances across all competitions produce 19 goals at both ends of the pitch.
• Stoke have lost all of their first three Championship showdowns by an aggregate score of 9-3.
• The Potters have mustered just a sole Championship clean sheet in front of their own supporters since the start of January.
• Likewise, Stoke have failed to claim a Championship victory in Staffordshire since back on April 3rd.

Conclusion

Producing a sensational performance over the weekend as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp at home against promotions hopefuls Burnley, Norwich will be dreaming of a repeat display here. Likewise, unbeaten in all of their previous six consecutive trips to Staffordshire across all competitions, Clement’s squad will be looking to exploit a Stoke squad who find themselves at the heart of another public Championship crisis. With the Canaries seeing their first five competitive appearances across all competitions produce 19 goals at both ends of the pitch, we could be treated to another enjoyable Championship showdown.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: 1xBet

The post Prediction: Stoke City vs Norwich City appeared first on SoccerNews.

Ahead of a stacked Championship schedule in midweek, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available.

Verdict: Raul Jimenez over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: BetUS

West Ham

Starting with the hosts, while West Ham might have extended on their EFL Cup adventure last week following a dominant 4-1 victory away at Southampton, the Hammers have endured a nightmare start to their Championship campaign. Last seen over the weekend putting in another underwhelming performance as they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against Watford, the pressure is certainly mounting on Nuno Espirito Santo’s shoulders in east London. Coming under some serious scrutiny on August 22nd as they slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat at home against Charlton, the former Wolves boss has seen his downbeat squad register just a pair of points from their opening three Championship showdowns. Continuing to show some glaring issues on either side of the summer interval, West Ham are desperate to put a maiden second-tier victory on the board here.

West Ham Team News

While Greek International Konstantinos Mavropanos might have missed out away at Watford on Saturday afternoon with a reported dead leg, West Ham are hopeful that the one-time Arsenal defender will be able to make a full return here.

Opening his Championship account with a consolation strike against Charlton on August 22nd, new recruit Joel Piroe should spearhead West Ham’s attack. Academy graduate Lewis Orford should be handed a start in the middle of the park and replace fellow summer arrival Arne Engles.

Wolves

As for the visitors, while Wolves might have lost their Premier League status with a whimper last season, the Old Gold have come flying out of the traps since opening up the 2026/27 campaign. Last seen over the weekend producing a stellar display as they cruised their way to a thumping 4-1 victory at home against Stoke, the mood in Cesar Peixoto’s camp appears to be at a red-hot high. Extending on their respective EFL Cup charge on August 25th as they clinched a 2-0 win away at Sheffield Wednesday, the midweek guests will be looking to make another major promotion statement here. Likewise, with their eye-catching flurry underlined by a 3-1 victory against Preston on August 22nd, Wolves have also impressed with their clinical performances in the final third. In fact, Tuesday’s guests have notched 11 goals in their first four matchups across all competitions.

Wolves Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Wolves will travel to east London on Tuesday night without the likes of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Sam Johnstone, Yerson Mosquera and former England international Kieran Trippier.

Already bagging a pair of Championship strikes since completing an emotional return to Molinuex over the summer, veteran striker Raul Jimenez will lead the line here. Likewise, notching a brace against Stoke over the weekend, 23-year-old Rodrigo Gomes will partner Jimenez in attack.

West Ham vs Wolves Key Factors to Consider

• When West Ham and Wolves last met back on April 10th, the Hammers stormed their way to a thumping 4-0 victory in east London.
• However, West Ham have put just two points on the board from any of their first three Championship appearances.
• Wolves have registered 11 goals in their first four appearances across all competitions.
• Continuing on from last season, West Ham have mustered just a sole clean sheet from their previous nine appearances across all fronts.
• The last three meetings between West Ham and Wolves have produced 12 goals at both ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

Putting in another dominant display over the weekend as they stormed their way to a thumping 4-1 victory against Stoke, Wolves will be seeking a repeat performance here. Widely regarded as a standout promotions contender this season, Tuesday’s guests have also continued to impress with their free-scoring performances in the final third. Already notching 11 goals across all competitions, Wolves will be looking to exploit a West Ham defence who have continued to show some glaring issues on either side of the summer interval.

