Premier League

The Premier League and Barclays are teaming up to celebrate the people across the country that are making a positive difference to their local communities.

Now in its second year, the Barclays Community Icon of the Month award highlights the many participants, coaches and volunteers who use Premier League-funded community programmes to support, mentor and inspire others.

Clubs have been asked to nominate standout individuals that go above and beyond and each month, one winner of the award will be showcased through a video that tells their story.

Here are the winners for the 2026/27 season so far...

October: Myri, Tottenham Hotspur

For the last 13 years, Myri has worked for Tottenham Hotspur's official charity, Spurs in the Community, as a programme co-ordinator for Premier League Inspires.

The personal development programme uses the power of football to inspire young people, predominantly in secondary schools and pupil referral units, who are at risk of exclusion or disengaging with education to give them social, employability and life skills as well as positive attitudes.

It has been a natural progression for Myri, who started out as a teacher and saw for himself the impact that Premier League programmes and coaches had on his pupils.

While at Spurs, Myri has helped developed confidence, wellbeing and trust in his participants and has shaped Premier League Inspires resources based around their needs. He has also shared his approach with coaches, schools and other football club charities to help maximise the impact of the programme.

"I missed about 80 per cent of my primary school," he says. "I was far behind. I always thought I was different to everyone else. I want to give back to the students and make them not have that experience I did."

Earlier this year, Myri joined local students to celebrate a significant milestone with 1,000 young people now reached through delivery of Premier League Inspires with Spurs in the Community.

"He makes everyone feel heard, he encourages people to be themselves," says Premier League Inspires participant Hana. "I had very little confidence but I think I am able to do so many more things because of the skills that I built at Spurs in the Community."

Football writer Alex Keble analyses where the Matchweek 8 fixtures could be won and lost, including:

- Can Spurs win the midfield battle against Chelsea?

- Will Liverpool's high-profile attackers profit against expansive Brighton?

- Can Villa continue their fine recent record against Man City?

- Will Arsenal rediscover their attacking freedom against Everton?

- Will Bournemouth build on first league win this season when they visit Man Utd?

- Will Crystal Palace and Newcastle deliver a goal-fest at Selhurst Park?

- Can Fulham build some momentum against Coventry?

- Will Hull v Brentford be decided by set-pieces?

- Can struggling Sunderland improve their fortunes against high-flying Leeds?

- Will Liam Delap find his form for Nott'm Forest against old club Ipswich?

Can Spurs win the midfield battle against Chelsea?

Tottenham Hotspur’s first Premier League victory of the season on Monday night could be the springboard for the Roberto De Zerbi era, not least because the 3-1 win over Coventry City included the return of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski – as well as a brand new 3-1-3-3 formation.

But the task of continuing their recovery away to rivals Chelsea is a difficult one. Spurs have lost each of their last six Premier League matches against Chelsea, and have won just once on their last 36 league visits to Stamford Bridge.

Saturday's hosts are looking increasingly stable under Xabi Alonso, who used a more traditional 4-2-3-1 to beat Everton 2-0 last weekend. The challenge posed by Spurs will be completely different, however. The tactically unpredictable De Zerbi could adopt an even more left-field approach from the Coventry win.

Maddison, Omar Marmoush and Archie Gray all played as attacking midfielders, forming a narrow three in front of Sandro Tonali, while Mohammed Kudus and Andrew Robertson held the width:

Coventry’s deep-lying 4-4-2 did a good job of holding firm, conceding only from shots outside the box, but Chelsea will be more proactive in their approach. Consequently, Jordan Henderson and Moises Caicedo, forming the new foundation of the Chelsea team, could come under significant pressure from De Zerbi's highly unorthodox use of three No.10s.

It promises to be a fascinating watch — and with huge ramifications for both projects.

Defeat for Chelsea would ask new questions about their capacity to challenge for the title in Alonso’s first season. Defeat for Spurs would halt any momentum gained from their first Premier League win of the campaign.

Back to top

Will Liverpool's high-profile attackers profit against expansive Brighton?

Brighton & Hove Albion have kept four consecutive clean sheets and sit just five points off the top of the table, so it might seem outdated to suggest that Fabian Hurzeler’s fast-paced and high-pressing football — they top the charts for high turnovers, with 80 — will create an open end-to-end game, favouring Liverpool’s forwards.

But Brighton are still prone to being dragged into frenetic games by stronger sides, particularly those who counter-attack at will. The Seagulls conceded four times in a 4-3 defeat at Chelsea in August and twice in their 3-2 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup.

Liverpool are starting to find their rhythm and identity under Andoni Iraola, led predominantly by Alexander Isak’s goals (five in the Premier League so far) and Florian Wirtz who, despite much criticism, has created the most chances both overall (20) and in open play (18) in the Premier League this season.

Wirtz, playing on the half-turn and threading through-balls as he did against Brentford, should love an open game like this one, plus there should be space behind the Brighton defence for Isak to run into.

Presented here to Liverpool, then, is the chance to complete the reset. Victory against high-flying Brighton would be seen as a significant step forward. Doing it in style — as will inevitably be the case should they win, given the nature of the contest — would help solidify the idea of Iraola as a natural heir to Jurgen Klopp.

Back to top

Can Villa continue their fine recent record against Man City?

Aston Villa have won four of their last six Premier League games against Manchester City, including three of the last four and they've even managed to keep Erling Haaland quiet. The prolific Norwegian has scored just once in five league meetings with Villa and none in his previous four.

On almost every occasion between the sides recently, Emery has deployed two No.10s to overwhelm Rodri or, as was the case in both wins last season, whoever was deputising for him.

Rodri’s now-permanent absence from the Man City side could help Villa. If they analyse their opponents' 3-0 victory over Liverpool, they will see that Elliot Anderson — left alone at the base of Man City's midfield — was regularly overrun by the advancing Ryan Gravenberch until the Dutchman was sent off:

Unai Emery will have noticed this, and will be ready to repeat his usual trick — unless, that is, Enzo Maresca has something new in store.

Maresca is often characterised as a Pep Guardiola protege, but what most stood out from Man City's win against Liverpool was the number of long balls they played up to Haaland and their more hunched position on the pitch. This setup was not unlike the counter-attacking plan Maresca famously deployed when Chelsea picked off Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final, winning 4-0.

Villa Park on Saturday presents another opportunity for Maresca to demonstrate his tactical acumen. Whether humbly sitting deeper or drawing a battle-plan to counteract Villa’s dual No.10s, Maresca will be looking to do something that almost always eluded Guardiola: create a tactical strategy that can get the better of Emery.

Back to top

Will Arsenal rediscover their attacking freedom against Everton?

There is very little for Arsenal supporters to worry about, of course. They are only three points behind leaders Man City and are unlikely to fear an Everton side who are winless in eight away matches and have won only one of their last six games anywhere.

Nevertheless, the way Arsenal are winning has caused a stir.

In the first five Matchweeks of this campaign, the champions appeared to be unshackled from the pressures they felt last season when chasing their first league title in 20 years; they reverted to a more expansive and free-flowing style of football.

Since returning from the international break, or, perhaps more pertinently, since suffering a chastening 3-0 defeat to an attack-minded Brighton, Arsenal’s football has become a little cagey again, at least domestically. The Gunners produced plenty of exciting moments during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich.

