Tuesday, 25 August: Chelsea's front three click, Spurs close on City's double, and seven Champions League places go on the line (2026)

Tuesday’s shortlist turns from weekend scorelines to three questions worth following: can Chelsea’s new attacking trio carry its first spark, will Tottenham turn a reported double move into completed business, and which three clubs can take the final step into the Champions League league phase tonight?

1. Chelsea’s front three open with a 3-2 win

What changed: Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage. João Pedro opened the scoring with a chip, and Morgan Rogers scored on his Premier League debut for Chelsea. Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Rogers also formed the attacking trio singled out in the match report. 1 2

So what: Chelsea have an early attacking connection to watch under Xabi Alonso. The next useful checkpoint is whether Palmer, João Pedro and Rogers start together again and produce the same threat when opponents have time to prepare for them.

2. Spurs move closer to City’s double exit

What changed: The Independent’s transfer live blog reported that Tottenham were closing in on Manchester City forwards Savinho and Omar Marmoush. The report said Savinho’s deal was agreed and described Marmoush’s move as an initial loan with a £50 million obligation to buy if conditions are met. Both players were still listed in City’s squad when the report was published. 3

So what: Manchester City could lose two attacking options in one piece of business, while Tottenham would add speed and goals to their forward group. The next checkpoints are official confirmation and the completion of the transfer steps; the current status remains a reported move.

3. Three Champions League places go on the line tonight

What changed: UEFA says the play-off second legs will decide the final seven places in the Champions League league phase. Tuesday’s three ties are Sabah against Hapoel Beer-Sheva, with Hapoel leading 2-1 on aggregate; LASK against Celtic, with Celtic leading 3-0; and Bodø/Glimt against N.E.C., with Bodø/Glimt leading 3-1. Winners reach the Champions League league phase, while defeated teams move into the Europa League league phase. 4

So what: Celtic and Bodø/Glimt carry sizeable first-leg advantages, while Hapoel Beer-Sheva have the narrowest margin to defend. The final whistles will settle which clubs enter Europe’s top competition and which clubs drop into the Europa League; UEFA has scheduled the league-phase draw for Thursday, 27 August. 4