17 Aug 2026 - 18:15
LaLiga - Playing this week
Rayo Vallecano vs Alaves (Thu 19:00 UTC)
Rayo Vallecano will be looking to turn stalemates into maximum points after finishing eighth last term. Vallecas proved a tough ground to conquer, yielding just two defeats in 19 outings, yet they ended up with a league-high 10 home draws. Unbeaten in their final seven matches of the previous campaign, the hosts will want to hit the ground running.
They face an Alavs side that placed 14th last season and proved surprisingly resilient on the road down the stretch, suffering just a single loss (away at Real Madrid) across their final five away fixtures.
Real Betis vs Real Sociedad (Fri 19:00 UTC)
Two European hopefuls lock horns in Seville for an enticing opening-weekend clash. Real Betis carried tremendous momentum through to the end of last season, tasting defeat just once in their final nine outings to clinch a top-five berth and a prized spot in the Champions League.
By contrast, Real Sociedad endured a dismal conclusion to their previous campaign, sliding into mid-table after going winless across their last eight league matches. A trip to a direct continental rival gives the Basque outfit an immediate opportunity to lay down a marker, provided they can take something away from Andalusia.
LaLiga stats
20 Aug 2026 - 15:11
Premier League - Playing this weekend
Arsenal vs Coventry City (Fri 19:00 UTC)
The reigning champions return to league action as Arsenal welcome newly promoted Coventry City to open their campaign.
For Mikel Artetas men, launching their title defence with an immediate statement on home turf is the primary objective after having also reached the final of the Champions League last season
Coventry, under Frank Lampard, face an enormous examination on their return to the top flight, seeking to prove they can hold their own against the titleholders.
The Gunners arrive having secured the league crown alongside their run to the Champions League final. Their squad will rely on that championship-winning pedigree to establish control from the outset and dictate the tempo.
Coventry enter the top division with immense confidence after an impressive season that saw them win the Championship title. Finishing 11 points clear of runners-up Ipswich Town highlighted their dominant second-tier campaign, though their backline will now face a significant test against the champions.
Hull City vs Manchester Utd (Sat 11:30 UTC)
Top-flight football makes its electric return to East Yorkshire as Hull City host powerhouse Manchester United.
For the Tigers, this high-profile home fixture offers the ultimate platform to announce their arrival back in the big time.
Manchester United make the journey focused on launching another strong top-four charge right from the opening weekend.
Hull City fought their way back through sheer determination, claiming a hard-fought 6th place in the Championship before surviving a fierce battle in the playoffs. Driven by frantic home support, they will aim to turn that momentum into a resilient display against elite opposition.
The Mancunians arrive on the back of a solid campaign, having secured a third-place finish in the league. Concluding that season six points clear of fourth-place Aston Villa underlined their consistency, and they will look to impose their authority on their newly promoted opponents.
Man City vs Bournemouth (Sun 13:00 UTC)
New eras collide at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City take on AFC Bournemouth with fresh leadership in both dugouts.
For Manchester City, the mission is immediate redemption in the league title hunt after narrowly falling short to Arsenal last season.
Bournemouth travel aiming to build upon their high-flying form under new guidance after an excellent campaign.
Enzo Maresca takes charge of Manchester City following a fierce battle for the league title that ended in second place. Playing on their own patch, they will look to establish their dominant attacking rhythm right from the first whistle.
For the visitors, Marco Rose has taken the reins from Andoni Iraola after the Cherries earned an impressive 6th place last season. Building on that foundation will be vital as they face one of the league's toughest away tests.
Fulham vs Chelsea (Mon 19:00 UTC)
Monday night brings a sharp London derby under the lights as Fulham square off against Chelsea.
For Fulham, this home encounter offers the ideal stage to measure up against local rivals and set an ambitious tone.
Chelsea, now led by Xabi Alonso, arrive knowing that a commanding start is non-negotiable to reset expectations after missing out on continental competition.
The hosts will count on the energy of their home crowd to challenge their neighbours in this opening fixture. Showing their capabilities against top opposition will be central to establishing early-season momentum at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea step into a new chapter after a mid-table finish last season that saw them fail to qualify for European football. With standard-setting demands from the outset, the Blues will seek an immediate statement to begin their recovery.
Premier League stats
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