Verdict: Raul Jimenez over 0.5 shots on target

Best Odds: 8/11 

Bookmaker: BetUS

The post Prediction: West Ham vs Wolves appeared first on SoccerNews.

Mourinho's second stint in charge of Madrid has started with three straight wins in LaLiga, with Los Blancos thrashing Malaga 4-0 on Sunday.

Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler were on target, with Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero also scoring an own goal when the ball deflected off him and in, following a Bellingham header.

As was the case in Madrid's first two games of the campaign, Mourinho introduced Diomande from the bench against Malaga, with the former RB Leipzig man playing the final 25 minutes plus stoppage time.

He has only tallied 57 minutes so far this campaign, the second-fewest by any player to have appeared for Madrid in the competition, only ahead of Carlos Espi (14).

But Mourinho has warned the teenager's adaptation process could be a lengthy one, saying fans must put his huge price tag to one side.

"He needs to take it step by step. He works hard and well," Mourinho said of Diomande. "He's open and humble, he wants to learn, he listens to his team-mates, he's going to grow.

"I can't focus on the €120m or €130m… How much did they charge us? I have to focus on a player who's coming off a top-level season at Leipzig. 

"When you talk about a huge number like that, you think of someone who arrives and blows everyone away. But that's not it, he's a young guy. Calm down, take it easy."

TEAM GOALS  pic.twitter.com/UGwiYeYe6o

— Real Madrid C.F.  (@realmadriden) August 30, 2026

Bellingham was one of Madrid's standout performers, winning six of his eight duels and having as many shots from inside the area (four) as Mbappe – a joint team-high figure.

Having tipped Mbappe or Vinicius Junior for the Ballon d'Or ahead of Sunday's game, Mourinho put Bellingham in that same bracket and said he wanted to see the England international occupying more advanced positions.

"He's very demanding of himself and others, and I really like that," Mourinho said. "I agreed with him that I didn't want to see him as a second left-back, defending – I've seen him do that a lot. 

"We really exploited that situation with Benfica. We've organised the team differently; he knows what he has to do, and he feels comfortable. 

"I'm very happy with everyone. But it's true that in the final stretch, we lost our shape a bit at 3-0. Some stayed focused, others relaxed… That's the feeling we all had. It's normal that we don't have the energy or the mentality to do it for 90 minutes. 

"I said before that at Real Madrid, there is more than one player who can win the Ballon d'Or, and there's Jude. 

"Of course, there's one player [Mbappe] who made history at the World Cup. But Jude, in midfield, is incredible."

Madrid visit Real Betis for their fourth game of the season on Friday, before opening their Champions League campaign at home to Inter on September 8.

The post ‘Calm down’ – Mourinho tempers Diomande expectations at Real Madrid appeared first on SoccerNews.

Arsenal got their 2026-27 campaign off to a fine start as they dispatched promoted Coventry City 3-0 at Emirates Stadium in their opening game.

The Gunners face Aston Villa on Monday, with Unai Emery's team having lost 4-0 to Brighton in their first match of the season.

Madueke, who was involved for England at the World Cup this summer, says the squad is feeling full of confidence after they ended Arsenal's long wait for a league title last season.

"I feel like everyone's [more free], everyone's more relaxed, it's good. We definitely have the feeling, obviously it was great to win the league after 22 years, it's some feat," he told Arsenal's website.

"We're back here with the same mindset to go and do it again, and even to improve on what we did last year. [City] beat us twice last season, so it was a great feeling to beat them and win the first trophy of the season. It sets the tone.

"Then the atmosphere against Coventry was great. I think there's an extra buzz around the place now that we're champions. It was a great performance from us as well, a great start to the season, so all in all, I think everyone's really happy at the moment and the mood's really good."

This meeting with Villa could mean that Ezri Konsa is set to make his debut for the Gunners against his former club.

The defender joined Arsenal from Villa earlier this month, and Madueke is thrilled at Konsa's addition.

"He's a great friend of mine first and foremost. We've played with each other for England now for a couple of years," Madueke said.

