The Premier League is back: welcome to the new era of post-verdict unreality

As the top flight returns, armed with the knowledge its serial champions have been the authors of a 10-year sham supremacy, the first question is simple: how is it going to feel?

Greece 1-3 England: Women’s World Cup playoff semi-final, first leg – as it happened

Maya Le Tissier scored her first international goal to help England to a comfortable victory in Crete

Lionesses take control of World Cup playoff tie but unfancied Greece still in fight

Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo were on target as England earned a 3-1 win away to Greece in the first leg of their World Cup playoff

The Spurs of Prem Rugby: how Harlequins lost their swagger

Marcus Smith’s return from injury offers hope but Quins appear a fragile side beset by entrenched problems

The Premier League so far: draws, underperforming xG and other data pointers

Goal averages are crumbling as players take fewer touches in the box and once-reliable forwards underperform against xG

Wolff tells critics to ‘watch Teletubbies or Mickey Mouse not F1’ as he defends Mercedes’ strategy

Toto Wolff has condemned accusations of bias in how he has managed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, describing those making the claims as better off watching ‘Teletubbies or Mickey Mouse’ rather than F1

Double moves Andrew Balding clear of Aidan O’Brien in Flat trainers’ race

Andrew Balding’s late run at a first success in the Flat trainers’ championship gained extra momentum as wins at Newmarket and York carried him further clear of Aidan O’Brien

Premier League team news: predicted lineups for the weekend action

Manchester City travel to Liverpool after a trying international break while struggling Tottenham aim to turn things around at Old Trafford

Singapore GP, tasty Tests and the Premier League’s return – follow with us

Here’s how to follow along with our coverage – the finest writing and up-to-the-minute reports

Maresca maintains almost total control as he follows Manchester City owners’ line

Manager’s media conference was three times busier than usual, but he and his club are still speaking with one voice – for now

Maresca says Manchester City titles not tainted; Liverpool’s Isak and Gakpo injured – as it happened

Enzo Maresca faced the media for the first time since Manchester City were found guilty by the Premier League of over 100 financial rule breaches

Mike Ditka, legendary Chicago Bears head coach, dies aged 86

The Hall of Famer who led the 1985 Bears to the Super Bowl title was one of two people in NFL history to win league titles as a player, assistant and head coach

Renshaw keeps Australia’s hopes intact against South Africa after Maddinson gamble fails

Australia’s hopes of a competitive first innings total rest with Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins after they steered them to 187 for 6 on day one of the first Test against South Africa

Manchester United’s early wobble makes Tottenham visit a must-win for Carrick

After a scratchy start in the league, injuries and an underwhelming Rashford, Spurs’s visit to Old Trafford is already crucial for the hosts

The Premier League is back and you absolutely can’t look away

In today’s Football Daily: The big leagues are so back