Celtic and Rangers collide again as Premier League leaders Arsenal face Brighton

A weekend packed with high-stakes sport

The weekend schedule brings together a decisive Old Firm derby, a revealing round of Premier League fixtures, the conclusion of England’s T20 series against Sri Lanka and a second week of NFL action.

Tottenham and Aston Villa seek a first win

Saturday’s Premier League programme opens with Tottenham hosting Aston Villa. Tottenham have spent more than £300m during the summer but have taken no wins and scored no goals in their opening four league matches, leaving them 17th once again. Aston Villa have collected only one point, making the early kick-off an opportunity for both sides to change the direction of their seasons.

Arsenal then travel to Brighton in the afternoon with a perfect four-win record and an ominous challenge ahead. Brighton have scored 13 goals in four matches, the highest tally in the division, while Arsenal’s title defence faces one of its toughest early tests.

Newcastle, meanwhile, welcome high-flying Hull after losing their unbeaten start at Leeds. Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Hull in their previous outing underlined the visitors’ strong beginning to the campaign.

Arsenal women face Manchester United at the Emirates

Arsenal’s unbeaten women’s side host Manchester United, who have lost both of their opening Women’s Super League matches and conceded seven goals. United’s manager said the team must “show that to perform” after their 5-0 defeat by Chelsea, while Arsenal will aim to respond after being held to a goalless draw by promoted Crystal Palace.

England complete T20 series against Sri Lanka

England meet Sri Lanka at Old Trafford having already secured the three-match series with a 2-0 lead. The second victory came by six wickets in Cardiff, with Tom Banton finishing unbeaten on 52 from 24 balls. Harry Brook struck 114 not out from 49 deliveries in the opening match, while Jos Buttler became the first player to reach 15,000 runs in T20 cricket.

England have now won 22 of their past 25 matches in the shortest format and will look to complete another emphatic series win.

Old Firm pressure returns to Celtic Park

Sunday’s headline fixture is Celtic v Rangers. Celtic began the league season with a 100% record but enter the derby after a 3-0 League Cup defeat by Rangers and a 3-1 Europa League loss to Ferencvaros.

Rangers will visit Celtic Park seeking a sixth consecutive win in all competitions. Celtic’s manager described the recent defeat as “a huge frustration” and “psychologically damning”, adding: “It’s not the start we wanted. Really need to concentrate now on Sunday ... Sunday’s a big game.”

Liverpool and Manchester United under scrutiny

Liverpool remain unbeaten under head coach Andoni Iraola but have drawn three of their first four Premier League matches, limiting their early momentum ahead of the trip to Bournemouth. Bournemouth are still searching for a first league win under Marco Rose, although their performances have offered encouragement.

Manchester United travel to Fulham with pressure mounting on Michael Carrick. United have won only once in four league games and surrendered a 2-0 lead in their midweek League Cup defeat by Brighton. Fulham have also made a slow league start, but a draw at Liverpool and a cup win at West Ham suggest the hosts may be improving.

NFL week two brings two unbeaten matchups

The NFL schedule includes Vikings v Bears and Steelers v Patriots among the evening fixtures. Minnesota recovered from a 12-point deficit against Green Bay, while Chicago opened with a record-breaking 59-37 victory over Carolina, inspired by Caleb Williams.

Pittsburgh began the Mike McCarthy era with a win and an outstanding performance from 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. New England, coached by Mike Vrabel, will seek a response from Drake Maye after his difficult display in a 13-10 loss to Seattle.