"I'm delighted that he's here, he's a great player and I know he's going to be a great addition, not only to the team but around the building. 

"I can't wait to see what we're going to achieve together."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is set to take charge of his 250th Premier League game, becoming only the 10th manager in the competition's history to oversee 250 games for a single side.

Only Pep Guardiola (70.8%), Alex Ferguson (65.2%) and Jurgen Klopp (62.6%) have a higher win rate among managers with 250+ games than Arteta's 60.2% (W150 D48 L51).

Nico pic.twitter.com/hyDVa4n9Gk

— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) August 30, 2026

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aston Villa – Nicolas Jackson

Villa have failed to score in five of their last six Premier League games in August, including the last four across the last two seasons. 

Jackson has joined as their replacement for Ollie Watkins, who has been sold to Al-Hilal, and the Senegal international will be aiming to snap Villa's scoreless start.

Arsenal – Noni Madueke

Despite only coming on in the 68th minute, Madueke created more chances than any other player in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Coventry (four). 

Since 2003-04, only Aaron Ramsey against Wolves in December 2011 (six in 19 minutes) has played fewer minutes in a Premier League game for the Gunners while creating 4+ chances.

MATCH PREDICTION: ARSENAL WIN

Villa have won their last three Premier League home games against the reigning champions, as many times as they had in their first 28 (W3 D10 L15).

They won at home against Manchester City in both 2023-24 and 2024-25, and beat Liverpool at Villa Park last season.

The last team to beat the reigning top-flight champions at home in more successive uninterrupted seasons were Luton Town, who did seven in a row between 1985-86 and 1991-92.

However, Arsenal have won 15 Premier League games at Villa Park, more than they have at any other away venue in the competition.

But Villa have won four of their seven home games against Arsenal since their return to the Premier League in 2019 (L3), more than they had in their first 24 against them at Villa Park in the competition (W3 D9 L12).

Arsenal, though, have won their first away game in each of the last four Premier League seasons, also keeping a clean sheet each time. The Gunners have never won their opening away game in five consecutive league campaigns before.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Aston Villa – 16.3%

Draw – 21%

Arsenal – 62.7%

The post Arsenal ‘relaxed’ after flying start to Premier League title defence appeared first on SoccerNews.

Having started their LaLiga title defence with back-to-back victories over Elche and Athletic Club, Barca welcome Rayo to Camp Nou on Monday.

Raphinha and Fermin Lopez have each scored three goals in LaLiga already this season, with Karim Adeyemi the other Barca player to find the net in the competition.

Yamal, by contrast, has cut a frustrated figure at times since returning from Spain's triumphant World Cup campaign, failing to provide a goal involvement in the Blaugrana's first two games despite no player creating more than his six chances (level with Raphinha).

But when asked if he had any concerns about Yamal's demeanour, Flick said: "It's always good for players to smile. I don't smile every day, either. 

"Everyone is conditioned by how good Lamine is. He played in the World Cup after his injury and now returns from a three-week vacation. 

"Maybe he's not at his best level, but I'm very happy with what he's brought us in the first two games. 

"Against Athletic Club, he already played 90 minutes and that is great news. You haven't been able to see him, but today he did great in training. He's on the right track."

Barca introduced Rodri from the bench just past the hour mark against Athletic, having paid €76.5m (£65.4m) to sign the World Cup Golden Ball winner from Manchester City.

And Flick says the former Ballon d'Or winner could play a larger role on Monday.

See you again tomorrow, Rodri pic.twitter.com/vmyCqw19mV

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 30, 2026

"He's had some problems in the last few days, but today he trained and had a really good feeling," Flick said. "Of course he is ready to be a starter. We will see what happens."

Barca are reportedly close to signing striker Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal ahead of the transfer window slamming shut on Tuesday, with Atletico Madrid insisting they will not sell Julian Alvarez to their domestic rivals. 

Visitors Rayo have just one point on the board after their opening two matches, having started with a 2-1 defeat to Sevilla before drawing 1-1 with Alaves.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Barcelona – Raphinha 

Raphinha has scored in his last three matches in LaLiga (netting five goals in total), and he could score in four consecutive games in the competition for the first time. 

