Which Premier League managers are under pressure?

Michael Carrick is the current favourite to be sacked.

Why are PSG strong Champions League contenders?

PSG’s 4-2 victory over Manchester City demonstrated their attacking quality against elite opposition. Having won the previous two Champions League titles, they have the experience and firepower to challenge again, although Barcelona represent another major test.

When is El Clásico, and who are the favourites?

Barcelona host Real Madrid on 25 October. The quoted odds favour Barcelona at -188, with the draw at +400 and Madrid at +450. Barcelona’s outstanding start and Vinícius Júnior’s suspension strengthen the hosts’ position, although an upset remains possible.

Who are the favourites for Leeds v Manchester United?

Leeds are favourites at the quoted +148, ahead of Manchester United at +200, with the draw at +270. Leeds’ unbeaten home record contrasts with United’s struggles away, making this a particularly difficult assignment for Michael Carrick.

Which betting markets are worth watching for PSG v Barcelona?

Both teams to score and total goals are markets to consider given the attacking quality on display. The quoted match odds are PSG +140, Barcelona +150 and the draw +300. Check team news and compare prices: a likely outcome does not automatically offer good value.

Soccer Betting News This Month | El Classico, Market Watch & Analysis | October 16, 2026

By Seb Blasco, Updated on: Oct 16, 2026

Table of Contents›

Latest soccer news and market updates
Who’s in danger of the chop?
El Classico
Games to watch
Previous market updates

From courtroom controversy to Champions League comebacks, football has delivered another week of drama.

Manchester City remain under scrutiny, PSG look formidable, and pressure is mounting on several Premier League managers.

We take a look at the latest news, plus the biggest upcoming fixtures and betting angles as El Clásico moves into the spotlight.

For more news, market watch & analysis, check out the best soccer sports betting sites around.

Latest soccer news and market updates

All Eyes On Anfield

PSG Dominate

Rollercoaster in Rome

Premier League Dominance

Arteta Signs New Contract

Manchester City's trip to Anfield was the pick of the fixtures last week, as City played their first competitive fixture since being found guilty of 114 charges of financial rule breaking.  As that story continues to dominate the headlines, it was down to the player to try and shift the negative attention. City ran out 3-0 winners in a dominant display, after Ryan Gravenberch received a red card in the 62nd minute. City now sit top of the Premier League table with six wins in six, three points ahead of champions Arsenal. It remains to be seen whether events on the football pitch can distract from the elephant in the room.

If City were hoping for a quiet midweek, they were surely left disappointed, as Champions League holders PSG visited Manchester. Pre game, all the hype was around the return of Pep Guardiola, who was in town for a send off from the club, complete with orchestrated pre game tifo. On the pitch, PSG showed just why they have won the champions league back to back, going three nil up inside 32 minutes. City dragged two back in the second half, with the game finishing 4-2. As far as the Champions League is concerned, PSG are firm favourites to make it three in a row.

Jose Mourinho returned to his former club Roma with his new look Real Madrid side, and boy, did it not disappoint. Madrid produced a sensational recovery after finding themselves three 3-1 down. Three goals in the last 10 minutes of normal time were enough to see Los Blancos return to Madrid with all three points. Whilst fun for the neutral, Mourinho’s side will surely need defensive improvements if they are to go the distance this term.

The Premier League so called ‘middle class’ teams continue to dominate Europe’s second and third competitions, the Europa and Conference Leagues. Newcomers Sunderland and Bournemouth have both recorded two wins in two from their opening Europa League fixtures, whilst Brighton, the only English team in the conference league, sit top of the table with three wins from three. After Villa and Palace won respective competitions last term, are we set to see a repeat of the Premiers League dominance?

Mikel Arteta has put pen to paper on a new contract at the Emirates, which will see him remain in the role until 2030. The new deal reflects the trust the board has in the manager, as he looks to build a dynasty. If he sees out the contract, he would have been at Arsenal for 11 years. Whilst this is a long time in modern terms, it would only equate half the time that Arsene Wenger spent at the helm, with his 22 year reign.

🚨 Pep Guardiola’s letter to Manchester City fans.

“I want every single Man City fan to know I am here; more than ever”.

“I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters”.

“Let me be clear: we will get through this together”.

“I love you all”. 🩵

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 30, 2026

Who’s in danger of the chop?

6 games into the Premier League and the bookies are already having a look at who might face an early chop:

Michael Carrick +125

Micheal Carrik was offered the full time job at Old Trafford this season after an impressive period as interim manager last time out. Hopes were high in Manchester that he could finally be the answer to their ongoing problems, but six games in, Carrick is already the favourite for the sack.

United have fallen well below expectations, with only six points from six league games, an early Carabao Cup exit and defeat against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.

United’s disjointed pressing and inability to control matches also raise questions about his tactical approach. This was compounded by their failure to beat Tottenham despite holding a late lead against ten men.

Lisandro Martínez criticised Manchester United's leadership following their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid. The defender said he had expected more investment in the squad during the summer and questioned the club's recruitment decisions.

