Daijiworld Media Network – Manchester
Manchester, Feb 10: Defending champions Manchester City will look to intensify the Premier League title battle when they host Fulham on Wednesday, aiming to reduce the gap with table-toppers Arsenal to just three points. The match assumes added significance as Arsenal prepare for a challenging away fixture against in-form Brentford a day later.
Arsenal continue to lead the standings and are chasing their first league title in 22 years. However, Manchester City’s dramatic comeback victory against Liverpool last weekend has injected fresh momentum into Pep Guardiola’s campaign, potentially reshaping the title race.
City’s late surge at Anfield, where they overturned a 1-0 deficit in the final minutes, has boosted confidence within the squad. Midfielder Bernardo Silva admitted that defeat in that match could have nearly ended City’s title hopes. Despite their strong history of finishing seasons on a high under Guardiola, City have managed only two wins in seven league games in 2026.
Star striker Erling Haaland, who leads the Golden Boot race, acknowledged the need for improvement in his recent performances. He has scored just once from open play in his last 13 appearances and stressed that consistent victories will be crucial in the closing stages of the season. With a relatively favourable run of fixtures ahead, City are expected to pose a serious challenge, especially before Arsenal’s visit to the Etihad Stadium in mid-April.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have regained form after a brief dip in January, registering four consecutive wins across competitions. However, Brentford, who have suffered only two home defeats this season, are likely to provide a stern test for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Liverpool, last season’s champions, face mounting pressure as their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League hang in the balance. Currently four points behind the top five, Liverpool face a tough away encounter against Sunderland, who boast an unbeaten home record in the league. The Reds are further weakened by injuries and will also miss influential midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai following his late red card against Manchester City. With rivals Manchester United and Chelsea facing comparatively easier fixtures, Liverpool risk slipping further down the table, intensifying scrutiny over manager Arne Slot.
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United find themselves battling in the lower half of the standings despite progressing comfortably in the Champions League earlier this season. The two teams clash in London, with both managers, Thomas Frank and Eddie Howe, under increasing pressure.
Tottenham are placed 15th, just six points above the relegation zone, prompting concerns among supporters over the club’s declining domestic form. Frank admitted that his team is in a desperate situation and must improve results to avoid a relegation battle.
In contrast, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe continues to enjoy strong backing from fans after guiding the club to a League Cup triumph last season and securing Champions League football twice. However, speculation surrounding his future has emerged, with reports linking him to potential roles with England and Manchester United.
The midweek fixtures are expected to play a crucial role in shaping both the title race and the battle for European qualification, as well as determining the survival hopes of several clubs.