Furthermore, with three goals in his first two appearances in 2026-27, this is already his best start to a season in the competition since joining the Blaugrana in 2022-23.

Rayo Vallecano – Sergio Camello

Camello has scored six goals in his last eight LaLiga appearances, as many as he managed in his previous 75 games in the competition.

The 25-year-old was on target against Alaves last time out, and he will look to continue his excellent run of form at Camp Nou.

MATCH PREDICTION: BARCELONA WIN

Barcelona are on a run of 20 consecutive home wins in LaLiga, their best such streak since a run of 25 games between November 2012 and January 2014.

In addition, the Blaugrana have scored at least one goal in each of their last 32 home games in LaLiga (92 goals in total), their best such run since a streak of 34 matches between February 2018 and December 2019 under Ernesto Valverde.

And while Flick's men have maximum points on the board this campaign, Rayo have not won either of their two LaLiga games (D1 L1) and could fail to register a victory in their opening three matches for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign under Paco Jemez (D1 L2).

Barca are unbeaten in their last four home LaLiga matches against Rayo (W3 D1), keeping clean sheets in all four. They could keep five consecutive home clean sheets against them for the first time ever.

The Catalan giants have also beaten Rayo Vallecano in four of their last five LaLiga matches (D1) after failing to win any of the previous five (D2 L3).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Barcelona – 78.5%

Rayo Vallecano – 8.1%

Draw – 13.4%

The post Flick not concerned by Yamal’s slow start, says Rodri ready to start for Barca appeared first on SoccerNews.

Greece international Konstantelias made a goalscoring debut for Dortmund as they overcame Hamburg 2-0 in their Bundesliga opener on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, who was a €30m arrival from PAOK in the close season, went down with a left knee injury and was replaced by Marcel Sabitzer in the 54th minute.

Dortmund revealed on Sunday that Konstantelias had suffered ACL damage and would be sidelined for an extended period.

BVB managing director of sports Lars Ricken said: "This news hits us hard, because Giannis has already shown in a very short time why we see him as a great player for Borussia Dortmund.

"For now, however, his and our focus is on his recovery. Giannis has our full support."

Some difficult news to finish out the week.

Giannis Konstantelias has suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee and will be sidelined for several months.

The 23-year-old was forced off in the 52nd minute of his Bundesliga debut against Hamburg after going down… pic.twitter.com/0MlVdE4YN1

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) August 30, 2026

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After suffering a shock defeat to Hull City to start their campaign, United bounced back with a thumping 5-2 comeback win over Ipswich, with Fernandes netting a hat-trick.

Leif Davies had broken the deadlock for the visitors, but Fernandes cancelled it out before the break, and a Jacob Greaves own goal gave United the lead early in the second half.

Fernandes then netted from the penalty spot before rounding off his hat-trick shortly afterwards, with Bryan Mbeumo adding some gloss to the scoreline and Chuba Akpom getting a consolation goal for Ipswich.

United had 33 attempts at goal in Sunday's game, their most in a Premier League match since October 2016 against Burnley (38).

Fernandes accounted for eight of those, his joint-most in a league game for the Red Devils, while he now has 17 goal involvements (eight goals, nine assists) in his last 15 Premier League appearances against newly promoted sides.

"We were in control of the game and then conceded the goal, lost a bit of control after that, but then got back into the game, scored just before half-time and in the second half we were brilliant. We need to be hungry to score more goals," Fernandes told BBC Sport.

"It is a great accolade for myself, but it is together with the team, because I couldn't do any of that without them helping me.

"Obviously, it was a huge week and to end with a win at home was massive.

"I said before the game, to be honest, there are certain days you feel it. It is one of those days when everything comes to you, and you have to take it.

"We have to do it in both ways; when we lose, we can't get carried away with the negative things.

"I hate losing, and it is difficult to be positive when you lose games, because at this club you want to be on top of everything and win games. It is very difficult for me to control the emotions."

The best player in the @PremierLeague. pic.twitter.com/FVTyuUnwTp

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2026

United have now won nine of their 10 Premier League games at Old Trafford in 2026 (L1), winning more points on home soil than any other side this calendar year (27).

