As the 2025/26 Premier League season approaches, clubs are fine-tuning their squads through a series of pre-season friendlies. Last night saw several Premier League teams in action across the globe, from Japan to the United States, as part of their preparations. Here’s a detailed roundup of the matches, results, and key moments from the evening’s fixtures, showcasing how teams are shaping up for the new season.
Liverpool Triumph in Japan Against Yokohama
Liverpool continued their pre-season preparations with a convincing 3-1 victory over Yokoham at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Japan. The Premier League side showcased their attacking prowess with a dynamic display. New signing Florian Wirtz marked his first goal for the club, opening his account in style, while youngsters Trey Nyoni and Carney Ngumoha also found the back of the net. Assists came from Curtis Jones, Jeremie Frimpong, and Andy Robertson, highlighting the team’s depth and versatility. Despite a missed one-on-one opportunity from Darwin Nunez, Liverpool’s front four of Mohamed Salah, Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Cody Gakpo showed promise, with Gakpo striking the post and Wirtz taking corners.
Wirtz (£8.5m) played at #10 - he scored and was taking majority of set pieces, including corners from both sides.
Salah (£14.5m) created 4 chances but failed to register a shot on goal - as he was often occupying wider areas.
Wolves Fall to RC Lens in Walsall
Wolves suffered a 3-1 defeat to French side RC Lens at Walsall’s Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium. Wolves, who have had a mixed pre-season with a draw against Burnley and a stalemate against Stoke City, struggled defensively against a sharp Lens side. The Premier League side will be keen to address these issues as they face Girona and Celta Vigo in their final pre-season friendlies. With budget defenders like Ki-Jana Hoever in the spotlight for Fantasy Premier League managers, Wolves will need to tighten up at the back to compete effectively in the upcoming season.
Hoever (£4.0m) started once again at wingback for Wolves.
Aston Villa Face St. Louis City SC in the USA
Aston Villa secured a 2-1 victory over MLS side St. Louis City SC at Energizer Park in St. Louis, marking a positive step in their U.S. tour. After a mixed pre-season that included a 1-0 loss to Walsall, a 3-1 defeat to Hansa Rostock, and a 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt, Unai Emery’s side showed signs of improvement. Key players like Tyrone Mings, Jacob Ramsey, and Boubacar Kamara featured, with Villa’s depth being tested ahead of their packed schedule, which includes upcoming matches against Nashville SC, AS Roma, Marseille, and Villarreal. This win provides a confidence boost as Villa prepare for their Europa League campaign alongside the Premier League.
Malen (£5.5m) started at striker and picked up his third assist in pre-season.
Rogers (£7.0m) a great value midfield talisman who's already bagging goals.
West Ham Edge Everton in Premier League Summer Series
In the Premier League Summer Series held in Chicago, West Ham secured a 2-1 victory over Everton at Soldier Field. Idrissa Gueye opened the scoring for Everton, but West Ham fought back to claim the win, continuing their strong form in the U.S.-based tournament. The Hammers, who previously lost 2-1 to Manchester United in the Summer Series, showed resilience, with their new signings and tactical adjustments under Graham Potter making a difference. Everton, on the other hand, suffered their second defeat in the Summer Series, having been thrashed 3-0 by Bournemouth earlier. Both teams will face off against Manchester United and Bournemouth, respectively, in Atlanta on August 3, as they look to fine-tune their squads before returning to England.
Paqueta (£6.0m) scored for West Ham - keep in mind he’s also on penalty duties.
Tarkowski (£5.5m) was fit enough to play - despite injury rumours - and got important minutes in the tank.
Fullkrug (£6.0m) fantastic enabler, he’s put a full pre-season together, West Ham's main striker option and scored a very tidy goal last night.
Manchester United Thrash Bournemouth
Manchester United delivered a commanding performance, defeating AFC Bournemouth 4-1 in a thrilling pre-season friendly at Soldier Field, Chicago, as part of the Premier League Summer Series. Under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils showcased their attacking flair and tactical cohesion, securing their second consecutive victory on their U.S. tour and positioning themselves as frontrunners for the Summer Series title.
Dorgu (£4.5m) was on fire at wingback - was awarded MOTM and registered a goal and an assist.
Bruno (£9.0m) played in the deeper CM role - as expected - alongside Casemiro.