In their 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest last weekend, Arsenal’s open-play creativity — xG (0.5), shots (six) and big chances (zero) — were their lowest recorded so far this season.

Mikel Arteta will be satisfied with the wins, and may point to Forest away as a deceptively challenging match, but nevertheless he will also want to find a way to get his attackers playing with freedom again.

Back to top

Will Bournemouth build on first league win this season when they visit Man Utd?

AFC Bournemouth got their first win of the season last weekend, defeating Sunderland 2-0, and Marco Rose will hope that result kick-starts his tenure in the Premier League.

You might think a trip to Old Trafford comes at a bad time for Rose, but Bournemouth’s recent record against Man Utd is remarkably good: the Cherries are unbeaten in the last six meetings, winning four.

Bournemouth are also unbeaten in three Premier League trips to Old Trafford, winning two of those and scoring at least three goals in every match, becoming the first team ever to achieve that in three consecutive league visits to Man Utd.

What’s more, Man Utd remain in a challenging position. This is only the second time in 54 years (along with 1986/87) that they have had no more than one win at this stage of a league season.

The stage is set for another big performance and big result for Bournemouth.

Back to top

Will Crystal Palace and Newcastle deliver a goal-fest at Selhurst Park?

Neither Pierre Sage nor Matthias Jaissle have had particularly fortunate starts to life as Premier League managers, and for both men the issues have come in defence. That’s good news for neutrals watching this one.

Newcastle United have lost 4-1 (at Leeds United and Coventry) in their last two Premier League away games, have conceded 14 goals in total, the third-most in the division, and have only kept a single clean sheet.

Crystal Palace have conceded more goals (17), faced more shots (125), faced more shots on target (43), and have a higher Expected Goals Against (xGA) of 14.8 than any other side.

Indeed Palace (-5.4) are one of just two sides with a worse xG differential (xG for minus xG against) than Newcastle’s -3.95.

Whatever happens at Selhurst Park, there should be goals.

Back to top

Can Fulham build some momentum against Coventry?

Fulham picked up their first Premier League win of the season last weekend, and it could prove to be an enormous moment in their campaign.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s side are no longer at the bottom of the table and, as they enter their third game in a row against a promoted side, their fans will approach a match with optimism for the first time in a while.

That being said, Fulham are still winless on their travels while this Saturday’s opponents, Coventry, hammered Newcastle 4-1 in their last home match.

Coventry’s bullish strategy has served them well so far, and, contrasting so sharply with Fulham’s possession-centric approach — they are averaging 57.2 per cent possession and 492 successful passes per game in the Premier League this season, both their highest on record in a single campaign — Frank Lampard will hope to outmuscle the visitors.

Back to top

Will Hull v Brentford be decided by set-pieces?

Hull City’s fast start to the season is already becoming a distant memory. They are winless in five Premier League matches and are in danger of sinking into the bottom half this weekend.

Brentford will play Hull at their own game. These are two of the most set-piece-focused sides in the division and both tend to give away free-kicks; Hull have picked up more yellow cards than any other side in the Premier League this season (22), while Brentford have committed the most fouls (103).

Of Hull's goals, 37.5 per cent (3/7) have come from dead balls, the third-most in the Premier League, and Brentford are second in the charts for set-piece xG, with 4.32.

It is likely to be a stop-start game defined by crowded penalty areas and muscular aerial challenges; a throw-back that could go either way.

Back to top

Can struggling Sunderland improve their fortunes against high-flying Leeds?

Most pundits predicted that Sunderland might suffer a bit of "second-season syndrome", especially given that they are now juggling domestic and UEFA Europa League competitions after last year’s remarkable achievements.

But as the Premier League table begins to settle, things are looking even worse than feared. Four consecutive league defeats have left Sunderland rock bottom, and in their most recent loss, 2-0 at Bournemouth, they had just three shots (their fewest in a top-flight game since 2008) while facing 29 (their most in a top-flight game since 2017).

Regis Le Bris has performed miracles at Sunderland in a little over two years in the role. However, it’s worth mentioning that Le Bris has only ever had five seasons as a first-team coach, across two clubs, and in his second and final year in France, his FC Lorient side lost their relegation battle.

Just three days after a Europa League tie in Poland against Lech Poznan, Sunderland take on a Leeds team who sit seventh in the table. The games are coming thick and fast — and they aren’t getting any easier.

Back to top

Will Liam Delap find his form for Nott'm Forest against old club Ipswich?

Nott'm Forest have lost each of their last three Premier League games, more than in their previous 14. Failure to score in four of their seven matches so far tells us what the problem is.

Forest rank seventh for expected goals in the Premier League this season (11.2) but have scored just five times, the biggest xG underperformance in the division (-6.2).

Their 4.17 per cent conversion rate is the lowest in the competition, suggesting that all Forest need to shoot up the table is to start converting their chances.

Enter Liam Delap, who scored 12 goals as an Ipswich Town player in 2024/25 but returns to Portman Road with just a single Premier League goal to his name so far this season.

Delap, the big-money signing of the summer at the City Ground, is under pressure to start producing. Luckily for Forest, he knows how to score at Portman Road.

Football writer Ben Bloom has predicted how Tottenham Hotspur and Coventry City will line up in the final game of Matchweek 7.

See: Injury updates for every club and player

See: Who's suspended or close to a ban?

Spurs v Coventry predicted line-ups

Spurs: Roberto De Zerbi's pre-match press conference was on Sunday morning, following Spurs’ training camp in Spain. The Spurs boss said that Savio (muscle) and Lucas Bergvall (knee) will miss the match with injuries, the former set to be out for "some weeks". Rodrigo Bentancur is also out through suspension. James Maddison could make his first Premier League start since April 2025, while Mateus Fernandes is another option. Pedro Porro is not yet fit to return after a thigh injury, but could return next week. De Zerbi did reveal that Dejan Kulusevski will make the matchday squad for the first time in over 500 days to go on the bench. Omar Marmoush and Conor Gallagher offer alternative attacking options.

Football writer Alex Keble analyses where the Matchweek 7 fixtures could be won and lost, including:

- Can Chelsea take advantage of midweek rest against unbeaten Everton?

- Can Baleba help Man Utd combat Leeds’ tough-tackling midfield?

- Can Liverpool and Iraola get back on track against bullish Brentford?

- Will Villa's new-look frontline profit against leaky Newcastle?

- Is Hull contest Fulham's biggest game of the season?- Can Maresca secure Man City’s best-ever start to a Premier League season?

- Can Glasner's defensive coaching frustrate Arsenal yet again?

- Does Coventry’s winning streak spell trouble for winless Spurs?

- Who needs the win more as Bournemouth host Sunderland?

- Will Palace's defensive issues give rivals Brighton a chance at redemption?

Can Chelsea take advantage of midweek rest against unbeaten Everton?

Before a ball had been kicked, pundits proclaimed that Chelsea’s greatest advantage in their debut campaign under Xabi Alonso would be free midweeks while their rivals exhaust themselves in Europe.

This week is the very first time that theory is tested.

During the first round of UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League matches, in early September, Chelsea had an EFL Cup tie against Leeds United on the Wednesday. This week, as Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City played in Europe, Chelsea had a rest.