This was also the first time they had scored five or more goals in a league game after going 1-0 down since July 2020 against Bournemouth (also 5-2).

"It was a good win. It was a really good win in the end," head coach Michael Carrick told Sky Sports.

"We played some really good football. The biggest thing today was the mentality of the boys to overcome setbacks. We're going to have them, and it depends on how you deal with them.

"I was really pleased with that. It's easy to look at the result, but the mentality and the stubbornness really pleased me.

"We controlled the game pretty well for the most part. A lot of our play was looking the way we wanted it to look. The boys took it on really well, and we were fabulous."

Ipswich, meanwhile, were unable to build on their dramatic opening weekend win over Sunderland.

They have now played more Premier League games at Old Trafford without ever winning than they have at any other ground (P7 D2 L5).

There was some controversy over United's second goal, with the ball bouncing against Harry Maguire’s hands before he took a shot, which was then deflected in by Greaves.

"Really unlucky to be 2-1 down, really unlucky – two of the most unlucky goals you will see, but then not good enough to get back into it. We got punished by a very good side," Gary O'Neil told Sky Sports.

"To beat Manchester United at Old Trafford you need the moments to go in your favour, and they didn't. Rules can go against you, or a deflection; there are lots of things that can happen in a game that are beyond your control.

"It is a complicated rule – handball if it's the goalscorer but not if it takes a deflection – and it was heading off the target. I think that is tough for a referee.

"But no problem. I'm not here to moan about refs. We get no points. At Old Trafford a lot of people leave with no points, but we leave with an understanding of where to get better.

"We have three points from two tough games. A good start for us. It is the Premier League, the lads understand there will be highs and lows. We don't want there to be too many lows, but the lads are fine in there. They understand."

The post Fernandes: Man Utd need to be hungry to score more goals appeared first on SoccerNews.

The Black Cats earned their first win of the season on Sunday, with substitute Wilson Isidor coming off the bench to seal the result with a well-taken strike in the 75th minute. 

The victory marked Sunderland's first over Fulham since December 2017 – a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light in the Championship, ending their joint-longest losing run against the Cottagers (three consecutive losses). 

Le Bris' side have also now picked up wins in their first Premier League home game in consecutive seasons, after defeating West Ham 3-0 last campaign, having previously not done so since 2007. 

"It feeds the confidence, especially at home," Le Bris told Sky Sports. "We want to rebuild our fortress, but it is a process. 

"Sometimes you lose, and you say maybe it is not the right timing or the dynamic is not good, but it is a process.  

"You have to learn from mistakes, reset and go again. That is going to be the case for next week against Brentford. 

"It is obvious for Sunderland, but for every club in this league, you cannot play with 11 players. They did really well and finally we scored. 

"This is the reality of the competition and if you are not all in, you cannot play at that level. They were all in. 

"The Premier League is really demanding, and we enjoyed being back at home. Our crowd and our fans are so important to lift the standards and the energy. 

"Our players are now getting used to creating this connection with them. Whether it is a counter-press, a tackle or a high press, we feel the energy of the crowd, and we can switch the momentum."

'With good intensity, we changed the dynamic of the game.'

RLB on today's win over Fulham  pic.twitter.com/3yMpA6ylsH

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 30, 2026

Isidor, fresh from signing a new deal with the Black Cats, gave the Stadium of Light plenty to cheer about with his goal. 

The Haiti international scored his second match-winning goal in the Premier League, exactly one year to the day since his only previous one – a 90th-minute winner that saw Sunderland beat Brentford 2-1 at home last season. 

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, meanwhile, has not started his tenure the way he would have hoped. 

After losses to Chelsea and Sunderland, the Spaniard is the fourth Fulham manager to lose each of his first two Premier League games in charge of the side, after Roy Hodgson, Slavisa Jokanovic and Scott Parker. 

The Cottagers failed to register a single shot on target on Sunday from 11 total attempts, marking the most shots any team has had without having one on target in the Premier League since Fulham themselves against Brentford in April (11). 

