Newcastle friendly defeat
Newcastle travelled to Ashton Gate for a pre-season friendly on 29 July and were defeated 4-1 by Bristol City. Newcastle opened the scoring but Bristol City replied with goals across the first half and the second, with manager Eddie Howe using the match to rotate and give many players minutes.
Liverpool visit New York
Liverpool played a pre-season friendly against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium on 29 July as part of their US tour. The fixture gave minutes to new signings and academy prospects while the club worked on match fitness and fan engagement across North America during the build-up to the 2026–27 season.
Spurs continue Australia tour
Tottenham continued their Australasian tour with a friendly against Sydney FC on 29 July. The match allowed manager Roberto De Zerbi to rotate the squad and assess both senior players and academy prospects in match conditions, part of a programme of friendlies designed to sharpen fitness ahead of the new season.
Ipswich face Osasuna
Ipswich Town met Osasuna in a pre-season friendly on 29 July as part of their summer preparations. The fixture offered trialists and returning players valuable minutes and helped the coaching staff work on tactics and match sharpness ahead of the club’s 2026–27 Premier League campaign.
Rodri minor back procedure
Manchester City confirmed Rodri underwent a minor back procedure this week to free a nerve that had caused discomfort; the club described it as an outpatient treatment without need for hospitalisation and said he was expected to resume normal rest and recovery. Reports noted the timing during his post‑World Cup break.