In other words, we are about to find out whether that scenario will play out; whether Chelsea, who are only five points off the top of the Premier League table, can use those extra rests to hone their tactics, find cohesion on the training field and out-run their opponents.

The last time Chelsea won the title, in 2016/17, they appeared to benefit significantly from free midweeks under Antonio Conte. They gained 10 points from their first five matches – like this season – and, in fact, even lost their sixth game… before accelerating away over the next eight months.

Saturday’s trip to Everton is a massive game, then. And rested or not, it won’t be easy for Chelsea.

Everton are one of three teams still unbeaten in the Premier League this season. They have conceded the joint-fewest goals (five). Chelsea have conceded the joint-most (13).

But if Chelsea’s 5-1 win against AFC Bournemouth last weekend was the moment things clicked under Alonso, they can prove their major advantage this season — those match-free midweeks — will put them in the title mix.

Back to top

Can Baleba help Man Utd combat Leeds’ tough-tackling midfield?

Manchester United are on a five-game winless run in all competitions following the 2-0 defeat at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night. It has been a troubled start to the first serious fixture congestion of the Michael Carrick era.

In the 128 days between Carrick’s first match as head coach in February and his final one of the season in May, Man Utd played 17 games (all in the Premier League), averaging a match every 7.5 days.

Between last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur and a home game against Aston Villa on 8 November, Man Utd play eight matches in 30 days, or once every 3.75 days – exactly twice as frequently as they did under Carrick in 2025/26.

Man Utd need to find a way to pick up more points, but as the games come thick and fast, that will get ever more difficult to achieve.

The biggest positive from Saturday’s draw with Spurs was the cameo performance of substitute Carlos Baleba, who, in theory, will toughen up the Man Utd midfield.

That is certainly what they need against a fierce Leeds side.

Leeds are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League home games and for the first time since September 2002, they will begin a match against Man Utd from a higher league position than their opponents. Daniel Farke's tough-tackling team (they rank second in the division for pressed sequences, with 76) can also take confidence from winning the clubs' last meeting, at Old Trafford in April, when they triumphed 2-1 to end a 10-game winless run against their rivals.

But if Baleba can out-battle Leeds midfielders, setting the tone, then perhaps an emboldened Man Utd will become more ruthless in front of goal. They have had the most shots (125) and the most touches in the opposition box (205), yet have scored only nine times.

Sort out their finishing and Man Utd can avoid extending what is already their worst start to a Premier League season since 1986/87.

Back to top

Can Liverpool and Iraola get back on track against bullish Brentford?

Liverpool have won just nine points from their first six matches, their lowest return since 2022/23, when they had the same record at this stage and finished in fifth place. Andoni Iraola would have hoped for a better start, then, especially with that elusive first league win at Anfield still to come.

That makes Saturday’s fixture even more ominous. To get back on track this weekend, his side will need to overcome recent history.

Brentford, who host Liverpool while sitting above them in the table for the first time since 1938, were unbeaten in their two Premier League games against Liverpool last season, collecting four points.

What’s more, Brentford are the opposition team who Iraola has the lowest points-per-game against, picking up just two draws and no victories from six meetings as Bournemouth head coach. That suggests his high-energy and high-pressing football comes unstuck against the Bees' bullish defensive mentality.

In fairness, most clubs come unstuck against it. Indeed, Brentford are their usual stubborn selves this season, unbeaten in the Premier League so far.

Back to top

Will Villa's new-look frontline profit against leaky Newcastle?

Judging by how Villa and Newcastle United have started the season, this will be a brilliant game with plenty of goals.

Newcastle have conceded 13 goals so far (their third-most ever at this stage in a Premier League season), have gone 12 consecutive matches without a clean sheet at St James' Park, and have conceded the joint-most goals of any Premier League team in 2026 (44).

Villa have let in 11 goals, their most at this stage of a top-flight season since 1986/87, and this weekend face a defensive problem with both senior left-backs, Ian Maatsen and Matteo Ruggeri, out injured.

That is good news for Newcastle's right winger Jacob Murphy, especially since Villa concede more attacks down that side than their right or the centre. However, with only one of the Magpies' 10 league goals so far being scored by a striker, Yoane Wissa, perhaps the more enticing prospect is the Yohan Manzambi-Nicolas Jackson partnership for Villa at the other end.

Manzambi and Jackson were strong in Villa’s 2-2 draw with Brentford and scored the first three goals between them in the 6-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahce, so they could terrorise the Newcastle defence. Whatever happens, there will be goals.

Back to top

Is Hull contest Fulham's biggest game of the season?

Alvaro Arbeloa is breaking unwanted records. Fulham are winless from their first six matches in the Premier League, last having a longer run in the top flight in 1951/52. As for home matches, they last failed to win more than their first three back in 1966/67.

The beginning of a three-game sequence against the promoted clubs was billed as a crucial period in their campaign, given Fulham’s difficult start, and so Ipswich Town’s stoppage-time winner last weekend was a major blow.

It is vital, then, that Fulham finally get that first win when they host Hull City. Despite racing out of the blocks on their return to the Premier League, the visitors are now on a four-game winless run, conceding two goals in each of their last three matches.

You could even argue this is Fulham’s biggest game of the season. On paper, games don’t get more winnable than this, and if Arbeloa's team lose it, they would remain bottom of the Premier League table with only one promoted club left to play.

Back to top

Can Maresca secure Man City’s best-ever start to a Premier League season?

Man City’s 3-0 victory at Liverpool last Sunday was a stunning result that maintained the club’s 100 per cent record under Enzo Maresca, a manager already surprising many observers.

Maresca is seen to be a possession-based coach who believes in slower football to control the variables, but against Liverpool he took a significantly more direct route to goal, going long to Erling Haaland and embracing the counter-attack.

Man City's attacking style in Matchweek 6 against Liverpool - and average in Matchweeks 1-5

Statistic MW6 v Liverpool MW1-5 ave. Long balls 53 41 Long balls as % of passes 9.4% 6.5% Direct attacks 7 3.4

That level of tactical tinkering convinced Man City that Maresca would be the perfect replacement for Pep Guardiola. So far, they have been proved right.

Man City have won each of their first six Premier League games of the season. They haven’t won their first seven league matches since 1897/98, when they were in the old Second Division and drew their eighth match against Man Utd (then known as Newton Heath).

That record is likely to be equalled this weekend, given that Ipswich – despite an excellent start – have struggled defensively against the "big six" clubs. Including a 4-2 EFL Cup defeat to Arsenal, Ipswich have lost three from three so far, conceding 11 goals in the process (five against Man Utd, two against Liverpool).

Back to top

Can Glasner's defensive coaching frustrate Arsenal yet again?

Arsenal and their hosts Nottingham Forest have the two best-performing defences in the Premier League this season in terms of Expected Goals Conceded (xGC), with 4.66 and 7.21 respectively. When you also consider their last two meetings at the City Ground in the Premier League have both ended 0-0, you might not be expecting this to be the best game of the weekend.

Oliver Glasner would likely be satisfied with another 0-0 draw, although he will also be aware that Forest must improve their record in front of goal, because Forest’s results so far are not matching their performances.

