Inside Sport: Top-flight football

Just as the curtains have been drawn on the spectacular World Cup stage, the theatre doors have burst open for the return of the domestic football season in August, with the much-anticipated return of the Premier League and the Scottish Premiership. 

In the first of a two-part football special, Inside Time previews each Premier League club in predicted finishing order ahead of a fascinating opening fixture between champions Arsenal and newly-promoted Coventry City on 21 August.

Arsenal

After ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title, Mikel Arteta’s side return, not as hopeful challengers, but as the side everyone else must catch. The question remains if they will wear their badge of champions with increased confidence or find the pressure of now being hunted a completely different dynamic.

• In: Piero Hincapié (Leverkusen, £34.5m). Christos Tzolis Club Brugge £34m 

• Out: Leandro Trossard (Beşiktaş, £17.1m), Jacob Kiwior (Porto, £19m).

Manchester City

Following a decade of Guardiola dominance, life after Pep begins. Although finishing seven points behind Arsenal in the league last season, City did still win the two domestic cup competitions. Newly-appointed former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces the daunting challenge of just how you fill Pep’s espadrilles.

• In: Elliott Anderson (Forest, £116m), Jeremy Monga (Leicester, £10m).

• Out: Nathan Aké (Fenerbahçe, £8.5m), John Stones (released), Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid, free).

Manchester Utd

Michael Carrick’s first full season in charge brings fresh hope and optimism to Old Trafford, following United’s strong finish to last season since he took charge in January, steering them into a third-place finish. The return to Champions League football after a two-year absence is a massive plus, although the squad needs strengthening.

• In: Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa, £36m), Andrey Santos (Chelsea, £50m).

• Out: Rasmus Højlund (Napoli, £38m), Casemiro (released).

Liverpool

The Andoni Iraola era begins a new chapter at Anfield, having arrived from a successful three seasons at Bournemouth as the Reds try to turn transition into a successful title challenge. Last season’s fifth-place finish was a dramatic drop-off for the 2024/25 champions, and with the departure of some big names like Mo Salah, this has all the signs of a rebuild.

• In: Jérémy Jacquet (Rennes, £55m), Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna, £34.5m).

• Out: Mo Salah (released/TBC), Ibrahima Konaté (Real Madrid, free), Andy Robertson (Spurs, free).

Chelsea

After another turbulent campaign at the Bridge finishing in an underwhelming 10th place, the Blues begin a fresh era under highly-rated former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso. The two big questions are: will Alonso be given more control in the transfer market, and can he help turn potential into consistency? No European distraction is key.

• In: Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa, £117m), Geovany Quenda (Sporting CP, £43.5m), Marco Palestra (Atalanta, £43m).

• Out: Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid, £51.8m), Andrey Santos (Man Utd, £50m).

Aston Villa

A slow start in the league last season with Villa struggling for goals and rhythm was totally transformed by the tactical genius of Unai Emery, which culminated in a fourth-place finish, a return to the Champions League and the Europa League trophy. Have they reached the ceiling of success, or can they rebuild with the substantial transfer funds received?

• In: Johan Manzambi (Freiburg, £59.5m), João Gomes (Wolves, £38m), Garnacho Chelsea loan.

• Out: Morgan Rogers (Chelsea, £117m), Youri Tielemans (Man Utd, £36m).

Newcastle

After a frustrating league campaign that saw the Magpies finish 12th despite reaching the Champions League knockout stage, Eddie Howe’s side go into the new season requiring a reset. Despite having the bones of a strong team, having already lost two key players in midfield, the recruitment in this transfer window looks to be essential.

• In: Bazoumana Touré (Hoffenheim, £42m), Aladji Bamba Monaco £35.5m.

• Out: Sandro Tonali (Spurs, £100m), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona, £69.3m), Kieran Trippier (Wolves, free).

Brighton

Firmly established as one of the Premier League’s intriguing top-half contenders, Fabian Hürzeler’s side are now faced with the challenge of raised expectations at the Amex following last season’s fifth-place finish. Qualification for the Europa League requires more squad depth; however, the Seagulls are renowned for their shrewd recruitment.

• In: Luka Vušković (Spurs, £50m), Zadok Yohanna (Athens, £21.5m), Pascal Struijk (Leeds, £18.5m).

• Out: Jan Paul van Hecke (Spurs, £50m), Diego Coppola (Paris FC, £17m).

The season returns in Scotland with more intrigue and interest than it has had for many years, largely due to last year’s dramatic title finish. Hearts topped the table for 255 days of the 2025/26 campaign only to be pipped at the post by Celtic on the final day of the season, bringing a new meaning to the term heartbreak. Had they pulled it off, it would have been the first time that the league title hadn’t gone to one of the Glasgow giants since Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen were victorious in 1984/85.

The season kicks off on the weekend of 1 August and is showing all the signs that it could be equally exciting at both ends of the table. The champions, Celtic, will start as favourites as they boast the strongest squad; however, Martin O’Neill’s side will have to juggle the demands of Champions League football. The blue half of Glasgow has closed the gap in quality over the last few seasons, and with a new manager, there is fresh hope for Rangers. Former Ibrox player Derek McInnes was the man who took Hearts so close last season; he knows the league well enough to mount a serious title challenge. Hearts, Hibernian and Motherwell have all improved in the last couple of seasons and have proved that they can beat anyone on their day, so with a little more consistency, they won’t be far away if they can get off to a good start. St Johnstone return to the top flight after just one season in the Championship, and Falkirk continue their journey following last year’s impressive sixth-place finish.

Sports bites

Cricket 

August is when The Hundred 2026 should properly catch fire. After launching on 21 July, the action-packed 100-ball competition moves through a packed run of group-stage double-headers in the first 12 days of the month before reaching its conclusion with the Eliminator on 14 August and Finals Day at Lord’s on the 16th. All fixtures feature the women’s match before the men’s match. Eight of the double-headers will be broadcast live on BBC Two, including Finals Day..

Athletics 

Birmingham is set to host the 2026 European Athletics Championships from 10–16 August at the Alexander Stadium, just four years on from the success of the Commonwealth Games. More than 1,500 track and field stars will compete from 50 countries. The 2022 Munich European Championships saw Great Britain and Northern Ireland collect the most overall athletics medals (20, including six golds).