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Premier League Matchday 3 fixtures: Arsenal v Chelsea highlights a weekend of big tests and rivalries
The Premier League returns with a Matchday 3 schedule packed with intriguing contests, as established title contenders face early challenges and several new-look teams continue to find their identity.
Friday night sets the tone with Ipswich hosting Liverpool. Gary O’Neil’s side welcome Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool to Portman Road for a 21:00 kick-off, with the home crowd likely to provide an intense atmosphere under the lights. O’Neil has plenty of respect for the new Liverpool boss, describing Iraola as “excellent, coaching wise and the way he sets his team up”. He knows the challenge ahead, but believes the occasion can work in Ipswich’s favour: “Our fans will be up for it on a Friday night.”
Saturday begins with Newcastle United against Bournemouth at 13:30, before a busy 16:00 window featuring Brentford versus Sunderland, Nottingham against Tottenham, Manchester City hosting Coventry, Fulham facing Crystal Palace and Brighton welcoming Leeds. sport-ipl.my
Manchester City’s meeting with Coventry is particularly intriguing, as Enzo Maresca’s side look to impose their quality against an ambitious opponent. Tottenham’s trip to Nottingham also promises a fascinating tactical contest, while Brighton and Leeds could provide an entertaining battle between teams who favour energetic, front-foot football.
The afternoon continues with Hull against Aston Villa at 18:30, giving Villa another opportunity to demonstrate their ambitions in what could be a challenging away fixture.
Sunday brings two heavyweight clashes to close the weekend. First up is Everton against Manchester United at 15:00. David Moyes knows the scale of the challenge posed by United’s squad, praising their individual quality while stressing the importance of Everton’s home form.
“They’ve got so many talented players who are so good at what they do,” Moyes says. “These players have to be given more attention.” He also knows the history of the fixture, adding: “I’ve always enjoyed playing against Manchester United.” For Everton, making home advantage count will be central to their hopes of taking something from the contest.
Then comes the weekend’s biggest fixture as Arsenal host Chelsea at 17:30 in a heavyweight London derby.
Mikel Arteta expects the occasion itself to influence the contest, with both sides likely to be tested emotionally as well as tactically. “You have to play the occasion in certain duels and the way they propose the game as well,” says the Arsenal manager, who expects moments in which players must recognise and respond to the changing dynamics of the match.
With Liverpool beginning the weekend under the Friday-night lights, Manchester City and Tottenham facing potentially tricky Saturday assignments, and Everton-Manchester United followed by Arsenal-Chelsea on Sunday, Matchday 3 offers another compelling chapter in the early Premier League campaign.
Broadcast details
Times CAT
Premier League: Matchday 3
Friday 4 September
21:00: Ipswich v Liverpool – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
Saturday 5 September
13:30: Newcastle United v Bournemouth – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
16:00: Brentford v Sunderland – LIVE on SuperSport Events
16:00: Nottingham v Tottenham – LIVE on SuperSport Football Plus, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 2
16:00: Manchester City v Coventry – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
16:00: Fulham v Palace – LIVE on SuperSport Football
16:00: Brighton v Leeds – LIVE on SuperSport Action and SuperSport Action Africa
18:30: Hull v Aston Villa – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
Sunday 6 September
15:00: Everton v Manchester United – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
17:30: Arsenal v Chelsea – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
The post Premier League Matchday 3 fixtures: Arsenal v Chelsea highlights a weekend of big tests and rivalries appeared first on SportsAfrica - Sports news | Live scores | Match highlights | Betting tips.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Ipswich Town: Could Bradley Barcola Make His Debut?
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Ipswich Town is a major search focus before Friday’s Premier League match, with Bradley Barcola available for a possible debut after joining from Paris Saint-Germain. Andoni Iraola must also manage several absences as Liverpool chase their first league win of the season.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Ipswich Town centres on two questions: whether Bradley Barcola is ready to start and how the Reds will structure a defence affected by injuries. Liverpool travel to Portman Road after two consecutive 2-2 Premier League draws. Barcola has trained with the squad and is available, but Iraola has said his lack of pre-season match minutes will be considered. The final XI will therefore provide an early clue about how Liverpool plan to use their latest attacking addition.
Why Liverpool’s starting XI is under focus
Liverpool have drawn both of their opening Premier League matches 2-2, first at Newcastle United and then at home to Nottingham Forest. That has put extra attention on Andoni Iraola’s selections for the trip to Portman Road.