Forest’s shots (17.7), Expected Goals (xG) tally of 1.72, touches in the opposition box (27.3) and big chances (3.5) per match are all at their highest levels in any of their last five seasons – and yet, with a conversion rate of just 4.7 per cent, they have underscored against their 6.6xG by 3.6 goals.

Ruthlessness will be required, of course, to breach the champions' defence. Judging by their recent record visiting the City Ground, the same can be said for Arsenal’s forwards.

Back to top

Does Coventry’s winning streak spell trouble for winless Spurs?

Coventry City’s explosive 4-1 win against Newcastle on Monday night prompted a huge emotional outpouring from supporters who have waited 25 years to witness a Premier League win at home.

It was also vindication of Frank Lampard’s methods as Coventry came out on top in a ding-dong battle of physicality and counter-attacks.

Coventry have the second-lowest pass completion rate (76.3 per cent) and the second-lowest possession share (37.9 per cent), while they top the charts for percentage of passes that go forward (41.5 per cent).

This kind of football could be a problem for Spurs, who have drawn 0-0 with bth Forest and Everton this season because Roberto De Zerbi’s football relies upon even battles against hard-pressing teams.

Low blocks, and teams who gift his side possession, can stump Spurs.

Back to top

Who needs the win more as Bournemouth host Sunderland?

Sunderland and Bournemouth, in 17th and 18th place respectively, would not have foreseen their seasons starting as they have done.

Bournemouth are eight points worse off than they were at this stage in 2025/26, the joint-biggest drop-off, while Sunderland are only marginally better: seven worse off.

It is very difficult to say who needs the win more. On the one hand, Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose needs a strong beginning to his tenure and will be concerned by a winless start in the Premier League. On the other, Sunderland’s three-game losing streak is their joint worst run under Regis Le Bris.

Both clubs are in the same position; if they want to avoid a relegation battle this season, they need results to turn around soon.

Back to top

Will Palace’s defensive issues give rivals Brighton a chance at redemption?

Brighton & Hove Albion have lost their last two home games against rivals Crystal Palace and three of their last four in the Premier League. Clearly, Palace have the upper hand in this fixture.

But if ever that was going to change, it's this weekend. Not only are Brighton the top scorers in the division with 18 goals, averaging three per match, but Palace have faced the most shots in the division (108).

And if Brighton can get the confidence boost of beating their nemesis, it will only further raise the prospect that this will be a season to remember. There’s an argument to be made that Fabian Hurzeler has found his feet as their young head coach and is building something special.

Following a strong final third of last season, Brighton have now won 35 points from their last 18 Premier League matches, a points-per-game average of 1.94. If that was extrapolated over a full 38-match campaign, they would win 73 points, enough to finish third last season.

With the 2026/27 Premier League season under way, we take a look at the venues of all 20 clubs.

Arsenal – Emirates Stadium

Arsenal have played at Emirates Stadium since 2006, having previously been at Highbury, less than a mile away, for 93 years.

The ground in Holloway, north London, has a capacity of 60,704 and is named after Dubai-based airline Emirates, the club’s long-standing sponsor.

There are six bronze statues outside the stadium honouring legendary Arsenal figures – players Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry; managers Herbert Chapman and Arsene Wenger; and director Ken Friar.

Aston Villa – Villa Park

Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, has been Aston Villa’s home since 1897.

The stadium had a capacity of 43,205, but that has been reduced to 36,887 for the 2026/27 season because the North Stand is closed for redevelopment. Once the work is completed, Villa Park’s overall capacity will be more than 50,000.

One of the stands at the stadium is named after Doug Ellis, the club’s late chairman. The stadium has hosted 55 FA Cup semi-finals, including replays, more than any other.

AFC Bournemouth – Vitality Stadium

AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium is the smallest ground in the Premier League, with a capacity of 12,357, although it is currently being redeveloped to seat around 20,200.

The venue in the Bournemouth suburb of Boscombe was opened in 1910 and was originally called Dean Court.

However, it has been known as Vitality Stadium since 2015, taking the name of the insurance company that sponsors the club.

Two of the stadium’s stands are named after club legends – Steve Fletcher and Ted MacDougall.

Brentford – Gtech Community Stadium

Brentford moved to the Gtech Community Stadium in 2020 after leaving nearby Griffin Park in west London.

Originally called Brentford Community Stadium, it was renamed in 2022 following a sponsorship deal with Gtech, the British technology manufacturer.

The stadium has a capacity of 17,250, making it the second-smallest in the Premier League after AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium.

Brighton & Hove Albion – American Express Stadium

The American Express Stadium has been Brighton & Hove Albion’s home ground since 2011, replacing Withdean Stadium.

It has been sponsored by financial services company American Express since it opened and is commonly referred to as "the Amex", although its locational name is Falmer Stadium.

The ground has a capacity of 32,176.

Chelsea – Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have played at Stamford Bridge since the club was formed in 1905.

The stadium, which is located in Fulham, west London, has a capacity of 40,044.

One of the stands is named after Matthew Harding, the former Chelsea vice-chairman, who died in 1996.

There is a bronze sculpture of the club's legendary forward Peter Osgood outside the ground.

Coventry City – Coventry Building Society Arena

Coventry City moved from Highfield Road to Coventry Building Society Arena in 2005.

Formerly called Ricoh Arena, it has been known as Coventry Building Society Arena – or CBS Arena – since 2021 after a naming-rights deal was agreed with the building society. The club secured ownership of the stadium for the first time in August 2025, with owner Doug King buying it from Frasers Group.

The 2026/27 season is the first time the 32,609-capacity stadium has hosted Premier League football, following Coventry’s return to the top flight after a 25-year absence.

There is a statue of former co-managers George Curtis and John Sillett lifting the FA Cup Trophy won in 1987, which has been in place since April 2025, while there is also a statue of club legend Jimmy Hill that has been standing since July 2011.

Crystal Palace – Selhurst Park

Selhurst Park has been Crystal Palace’s home since 1924.

The Eagles temporarily shared the south London ground with Wimbledon from 1991 to 2003, with both clubs using it in the same Premier League season in 1992/93, 1994/95 and 1997/98.

Selhurst Park has a capacity of 25,194. It has also gained fame in recent years as the fictional home stadium of AFC Richmond in the popular Apple TV series Ted Lasso.

Everton – Hill Dickinson Stadium

Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium is the Premier League’s newest ground, having opened in 2025.

The Toffees had previously played at Goodison Park for 133 years.

Everton’s new home has a capacity of 52,769 and is located at Bramley-Moore Dock on the banks of the River Mersey in Liverpool.

The stadium is named after the Liverpool-based legal firm Hill Dickinson, who is its naming rights partner.

Fulham – Craven Cottage

Fulham have played at Craven Cottage since 1896.

The ground has undergone several redevelopments, with the recent expansion of the Riverside Stand, which overlooks the River Thames, taking the overall capacity to 28,107.

The Johnny Haynes Stand – named after the club legend – is a Grade II-listed building and is the oldest stand still in use in professional football.

Hull City – MKM Stadium

Hull City have staged their home games at the MKM Stadium since 2002.

The ground was previously known as the KC Stadium, but earned its current name in 2021 as part of a sponsorship deal with builders’ merchant MKM.

Hull City share the 24,983-capacity stadium with rugby league club Hull F.C.

