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Premier League preview: Arsenal on the verge as Man City battle Anfield curse
06th February, 2026 07:11 PM
Arsenal have a golden opportunity to move even closer to lifting the Premier League crown when they host Sunderland on Saturday, February 7, 2026, ahead of Manchester City’s challenging visit to Liverpool on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The Gunners currently sit six points clear at the summit and are closing in on their first league title since the 2003/04 campaign. A win at the Emirates would further strengthen their grip on top spot before second-placed City face a daunting test at Anfield.
City struggle on hostile grounds
Manchester City’s dramatic collapse at Tottenham last weekend, where they surrendered a two-goal advantage, has left them with almost no margin for mistakes in the title race.
With Arsenal expected to overcome Sunderland, City could find themselves nine points adrift by the time they take the field on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Pep Guardiola’s City have not beaten Liverpool away from home since 2003, apart from a rare success in an empty stadium during the pandemic in 2021. Their recent away form suggests that ending this long drought will be extremely difficult.
Both City and Arsenal boast identical records at home, but the crucial difference between them has been performances on the road. Nonetheless, Liverpool boss Arne Slot remains cautious, remembering City’s dominant 3-0 win over his side earlier in the campaign and their comfortable League Cup semi-final victory over Newcastle.
Pressure mounts on Villa
Behind the top two, the battle for European places is heating up. Thanks to strong performances by English clubs in Europe, fifth position is likely to secure Champions League football, making the race even more intense. Only seven points separate third-placed Villa from sixth-placed Liverpool.
Villa’s recent defeats at home to Everton and Brentford have dented their momentum, while injuries to key midfielders John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara have further complicated matters for Unai Emery.
Villa face a tricky trip to Bournemouth, while United aim for a fourth straight win under Michael Carrick when they host Tottenham. Chelsea, meanwhile, travel to bottom club Wolves in search of vital points.
Palace gamble on January signings
A struggling Crystal Palace side travels to Brighton in a clash between two teams short on confidence. Palace are without a win in 12 matches and reacted by spending over £80 million in January on Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brennan Johnson in a bid to avoid relegation danger.
Strand Larsen expressed optimism, saying he aims to inject fresh energy and goals into the team. Despite sitting nine points above the drop zone, Palace could see that cushion reduced depending on other results. Brighton is also enduring a difficult spell, managing just one victory in their last 11 league games, which has severely damaged their hopes of qualifying for Europe.
On Saturday, in-form Manchester United face struggling Tottenham Hotspur. Fresh from stunning Fulham at home, United welcome Spurs, who held a City in their last outing, for another blockbuster after sharing spoils in the reverse fixture. United have their eyes firmly set on the top-four finish, while Spurs languish in the mid-table.
Match schedule: Friday
Leeds vs Nottingham Forest
Saturday
Manchester United vs Tottenham
Arsenal vs Sunderland
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Burnley vs West Ham
Fulham vs Everton
Wolves vs Chelsea
Newcastle vs Brentford
Sunday
Brighton vs Crystal Palace
Liverpool vs Manchester City