The squad has also changed late in the transfer window. Bradley Barcola joined from Paris Saint-Germain and has trained with Liverpool, while Iraola has confirmed that the forward is available for the Ipswich match.
The fixture forms part of Premier League Matchweek 3. See the full schedule in SportPesa South Africa’s Premier League fixtures guide
READ ALSO: Premier League 2026/27 Season Preview
Could Bradley Barcola start against Ipswich?
Barcola is available, but a starting place is not guaranteed. Iraola said the France international has trained well with his new teammates, while also noting that he did not play pre-season matches before joining Liverpool.
That creates a straightforward selection decision: Liverpool can start with players who have already had competitive minutes this season and use Barcola from the bench, or introduce the new signing immediately to add pace and direct running from either flank.
Iraola has also highlighted Barcola’s ability to play on both the right and left. That flexibility could become important as Liverpool work through a busy schedule after the international break.
Liverpool injuries and the right-back question
Joe Gomez is not expected back in team training until next week. Giovanni Leoni and Federico Chiesa are also unavailable, while Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike remain longer-term absentees.
Liverpool therefore have fewer defensive options than usual, particularly at right-back. Iraola has pointed to the versatility of his squad as part of the solution, with midfielders and defenders able to cover different roles when required.
The final defensive setup will matter against an Ipswich side that has pace in wide areas and is capable of attacking quickly from turnovers.
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Ipswich Town
No predicted lineup is official. The team below reflects current availability and recent selections, with Barcola considered a possible substitute if Iraola decides not to start him immediately.
Liverpool possible XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Gakpo, Wirtz, Munoz; Isak
READ ALSO: Premier League fixtures including Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
What the lineup could tell us about Liverpool
The team sheet should offer an early indication of how Iraola plans to balance Liverpool’s attack after the transfer window. Barcola gives the coach another natural one-versus-one threat, while Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz and Victor Munoz have already been part of the attacking rotation.
Liverpool also need greater control without the ball. Two consecutive 2-2 draws have shown that creating chances is not their only concern; protecting transitions and managing defensive spaces will be just as important at Portman Road.
Kick-off is at 21:00 SAST on Friday. Confirmed lineups, live scores and match statistics should be followed on SP Score once the official teams are released.
READ ALSO: Follow the match on SP Score
Conclusion
Liverpool predicted lineup vs Ipswich Town remains provisional until the official team sheet is released. Barcola is available and could make his first Liverpool appearance, but a place on the bench remains possible as he builds match sharpness. Liverpool’s defensive structure will be equally ihttps://sportpesa.commportant after conceding twice in each of their first two league games. Follow SP Score for the confirmed lineups and live match information from Portman Road.
Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City: Team News, H2H & Match Details
Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City.Marumo Gallants host Polokwane City in the Betway Premiership on Friday, 4 September 2026. The match takes place at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, with kick-off at 19:30 SAST. For wider domestic-season context, see SportPesa South Africa’s PSL 2026/27 season preview.
This fixture gives both teams another opportunity to build their early-season momentum. The focus will be on how Marumo Gallants use their home setting at Royal Bafokeng Stadium and how Polokwane City handle the contest away from home.
Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City match details
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | Betway Premiership |
| Date | Friday, 4 September 2026 |
| Kick-off | 19:30 SAST |
| Venue | Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg |
| Fixture | Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City |
READ ALSO: Golden Arrows vs Stellenbosch FC
Team news and injuries
No verified injury, suspension or selection updates were available at the time of this update. The final picture can change close to kick-off, so confirmed line-ups remain the most reliable guide to player availability.
Head-to-head
Marumo Gallants and Polokwane City have met six times in the available head-to-head record. Marumo Gallants have won two of those matches, Polokwane City have won one and three have ended in draws. That history shows that the fixture has often been closely contested.
Current form and match context
Early-season form can change quickly as teams settle combinations and respond to results from the opening weeks. This match gives both sides a chance to add points and improve their position in the Betway Premiership.
What to watch
The midfield contest and the way each team handles transitions are likely to shape the rhythm of the game. Marumo Gallants will look to use the familiarity of Royal Bafokeng Stadium, while Polokwane City will aim to make their away performance count.
Follow Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City live
For confirmed line-ups, live scores, goals, cards, substitutions and match statistics, follow SP Score. Current football markets are available on SportPesa South Africa.