Ipswich Town – Portman Road

Ipswich Town have played at Portman Road since 1884. The stadium has a capacity of 30,294.

Two of the stands are named after legendary managers – Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey.

There are also statues of Robson and Ramsey outside the stadium, as well as one for Kevin Beattie, considered Ipswich’s greatest player.

Leeds United – Elland Road

Elland Road has been the home of Leeds United since the club was formed in 1919.

The stadium has a capacity of 37,633, although the West Stand is currently being redeveloped as part of a project to increase the overall capacity to 53,000.

All four stands at Elland Road are named after iconic club figures – Don Revie, Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter and John Charles.

There is also a statue of legendary captain Billy Bremner outside the stadium.

Liverpool – Anfield

Liverpool have played at Anfield since the club was formed in 1892.

With recent redevelopments taking the capacity to 61,276, it is the third-largest stadium in the Premier League.

Two gates at Anfield are named after legendary Liverpool managers Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, both of whom also have statues outside the stadium. Another club icon, Sir Kenny Dalglish, has a stand named after him.

Liverpool clinched their most recent Premier League title at Anfield in 2024/25.

Manchester City – Etihad Stadium

Manchester City left Maine Road and moved to Etihad Stadium in 2003.

The venue was built to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games and was known as the City of Manchester Stadium. It was renamed the Etihad Stadium in 2011 as part of a sponsorship agreement with the Abu Dhabi-based airline.

The stadium has a capacity of 61,038 following recent expansions.

Pep Guardiola, who led Man City to six Premier League titles, had a stand named after him upon his exit in May 2026. Another stand is named after legendary player Colin Bell.

Man City have clinched four Premier League titles on the final day of the season at Etihad Stadium, most famously when Sergio Aguero scored a 94th-minute winner against Queens Park Rangers in 2012.

Manchester United – Old Trafford

Old Trafford is the Premier League’s largest stadium, with a capacity of 74,158.

Nicknamed the "Theatre of Dreams", it has been the home of Manchester United since 1910.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who won a record 13 Premier League titles as Man Utd manager, and Sir Bobby Charlton, the legendary former player, both have stands named after them.

The most famous statue outside the stadium is of the club’s "holy trinity" – George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.

Old Trafford has hosted a record six Premier League title-deciding fixtures.

Newcastle United – St James’ Park

Newcastle United have played at St James’ Park since the club was formed in 1892.

The 52,729-capacity stadium is located close to the city centre and is affectionately called the "Cathedral on the hill" by fans.

The Milburn Stand pays tribute to legendary player Jackie Milburn, who also has a statue outside the stadium.

There are also statues of two other Geordies: Sir Bobby Robson, the club’s former manager, and Alan Shearer, Newcastle and the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Nottingham Forest – City Ground

The City Ground has been Nottingham Forest’s home since 1898.

It has a capacity of 31,212, although plans are in place to increase that to 52,500.

The stadium is located in West Bridgford, south of Nottingham city centre, on the banks of the River Trent.

Club legends Brian Clough, Peter Taylor and John Robertson all have stands named after them.

Sunderland – Stadium of Light

Sunderland moved into the Stadium of Light in 1997 after leaving Roker Park.

The 48,095-capacity ground was built on the site of the former Monkwearmouth Colliery, and its name reflects the region’s coal-mining heritage.

Outside the stadium is a statue of Bob Stokoe, who managed Sunderland to FA Cup glory in 1973.

A stand has also just been named after legendary goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery, the Black Cats’ hero in their ’73 FA Cup final win over Leeds.

Tottenham Hotspur – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

With a capacity of 62,850, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the Premier League’s second-largest stadium after Old Trafford.

It opened in 2019, replacing Tottenham Hotspur’s previous home of White Hart Lane, and features the largest single-tier stand in the UK, with the 17,500-seat South Stand.

The stadium also plays host to annual NFL games, thanks to having the world’s first dividing, retractable synthetic turf pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa Match Preview & Report | 2026/2027  Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur's upcoming schedule gives Omar Marmoush (£7.0m) the chance to make an immediate impact in 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League after his transfer from Manchester City.

Sign up for Fantasy and pick Marmoush NOW

Spurs are one of only three sides – along with Bournemouth and Leeds United – who have three home matches in the next four Gameweeks.

As well as hosting Newcastle United this weekend, they also entertain Everton and Aston Villa.

This enticing run is reflected by the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), with all four of those matches scoring no more than three, with five being the hardest possible match and one being the easiest.

Spurs' next four matches

GW Opp FDR* 2 NEW (H) 2 3 NFO (A) 3 4 EVE (H) 3 5 AVL (H) 3

*1=easiest possible fixture, 5=hardest possible fixture

A delve into Marmoush's record at Man City shows he was far more productive when playing in home matches than he was away from home.

Indeed, the Egyptian forward scored all 10 of his Premier League goals for City - and supplied two of his four assists - at home.

Marmoush's record at Man City

Having featured prominently for Man City in pre-season, Marmoush will be up to full match fitness and could immediately be handed a start against Newcastle on Saturday evening.

After all, Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi handed Savio (£6.5m) a midweek debut this week just one day after his own move from Man City, against Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup.

Savio immediately produced a goal and an assist, and Marmoush could now make a similarly quick impact.

With an ownership of only 1.0 per cent in Fantasy, the Egyptian's run of opponents can give him the chance to emerge as a strong differential to bring in alongside Erling Haaland (£15.5m) and Joao Pedro (£7.6m) in your forward line.

It's not too late! Sign up for Fantasy NOW

Advice on starting quickly in Gameweek 2

Chelsea change tack to land all-action Lacroix

Chelsea’s signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace heralds a shift in transfer policy from the Blues.

The France centre-back, who has signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, is the first player aged 26 or older for whom Chelsea have paid a fee since the summer of 2022, their first under the ownership of the BlueCo consortium.

Watch: Lacroix's message to Chelsea fans

Since the arrival of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during that window, Chelsea have prioritised signing promising younger players.

But it’s clear to see why Chelsea turned to the more experienced Lacroix.

During the 2025/26 Premier League season, Lacroix was the only player to record at least 50 tackles (60), 200 duels won (204) and 250 clearances (252). He is also the fifth-fastest centre-back in the Premier League since joining Palace from Wolfsburg in 2024, recording a top speed of 35.81km/h (22.3mph).

Watch: Lacroix's Premier League highlights

His arrival gives new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso some guaranteed Premier League know-how from a player who spent two seasons at Palace, making 55 appearances last campaign as they won the UEFA Conference League. He also served as a vice-captain.

Having proved himself able to play in both a three-man and four-man defence, Lacroix provides Alonso options, with the Spaniard having deployed both systems during his coaching career.

Lacroix becomes Chelsea’s fifth signing of the summer after Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP, Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg and Marco Palestra from Atalanta.

De Zerbi hoping for Spurs transfer 'bomba'

Tottenham Hotspur have been extremely active in the summer transfer window, but their work isn't done yet according to head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

“The transfer market, it’s not finished for sure,” De Zerbi said. “We have completed 60 per cent of our project in the transfer market. Now we have another 'bomba'.”

The term "bomba" has come to be used by fans on social media to describe a surprise signing.