Whilst Carrick may not be long for this world, the problems, as highlighted by Martinez, are much deeper than any one in the hierarchy cares to acknowledge.

Álvaro Arbeloa +250

Former Real Madrid man Arbeloa are winless after six matches, sitting bottom, while repeatedly surrendering promising positions. Fulham have seen themselves established a comfortable Premier League side in recent year, but under Arbeola they appear to be slipping into a relegation battle.

His substitutions and changing selections have attracted criticism, particularly after the defeat against Ipswich, reinforcing doubts about his ability to manage games effectively. Reports of uncertainty among senior players add to concerns that his ideas are not translating onto the pitch.

With Thomas Frank reportedly being considered as a replacement, further setbacks against fellow strugglers could convince Fulham’s hierarchy that an early intervention offers their best protection.

Roberto De Zerbi +800

De Zerbi was brought in at the back end of last season to save Tottenham from relegation, which he managed, just about. The hope in North London was that a good pre-season coupled with major new signings would see De Zerbi replicate the form he displayed with Brighton.

But six games in and Spurs are still without a victory. Three draws and three loses see them second bottom, with many fearing defeat at United could have seen De Zerbi sacked. As it happened, they scored a last minute equaliser, piling pressure on Carrick, whilst potentially giving De Zerbi another life line.

Reports indicate Tottenham still back him and have no immediate plans to change managers. This form however, can surely not continue if De Zerbi is to have any chance of keeping his job.

El Classico

Barcelona hosts Real Madrid in the first El Classico of the season on 25th October. With Jose Mourinho in the hot seat, andBarcelona in blistering form, the latest installment promises to be the hottest ticket in town.

The bookies are already having their say on proceedings, with home side Barcelona firm favourites at -188 on BetNow, the draw pricing at +400 and a Madrid away win at +450. Mourinho is the master of the upset, and will no doubt relish his return to the Nou Camp where he was once assistant manager.

Taking a closer look at the details, Barcelona really have got off to an astonishing start to this season, winning all eight games with 34 goals scored, to 7 conceded. Put simply, they look unstoppable.

Madrid on the other hand currently sit in fourth position, having lost away to Betis and rivals Atletico. They have failed to catch fire thus far, and will be without the suspended Vini Jr. That said, if anyone is due to cause an upset it’s Mourinho. Watch this space.

Games to watch

Leeds v Manchester United

Leeds Manchester United, traditionally a fiery affair, with both clubs holding each other in contempt. This time out, the match could well signal the end of Micheal Carrick’s reign in Manchester, a result that will no doubt delight the Elland road faithful.

Leeds sit seventh in the table and are yet to lose at home this season, whilst Manchester United are yet to gain three points on the road.

Leeds are +148, United +200 and the draw +270

PSG v Barcelona

An early season meeting for two of the contenders for the Champions League. Whilst it will be interesting to see how this one plays out, the result will have very little effect on how the rest of the Champions League plays out.

Of more interest for this particular fixture will be the goals markets. Across two games in this season's Champions league, the teams have scored a combined 19 goals.

Both teams to score seems like a sensible position, with the potential for a goal fest also in the offing.

PSG at +140, Barcelona at +150 and the draw at +300

Previous market updates

[October, 2026]: Man City beat Liverpool.
[October, 2026]: Man City Charged.
[September, 2026]: Messi announces retirement from international football.
[August, 2026]: Arsenal favourites for the Champions League final.
[July, 2026]: England bow out to the holders, who face a final vs Spain.
[July, 2026]: England through to the semi-finals of the World Cup.
[July, 2026]: England through to quarter-finals of the World Cup.
[July, 2026]: Spain through to last 16 of the World Cup.
[June, 2026]: Ecuador qualify for the knockout phase of the World Cup.
[June, 2026]: USMNT qualify for the knockout phase of the World Cup.
[June, 2026]: USMNT kicked off the World Cup with a 4-1 win against Paraguay.
[June, 2026]: Spain are favourites to win the World Cup.
[May 28, 2026]: PSG edged into slight favouritism for the Champions League final in Budapest, with Arsenal still close behind.
[May 27, 2026]: England's World Cup squad announcement caused a stir after several big-name omissions, while they remained among the main contenders.
[May 25, 2026]: Spain stayed near the top of the World Cup outright market despite injury concerns around key players.
[May 22, 2026]: Norway gained traction as a popular dark horse ahead of the World Cup, led by Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard.
[April 15, 2026]: Arsenal entered the Champions League quarter-final market as +225 favourites.
[Early February 2026]: Arsenal moved to -500 favourites to win the Premier League following a dominant winter run.
[December 2025]: Arsenal slipped to -145 in the title market after a rash of injuries disrupted their momentum.

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Meet the author

Seb Blasco

Seb Blasco has a background spanning journalism, sports betting, and filmmaking. After earning a degree in sports business with a focus on European football, he began his career as a sport betting analyst, working with major broadcasters and sports betting firms. More r...