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FAQs
When do Marumo Gallants play Polokwane City?
Marumo Gallants play Polokwane City on Friday, 4 September 2026.
What time is Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City?
Kick-off is at 19:30 SAST.
Where is the match being played?
The match is being played at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
What is the head-to-head record?
Across six recorded meetings, Marumo Gallants have two wins, Polokwane City have one and three matches have ended in draws.
Where can I follow the match live?
SP Score provides live scores, confirmed line-ups, match events and statistics.
READ ALSO: Sekhukhune United vs TS Galaxy
Conclusion
Marumo Gallants vs Polokwane City brings two Betway Premiership teams together at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on 4 September. The match offers another early-season test for both clubs, with the live match state available through SP Score after kick-off.
Clémentine Touré : « Je veux démontrer que l'excellence n'a ni frontière ni origine »
Présente en Pologne pour la Coupe du monde de football féminin U20, Clémentine Touré, unique femme africaine présente à ce rendez-vous en tant que membre technique FIFA et CAF, interrogée par la presse polonaise, livre les secrets de sa présence là où elle se trouve. Pour elle, c'est le fruit du travail, de la compétence et non du favoritisme.
Madame Touré Clémentine, qu'est-ce qui vous a permis d'atteindre les responsabilités que vous exercez aujourd'hui ?
Je rends toute la gloire à Dieu, sans qui rien n'aurait été possible. Je remercie également mes parents pour leur soutien constant. Mon parcours repose sur trois piliers : la formation, le travail et la persévérance. Je n'ai jamais cessé d'apprendre ni de saisir les occasions de progresser.
Quel rôle vos parents ont-ils joué dans votre réussite ?
Un rôle déterminant. Ils m'ont soutenue, encouragée et accompagnée à chaque étape. Leur présence m'a donné la force de continuer, même lorsque le chemin devenait difficile.
Beaucoup vous demandent comment vous avez réussi à intégrer les instances internationales du football.
Que leur répondez-vous ?
Ma réponse tient en quelques mots : mes diplômes, ma formation et mon travail. J'ai répondu aux appels à candidatures, développé mes compétences et continué à me former, en ligne comme en présentiel. Dans ce domaine, il faut rester en mouvement : apprendre, se préparer et oser saisir les opportunités.
Quel prix avez-vous dû payer pour construire ce parcours ?
Un investissement important, aussi bien financier que personnel. Certaines formations m'ont coûté 5 000 €, 10 000 €, 15 000 €, voire 20 000 €, sans compter les billets d'avion, les déplacements, l'hébergement et la restauration. Je n'ai jamais considéré ces dépenses comme des pertes, mais comme un investissement dans mes compétences et mon avenir professionnel.
Vous avez participé à de nombreux programmes internationaux de coaching, de leadership, de communication, de management et de gouvernance. Comment vivez-vous le fait d'être souvent la seule participante africaine ?
C'est une responsabilité et une fierté. Être parfois la seule Africaine dans ces programmes me rappelle que je représente aussi mon continent. Je veux démontrer que l'excellence n'a ni frontière ni origine : elle se construit par le travail, la compétence et la préparation.
Vous êtes présentée comme la première Ivoirienne et l'unique femme africaine à avoir obtenu la Licence PRO CAF. Que représente cette distinction ?
C'est une grande fierté, que j'accueille avec humilité. Cette licence est le résultat de plusieurs années de formation, de sacrifices et de persévérance. Mais au-delà de mon parcours, j'espère qu'elle encouragera d'autres femmes africaines à viser les plus hauts niveaux du football professionnel.
Certains pensent que l'accès aux responsabilités internationales dépend surtout des relations.
Que leur répondez-vous ?
Je ne suis pas arrivée là par faveur. J'y suis arrivée par le mérite. J'ai postulé aux opportunités, présenté mes diplômes, mes compétences et mon expérience. Je crois que l'excellence ne se revendique pas : elle se prépare, se prouve et se confirme par les résultats.
Que ne voient pas les personnes qui découvrent aujourd'hui vos titres et vos responsabilités ?
Elles ne voient pas toujours les années de préparation, les formations coûteuses, les déplacements, les candidatures et les moments de doute. Un titre est visible, mais les sacrifices qui le précèdent le sont rarement. Chaque responsabilité que j'exerce est le fruit d'un travail constant et d'une volonté de ne jamais abandonner.