“I hope, but it’s not finished, for sure,” he continued. “In the transfer market, when I want one player, I become like a shark. No chance to say no."

Could the "bomba" be an attacker? Well, De Zerbi has made it clear that improving the team's goalscoring threat is a priority this summer. Spurs ranked 12th for goals in the 2025/26 Premier League season, scoring 48 in 38 games.

"And we have to consider the number of goals," he stressed. "We have to increase the number of goals with the play, with the quality of the play, with the midfielders, the attackers, but we have to bring in players able to score goals. We have to think about the set-pieces, increase also the height."

Spurs have made six signings so far during De Zerbi’s first transfer window in charge in north London.

Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali have all joined, adding significant Premier League experience to De Zerbi's squad.

Spurs continue their pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand with a friendly against Chelsea in Sydney on Saturday.

Arteta reveals plan to take Arsenal to ‘a different level’

Mikel Arteta has outlined Arsenal's aim to reach a "different level" by continuing to improve their Premier League title winning squad.

The Gunners have already signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, free agent Illan Meslier and made Piero Hincapie’s loan switch from Bayer Leverkusen permanent, but Arteta hinted that further business could be done.

Arteta said: “A lot is happening. We all know the context of this transfer window. From ownership to the board, the sporting director and myself, we know that we want to take this club to a different level.

"That is going to require a better squad, better individuals. We have identified where we have opportunities to grow and to improve and to evolved our game and what is going to be needed to achieve that. Hopefully very soon we can start to put things in a very concrete way.”

Arsenal head into the 2026/27 Premier League campaign as defending champions for the first time since 2004 – and this group has the chance to make history. The Gunners have not claimed back-to-back top-flight titles since the 1930s.

Looking ahead to the new season, the Gunners manager said: “This has to be the start and this has to be the standard. Excellence has to be our standard and this has to drive to attack the future. The way we behave daily with more and more determination and ambition because we’ve shown that we’ve got it.

"Now we have to show that we belong to this level and we want to increase and take this football club to a different dimension.”

Arsenal continue their pre-season programme away to Spanish side Girona this Saturday.

Rashford issues Barcelona farewell ahead of Man Utd return

Marcus Rashford has officially bid farewell to Barcelona, returning to Manchester United after a successful loan spell in Spain last season.

Posting on Instagram, the England forward wrote: "I'm very grateful to everyone at the club [Barcelona] for making my time here such a positive and memorable experience. I've enjoyed every moment and will take many special memories with me.

"I wish the club and all its supporters the very best of luck and every success in the season ahead."

Scoring eight goals in the process, Rashford became only the sixth English player to win the LaLiga title after Laurie Cunningham, Steve McManaman, David Beckham, Jude Bellingham (all Real Madrid) and Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid).

Having helped England to third place at the FIFA World Cup, Rashford is now poised to link up with the Man Utd squad for the remainder of pre-season.

The 28-year-old has scored 87 goals in 287 appearances for his boyhood club, with his last appearance coming in December 2024 before a loan stint at Aston Villa.

‘Impressive’ Satpaev’s instant impact

Dastan Satpaev has been making waves during Chelsea's pre-season tour, with the club's Instagram video post of his goal against Western Sydney Wanderers attracting nearly one million likes.

A star in his native Kazakhstan, the 17-year-old forward was granted permission by Kairat Almaty to link up with Xabi Alonso's squad this summer, ahead of his proposed move to Chelsea.

And he slotted his prospective new side in front after seven minutes in Tuesday’s thrilling 6-4 pre-season friendly win over the Wanderers in Australia.

Watch: Satpaev's goal v Western Sydney Wanderers

Already capped nine times at international level, Satpaev could become the first Kazakh player ever to feature in the Premier League – though Chelsea are still thinking about his development.

“We still have to take decisions,” manager Xabi Alonso said of the teenage sensation who has drawn comparisons with Premier League great Sergio Aguero – who scored 184 goals in the competition for Manchester City.

“He is a ball threat,” Alonso continued, “he attacks the inner channel well and is good as a striker coming from the outside.

“He is really strong, really quick and I have been really impressed with him.”

Klopp returns to management with Germany

Jurgen Klopp has been confirmed as Germany's new head coach on a deal which runs until the end of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, securing a return to management for the first time since leaving Liverpool in 2024.

Klopp won a Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, among other trophies, as Liverpool boss, but cited fatigue when he stepped away following nine years at the helm.

His new task is to restore a German side at one of its lowest points. Julian Nagelsmann resigned as head coach when Germany lost to Paraguay in the round of 32 last month. Klopp will now take charge through the next UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup.

His coaching team will include former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, while Per Mertesacker will become the German Football Federation (DFB)’s new sporting director in January. The former centre-back left his role running Arsenal’s academy at the end of the 2025/26 season.

“Over the last few days it was almost like a movie happening to myself," said Klopp, who had been Red Bull’s global head of soccer since late 2024.

“I have always surmised the job of Germany head coach is really big, but now it is really dawning on me what being the national team head coach is all about.

“For many, many years it was unimaginable for me to assume this position. As the years went by, it became more or less evident that sooner or later I would be asked to do this job. Now I think the time is right.”

Klopp’s first match in charge will be against the Netherlands, who are captained by his former Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, in September.

Gabriel makes first senior United squad

Manchester United fans have been given a glimpse into the future after 15-year-old wonderkid JJ Gabriel was included in the club’s senior squad for the first time for Friday’s pre-season friendly against Rosenborg.

United face the Norwegian team in Trondheim, with Gabriel part of the 25-man travelling party. The forward was named Under-18 Premier League player of the season last campaign despite starting it aged just 14.

That meant he was prohibited from making a Premier League squad as academy players must have turned 15 before the end of August to feature in that season.

Instead, he excelled for the Under-18s, scoring 29 times in 32 appearances, and helping United reach the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Under-18 Cup finals.

A winger by trade, he spent much of last season deployed in a more central role. Although he could not be selected for the senior squad, he was a regular at first-team training.

The youngest player to feature in a competitive match for United remains David Gaskell, a goalkeeper who made his debut in 1956, aged 16 years and 19 days. Gabriel turns 16 in October.

“JJ’s a big talent,” said manager Michael Carrick last season. “It’s pretty obvious to know that. And he’s had a really good season for the Under-18s. We obviously think an awful lot of him, but patience is important in managing everything that comes with working with him.”

Bamba signing continues Newcastle youth recruitment drive

Newcastle United’s desire to recruit untapped talent shows no sign of slowing after they completed the signing of 20-year-old central midfielder Aladji Bamba, who only made his professional debut at Monaco last season.

Bamba’s capture takes the average age of Newcastle’s summer signings to 19.5, having already brought in goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen (20) from Reims, winger Bazoumana Toure (20) from Hoffenheim and central midfielder Sean Steur (18) from Ajax.

After seeing Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon depart for Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona respectively during this window, Newcastle have focused on bringing in young talent.

Although he can play in a more advanced role, Bamba is naturally more defensive-minded an could be a long-term successor to Tonali.

Among Ligue 1 midfielders who played at least 500 minutes last season, he ranked in the top five for duels won (9.1 per game on average), tackles (3.6), successful take-ons (1.6) and aerial duels won (1.9).

