Football News Roundup — 31 Aug 2026
8 stories shaping the football week, curated from The Guardian, BBC Sport and Sky Sports.
BallSignals
Monday, 31 Aug 2026
Here are the football stories making headlines right now, gathered from The Guardian, BBC Sport and Sky Sports. Each headline links through to the original report.
Aston Villa and Chelsea still enemies despite transfer pipeline, insists Emery
Martínez and Jackson latest duo to move between clubsGoretzka and Suzuki could make debuts against ArsenalUnai Emery has said Aston Villa and Chelsea are enemies rather than friends, insisting the clubs want to “kill” each other despite regularly doing business in recent years.Emiliano Martínez b…
Given credits Farke's second-half tactical shift in Brentford draw
Match of the Day pundit Shay Given commends Leeds United's second-half tactical shift after Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck late to salvage a 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Can Chelsea win the league with three at the back? - Given's verdict
Match of the Day pundit Shay Given praises Chelsea's flying wing-backs, backing Xabi Alonso's side to win the Premier League title using a three-at-the-back system.
MOTD pundits debate controversial own goal in Man Utd victory
Match of the Day pundits Ellen White and Shay Given discuss the refereeing controversy at Old Trafford whereby a loophole allowed a Harry Maguire handball to stand as a Jacob Greaves own goal.
'He's on it all the time' - White praises 'unbelievable' Fernandes
Match of the Day pundit Ellen White labels Bruno Fernandes "unbelievable", after the midfielder's hat-trick in Manchester United's 5-2 comeback win against Ipswich Town.
Explained: Why Hovland avoided penalty after viral bunker debate
Viktor Hovland avoided a penalty shot after fans online speculated that he improved his lie in the bunker at the Tour Championship.
Mikel Arteta ‘begging’ Premier League to expand 20-man matchday squads
Arsenal manager says dropping players ‘affects wellbeing’Serie A allows 25-player matchday squads and La Liga 23Arsenal have asked the Premier League to increase the size of matchday squads, with Mikel Arteta saying the current system is detrimental to player welfare. Top‑flight clubs can name 20…
Donald ends retirement to make dramatic Rams return
Aaron Donald has officially come out of retirement and will return for the Los Angeles Rams this season.
Turning news into bets? Team news, injuries and transfers all move the odds. See how they shape our daily selections on the football tips page, or unlock the full breakdown with BallSignals VIP.
Headlines and summaries are the property of their respective publishers and are reproduced here in brief with attribution and links to the original articles.
Get daily tips on Telegram
Join @ballsigtips for free picks & premium signals