Un diplôme suffit-il pour réussir durablement ?
Non. Un diplôme ouvre une porte, mais la formation continue permet de rester compétitif. Les métiers et les exigences évoluent. Il faut donc continuer à apprendre, actualiser ses connaissances et développer de nouvelles compétences. La formation n'est pas une étape : c'est une discipline permanente.
Quel message adressez-vous aux jeunes, en particulier aux jeunes femmes qui souhaitent évoluer dans le football international ?
Investissez en vous-mêmes. Formez-vous, préparez vos dossiers et osez postuler. Ne craignez pas d'entrer dans des environnements où vous êtes la seule personne de votre pays ou de votre continent. Votre savoir, vos compétences et votre travail sont des forces que personne ne peut vous retirer.
Comment résumeriez-vous votre philosophie ?
Le talent peut ouvrir une porte. Mais seule la compétence, la discipline et la persévérance permettent d'y rester.
Quel dernier message souhaitez-vous adresser à celles et ceux qui vous soutiennent ?
À Dieu, toute la gloire. À mes parents, toute ma reconnaissance. Et à toutes les personnes qui croient en moi, merci. Je veux aussi dire à celles et ceux qui pensent que les opportunités internationales sont réservées à quelques privilégiés : travaillez, formez-vous, osez et persévérez. Les portes s'ouvrent lorsque la compétence rencontre le travail et la détermination.
Propos recueillis par Chamade YAH
Ardie vows to ‘smash’ mate Siya
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea has thrown down a cheeky but pointed challenge to Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi ahead of Saturday’s third Test at FNB Stadium. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
Savea promised fireworks between the two close friends when the whistle blows.
Asked on Friday afternoon about Kolisi currently holding an unofficial 1-0 edge over him in the tackle stats, thanks to a ferocious hit on him in Cape Town, Savea made clear that friendship counts for nothing once the game starts.
“I told him, next time, tackle me frontwards, take me home,” Savea said, laughing off the previous hit. “I was lying on the ground and all I could hear was my dad’s voice telling me to get up. So I got up.
𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐌
Siya Kolisi with a massive hit on Ardie Savea
Stream #RugbysGreatestRivalry on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/ZwNwMFJMlP
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 29, 2026
“Siya’s the same guy off the field, we get on well, but once you’re on the field you’re locked in, he’s the enemy out there. That’s footy, we’re going to try and smash each other tomorrow, then jump on the plane again afterwards.”
MORE: Siya, Ardie showing ‘best of rugby’
Beyond the personal battle with Kolisi, Savea was blunt about the scale of what awaits his side.
“I think we all know the importance and the spectacle of this game,” he said. “If you’re thinking of it like State of Origin [the annual rugby league series between New South Wales and Queensland], it’s game three, one apiece, here in Africa, so it’s a big one.
“It’s exciting to get to play at the Soweto stadium and challenge ourselves to get the win.”
WATCH: Ardie gets Cape Town haircut
The All Blacks skipper conceded his side has been guilty of slow starts through the series but insisted the belief within the squad remains unshaken.
“You wouldn’t be an All Black if you weren’t confident by this point in the week, so we’re confident, but we also respect the threat the Springboks pose,” he said.
“Last week they came out firing … we’d talked about starting well and didn’t quite deliver on that.”
AFRICA PICKS: Springboks vs All Blacks betting odds
He identified the breakdown as the critical battleground.
“Every rugby team is trying to hunt turnovers at the breakdown, and there’s no doubt the Springboks are strong there. They did a good job keeping us out last week, and they’ll have to do it again this week.”
Savea also dismissed suggestions that a leaner, sharper-looking squad in training signals a change of style.
“I wouldn’t say so. We know how we want to play, and South Africa know how they want to play. The game comes down to fine margins, we lost that battle last week and the Springboks took advantage of it.
“We have to be really clinical, accurate and disciplined. They’re world champions for a reason, and if you do that you won’t get it back.”
ALSO: Siya eyes history, honours Soweto’s sacrifice
With his family in South Africa for the tour, Savea admitted the trip has carried extra meaning off the field.
“It’s been amazing. The majority of our time here has been absolutely beautiful. For me to go and do my work with the All Blacks and then come home and see them here [in the team hotel] has been a massive blessing.”
But with the series on the line, sentiment ends at kick-off, and Savea knows exactly who stands in his way.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post Ardie vows to ‘smash’ mate Siya appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.