Robertson leaves number 26 shirt in King’s honour

New Spurs signing Andy Robertson has opted against wearing his customary No 26 shirt out of respect for club legend Ledley King.

Robertson has worn 26 for most of his domestic career at Dundee United, Hull City and during a nine-year spell at Liverpool. He departed Anfield earlier in the summer and explained why he will wear 3 instead of 26 – a number that has not been worn by a Spurs player since former Spurs captain King’s retirement in 2012.

“From my point of view, I wanted to respect that,” said Robertson, of club ambassador King. “He was an unbelievable player and has done so many good things for this football club.

“Number 3 means a lot to me – that’s my national team number, I’ve had so many good memories as number 3 for Scotland so when I knew 3 was going to become available, it was a no-brainer for me."

Robertson should make his Spurs debut against Auckland, Sydney FC or Chelsea, all of whom they face on their pre-season tour to New Zealand and Australia.

See: Premier League clubs' 2026 pre-season fixtures and results

After revealing that his best friend in the squad is James Maddison, Robertson was ribbed by his new team-mate when Maddison posted a photo of the Scot looking glum on the flight to New Zealand, along with the words: “He better liven up if he’s my company for this 26 hour flight.”

Maddison did, at least, post an update 22 hours later, showing Robertson smiling.

With the Premier League fast approaching, meet the 20 managers who are set to lead their clubs in 2026/27.

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)

Arteta is the longest-serving manager currently in the Premier League. After being appointed in December 2019, he restored Arsenal as title challengers and ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League trophy in the 2025/26 season, which led to Arteta also winning his first Barclays Manager of the Season award.

After playing for Everton and Arsenal, he retired in 2016 and became Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City for three-and-a-half years.

He left Man City to take his first managerial job at Arsenal, midway through the 2019/20 campaign. That season, they won the FA Cup and qualified for the UEFA Europa League.

Arteta subsequently went toe-to-toe with his former mentor Guardiola in several seasons, before finally beating Man City to the title. The Gunners also reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2025/26, losing on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.

Unai Emery (Aston Villa)

Emery took his second job as head coach in the Premier League when he took over at Aston Villa in October 2022. Previously, he spent 18 months as manager of Arsenal.

Emery built his reputation as a manager taking Lorca Deportiva into the second tier, before spells at Valencia, Spartak Moscow and Sevilla, where he won three successive Europa League trophies.

Emery won the French Ligue 1 title at Paris Saint-Germain before replacing Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. When he left the Gunners he joined Villarreal, winning the Europa League for a fourth time.

Aston Villa were 16th in the Premier League table when he was appointed and he has delivered a period of sustained success. They have qualified for the Champions League in two out of three seasons and he won a record fifth Europa League in 2025/26.

Marco Rose (AFC Bournemouth)

Rose joined Bournemouth ahead of the 2026/27 season, replacing Andoni Iraola.

As a defender, Rose spent the majority of his career at Mainz 05, playing under former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

It was also where he made a breakthrough as coach, taking Mainz’s second team as player/assistant coach in 2010/11, before his first managerial role at Lokomotive Leipzig.

Three years later, he became Under-16s head coach at RB Salzburg in Austria, before being named head coach of the first team in 2017. Rose won back-to-back league titles and did not lose a home match during his two-year tenure.

When he returned to Germany, with Borussia Monchengladbach, he guided them into the Champions League before being offered the Borussia Dortmund job. He led them to second in the Bundesliga in 2021/22, then joined RB Leipzig and won the DFB-Pokal in 2023.

Keith Andrews (Brentford)

Andrews was promoted internally by Brentford to become their head coach in June 2025.

Following his retirement from playing in 2015, he held roles as an assistant at MK Dons and with the Republic of Ireland’s senior and Under-21 teams, before joining Brentford as a set-piece coach in the summer of 2024.

After his promotion to head coach a year later, Andrews helped the Bees equal their highest-ever Premier League finish when they came ninth in 2025/26, narrowly missing out on qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history.

Fabian Hurzeler (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Hurzeler was appointed by Brighton in June 2024, becoming the youngest-ever head coach to take charge in the Premier League at the age of 31.

He moved into coaching at 23, starting off as a player-manager at FC Pipinsried. In 2020, Hurzeler was named as assistant coach at St Pauli before taking the manager’s job and becoming the second-youngest head coach in German football's second tier.

Hurzeler won his first 10 league matches, steering St Pauli away from the relegation places to a fifth-place finish in 2022/23.

They were unbeaten in their opening 20 Bundesliga 2 matches in 2023/24 and won promotion to the Bundesliga as champions.

After replacing Roberto De Zerbi as Brighton boss, Hurzeler guided the Seagulls to an eighth-place finish in 2024/25 with 61 points, just one shy of their all-time Premier League best of 62 in 2022/23.

He led Brighton to eighth again, but this time it was enough to qualify for the UEFA Conference League, just the second time the club have reached Europe in their history.

Xabi Alonso (Chelsea)

Alonso started as Chelsea manager in July 2026.

He is best known in the Premier League for his five years as a player at Liverpool, where he won the Champions League and lifted the FA Cup.

He went on to win league titles and domestic trophies at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. In Spain, he won a second Champions League with Real.

He also won two UEFA European Championships and the FIFA World Cup with Spain from 2008 to 2012. Alonso began his coaching journey with Real Madrid’s Under-14s before taking charge of Real Sociedad B in 2019, achieving their first promotion to the Spanish second tier in 59 years.

In his first senior managerial role, he masterminded an unprecedented, unbeaten domestic double at Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season. It was the club’s first Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal.

He next took charge at former club Real Madrid, in the summer of 2025, but departed less than eight months later. After a short break, he agreed to move to Chelsea.

Frank Lampard (Coventry City)

After being appointed Coventry head coach in November 2024, Lampard guided them to Premier League promotion in his first full season in charge.

Lampard began his career as a central midfielder at West Ham United, before moving to Chelsea in 2001. In 13 years, he won three Premier League titles, four FA Cup trophies and the Champions League, becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 211 goals in all competitions.

Lampard's managerial career began in 2018 at Derby County, leading them to the Championship playoff final, which they lost to Aston Villa.

He was appointed Chelsea head coach in 2019, securing a top-four finish and an FA Cup final appearance in his debut season.

A spell at Everton followed, where he successfully kept them in the top flight, before a brief return to Chelsea as caretaker manager in 2023.

Pierre Sage (Crystal Palace)

Sage was appointed as Crystal Palace head coach in June 2026.

Sage did not play professional football but worked at Lyon in a senior academy leadership role before being promoted to academy director in June 2023.

He got his break when he was made interim manager of the first team and guided them to Europa League qualification, earning him the job on a permanent basis.

After leaving the club in January 2025, he was appointed at RC Lens that summer. In his only season in charge, he led them to their first Coupe de France trophy and secured qualification for the Champions League.

Such success caught the attention of Palace, who hired Sage following the departure of Oliver Glasner at the end of the 2025/26 season.

David Moyes (Everton)

Moyes was appointed for his second spell in charge of Everton in January 2025.

First making a name for himself in coaching at Preston North End, he became Everton manager for the first time in March 2002.

In 11 years in charge, he established Everton as a regulars in Europe and qualified for the Champions League with a fourth-place finish in 2005 – their highest in the Premier League era.