"It was a tough game for us. We didn't deserve it," Arbeloa told BBC Match of the Day.  

"Sunderland were better for many minutes. We need to improve many things, especially the energy and the attitude. 

"If you want to come here and play like you want to play, then you need to have the mentality. It's not easy, but we are a new team with new ideas. 

"We will improve with time. We will have ups and downs. We need to realise we need to show more energy and fight for every ball."

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Leeds struggled to cope with Brentford in the opening period on Sunday and were fortunate they only went into half-time down 1-0 after Kevin Schade's delightful finish gave the Bees a deserved lead.

Farke switched to a 4-3-3 for the second half and then changed his shape again when he sent on Daniel James and Lukas Nmecha, with the latter going on to provide the assist for Dominic Calvert-Lewin's equaliser in the 79th minute.

"It was definitely a good point. Brentford are in red-hot form and deserved to be in the lead," Farke told his post-match news conference.

"I asked a lot in the second half because the changed the base formation. Then we changed again and found a way to equalise and perhaps push for a winner.

"It would perhaps have been a bit too much to win because Brentford were very good – they are second to none in long balls.

"It was important to be brave and change. We prepare on the training pitch but to be adaptable and find the solution is outstanding. And to show that mental resilience. I'm very happy.

"It was crucial to have another physical player in Nmecha – 80% of the goal was him. James was great, just didn't have the end product.

"We needed to find a good balance. It's not a topic that we change too often. We have to train build-up and how to sit deep. It's very complicated."

@CalvertLewin14 pic.twitter.com/Ak9XbNzKYt

— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 30, 2026

Brentford had 62.4% of possession, 11 shots and 26 touches in the opposition box in the first half, but they were unable to hold off after Farke's tweaks.

Still, Keith Andrews was pleased with their performance and felt it showed the significant growth in his team since their previous visit to Elland Road.

"We played here in March just before the international break and it was 0-0. It was a completely different game – the way we had to approach it was pragmatic," Andrews told Sky Sports.

"Today, it's a different mindset to what we have as a group and how we've started the season – it's been built on what we did last season and you could see that in the first half.

"And you've got to defend really well and respect what comes your way and I think we did that, we restricted them to very few opportunities, we just couldn't quite play our way out of trouble on occasions when they were committing so many bodies forward.

"I just really like us at the moment. I think we're in a really good place that's come from nothing but hard work and a spirit about the group that wants to strive to achieve something. We're very tight-knit and have a really impressive work ethic, and we've got serious ability within the squad."

The post Leeds’ adaptability in Brentford draw thrills Farke appeared first on SoccerNews.

The length of Watkins' deal has not been revealed, but Villa confirmed he has made a permanent move away from the Europa League champions.

The England international joined Villa in 2020, and made 278 appearances in all competitions, netting 108 goals in that time.

Watkins hit double figures in each of his six seasons with Villa and departs as the club's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, having scored 91 times in the competition.

Since the start of the 2020-21 season, only Mohamed Salah (118) and Erling Haaland (112) have scored more Premier League goals than Watkins.

He played a key role in helping Villa to the Europa League title last season, scoring his 100th goal for the club during their run to the final.

"Six amazing years has come to an end," Watkins said in a post on Instagram.

𝗪𝗮𝘁 a signing! pic.twitter.com/QhaNBbQZzm

— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 30, 2026

"Thank you for the amazing memories and always supporting me through highs and lows.

"Saying goodbye is never easy at this club, as it's been a massive part of my life on and off the pitch.

"Once a villain, always a villain."

Watkins missed Villa's first Premier League match of the season – a 4-0 loss to Brighton – supposedly refusing to play as he waited for this move to happen.

The 30-year-old is also set to be joined by Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, with Al-Hilal said to have agreed a £55.7m deal with the Premier League champions.

And while they are set to welcome two new players, Al-Hilal will reportedly say goodbye to Karim Benzema as he is said to be leaving the club with immediate effect.

The former Real Madrid stat joined Al-Hilal on the final day of the winter transfer window earlier this year, signing through to June 2027 on a free transfer, but has apparently ended his contract by mutual consent.

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