He was appointed as manager to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013/14, but departed before the end of the campaign. He had spells at Real Sociedad and Sunderland before two at West Ham.

He guided them to safety in his first, then in his second led the Hammers to a famous victory in the Conference League final against Fiorentina in June 2023, ending the club’s 43-year wait for a major trophy.

After leaving West Ham again after a successful five-year stint, he was back in the Premier League in January 2025, taking over at Everton.

Alvaro Arbeloa (Fulham)

Nine years after he last played in the Premier League, Arbeloa returned as a manager as Fulham’s head coach in July 2026.

After coming through Real Madrid’s academy, he moved to Deportivo La Coruna before signing for Liverpool in January 2007. A few months after his move, Arbeloa helped the Reds reach the Champions League final.

He returned to Real Madrid in 2009, winning LaLiga, two Copa del Rey trophies and the Champions League twice.

Arbeloa was also part of the Spain squad that lifted the 2010 World Cup and back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

After retiring in 2017, following a brief stint at West Ham, he took charge of Real Madrid’s Under-19s then their B team, becoming interim head coach of the seniors in January 2026.

They reached the Champions League quarter-finals and finished second in LaLiga, but he stepped down at the end of the season.

Sergej Jakirovic (Hull City)

Jakirovic became Hull City head coach in summer 2025 and won promotion to the Premier League in his first season.

After hanging up his boots in 2017 following a 20-year career spanning five countries, he moved into management, starting out at Sesvete and then Gorica in Croatia, before a short stint at Maribor in Slovenia.

He led Zrinjski Mostar to the Bosnian Premier League title in 2021/22, then moved to Rijeka in Croatia’s top flight, before becoming boss of Dinamo Zagreb, winning a league and cup double.

Jakirovic’s next assignment came in Turkey with Kayserispor, before he moved to England with Hull. He led them to promotion via the playoffs.

Gary O’Neil (Ipswich Town)

O’Neil became Ipswich manager in June 2026 after Kieran McKenna stepped down shortly after steering them back into the Premier League.

After making more than 214 Premier League appearances across spells with Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, West Ham and Norwich City, O’Neil retired in 2019 and took charge of Liverpool’s Under-23s.

He joined Bournemouth as a first-team coach in 2021 before taking over when Scott Parker left at the start of the 2022/23 season.

He steered Bournemouth to Premier League safety with a 15th-place finish, before he moved on to Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023, guiding them to 14th in 2023/24.

O’Neil left Molineux in December 2024, then was appointed by Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, who he took to the semi-finals of the Conference League.

Daniel Farke (Leeds United)

Farke became Leeds United manager in July 2023.

The German spent his playing career as a forward in the lower divisions of his homeland then, after retiring aged 31, became a sporting director at club SV Lippstadt 08.

He was Borussia Dortmund’s reserve team head coach before Norwich appointed him manager in May 2017, winning promotion as Championship winners twice, in 2018/19 and 2020/21, suffering relegation in between.

Departing Norwich, he returned to Germany as boss of Borussia Monchengladbach before joining Leeds. He guided them into the Premier League, winning the Championship title with 100 points then kept them up in the first season back.

Andoni Iraola (Liverpool)

Iraola replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach in June 2026, after three successful years at Bournemouth.

As a player, he made over 500 appearances for Athletic Bilbao, helping them reach the Copa del Rey final twice, as well as the Europa League final in 2012, before ending his career at New York City FC.

Before joining Bournemouth, he had spells at Cypriot side AEK Larnaca and Spain’s Mirandes, developing a reputation as giant killers.

In August 2020, Iraola took charge of Rayo Vallecano and guided them back to LaLiga in his first season.

He was appointed at Bournemouth in summer 2023 and a hugely successful spell culminated in the club qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history.

Enzo Maresca (Manchester City)

Maresca succeeded Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

After a playing career that took him from AC Milan to West Bromwich Albion, Juventus and Sevilla, among several clubs, he started coaching in charge of Man City’s Elite Development Squad, winning the Premier League 2 title.

He then had a spell in charge of Parma before returning to Man City in June 2022 as one of Guardiola’s assistants.

Taking over at Leicester City, he led them back to the top flight before being appointed as Chelsea head coach in summer 2024.

They won the Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, and qualified for the Champions League, before he stepped away midway through the following season.

Michael Carrick (Manchester United)

Carrick has been head coach of Manchester United since 13 January 2026.

Considered a leading midfielder of his generation, he started at West Ham before joining Spurs then Man Utd. In 12 seasons he made 464 appearances, winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup, among a glittering array of silverware.

After retiring in 2018, he became a first-team coach under Jose Mourinho then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He took interim charge in November 2021.

His first managerial role came at Middlesbrough, reaching the 2022/23 playoffs and the EFL Cup semi-finals the following year. He left in June 2025 and was reappointed Man Utd head coach after Ruben Amorim left.

After a successful spell, guiding the club to third in 2025/26, he was handed the role permanently.

Eddie Howe (Newcastle United)

Following a 15-month break from football after making his name at Bournemouth, Howe took over at Newcastle in November 2021.

In an astonishing period, he guided Bournemouth from the fourth tier to the Premier League, managing them in the top flight from 2015 to 2020, before succumbing to relegation.

He left the club before returning to football with Newcastle, turning them into a regular Champions League side and winning the EFL Cup to secure the club’s first major domestic trophy in 70 years.

Oliver Glasner (Nottingham Forest)

Glasner joined Nottingham Forest as head coach in July 2026.

Having played 19 years as a defender at Austrian club Ried, he built his reputation as manager at Wolfsburg, qualifying for the Champions League and Eintracht Frankfurt, where he won the Europa League.

Glasner took charge at Crystal Palace in February 2024 then delivered trophies in back-to-back seasons, winning the FA Cup – the club’s first ever major trophy – followed by the Conference League.

Regis Le Bris (Sunderland)

Le Bris has been Sunderland head coach since June 2024.

Turning to coaching aged 27, he quickly excelled winning the French equivalent of the FA Youth Cup and Under-18 title at Rennes.

Le Bris was handed the opportunity as manager of the senior side in 2022 and a run of eight wins in his first 10 games helped towards a 10th-place finish.

Le Bris then led the Black Cats back to the Premier League in his debut season with a dramatic 2-1 turnaround win against Sheffield United in the 2024/25 Championship playoff final at Wembley.

In his first season in the top flight he guided them to a shock seventh-place finish and the club’s first European qualification in 53 years.

Roberto De Zerbi (Tottenham Hotspur)

De Zerbi took over at Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the 2025/26 season.

He spent most of his playing career in Italy’s lower divisions, before winning promotion with Napoli and claiming two domestic titles and the Romanian Cup with CFR Cluj before hanging up his boots.

In management, he honed his reputation across clubs in Italy before his first major success winning the Ukrainian Super Cup at Shakhtar Donetsk.

In September 2022, he was appointed Brighton head coach and led the Seagulls to their best-ever Premier League finish of sixth in 2022/23, securing European football for the first time in the club’s history.

After leading them to 11th the following season, he moved to Marseille, leaving after a second-place finish in Ligue 1.

He was brought in by Spurs initially to save them from relegation and guided them to safety on the final day.