Premier League Preview: Arsenal Aim To Pull Clear As Manchester City Host Managerless Chelsea At Etihad

‎The Premier League bursts into 2026 with a weekend packed full of drama at both ends of the table.

‎From Arsenal’s title push to chaos at Chelsea and a white-hot showdown at Elland Road, every fixture carries major implications for the season ahead.

‎Below, we break down the biggest storylines shaping a crucial round of Premier League action.

‎West Ham Under Pressure as Nuno Faces Must-Win Wolves Clash

‎The tension continues to rise at West Ham, where Nuno Espírito Santo is facing enormous pressure heading into Saturday’s relegation six-pointer against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

‎The Hammers are winless in eight Premier League matches, a run that has left them four points adrift of safety.

‎Their trip to Molineux presents a golden opportunity Wolves remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just three points at the halfway stage, putting them on course to become the worst team in Premier League history.

‎Derby County currently holds that unwanted record with 11 points in 2007/08. But Rob Edwards’ Wolves are in danger of sinking even lower despite picking up a spirited 1-1 draw at Manchester United on December 30.

‎With the hosts’ confidence slowly improving and West Ham desperate for a lifeline, all the pressure sits squarely on Nuno’s shoulders. Failure to win could plunge the Hammers deeper into crisis.

‎Arsenal Out to Extend Lead at the Top

‎After dismantling Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates, Arsenal head into the weekend full of confidence and sitting four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

‎Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Bournemouth on Saturday evening knowing they could move seven points ahead of Manchester City, who aren’t in action until Sunday.

‎Arsenal’s dominant performance in midweek sent a powerful message to their title rivals, showing sharp attacking fluidity, intelligent pressing, and ruthless finishing.

‎They will now look to maintain momentum against a Bournemouth team in freefall.

‎The Cherries are without a win in their last 10 league games and could soon find themselves dragged into a relegation battle. Off-field uncertainty continues too, with Antoine Semenyo seemingly close to joining Manchester City.

‎A confident Arsenal against a fragile Bournemouth only points to one direction but as the Premier League often reminds us, nothing is guaranteed.

‎Elland Road Braced for a White-Hot Leeds vs Manchester United match

‎Few fixtures in English football come with as much venom as Leeds United vs Manchester United.

‎On Sunday, Elland Road promises a cauldron-like atmosphere as Leeds welcome a wounded but dangerous Red Devils side.

‎United Searching for Consistency

‎Ruben Amorim’s side endured a frustrating 1–1 draw against bottom-placed Wolves last time out, reverting to a 3-4-3 system that backfired after recent success with a back four.

‎Despite their inconsistency, United sit sixth and remain only three points off Champions League places.

‎They are unbeaten in 25 matches against newly promoted sides and have scored in their last seven Premier League away games, but defensive weaknesses persist they have conceded in 14 consecutive away matches.

‎Leeds Riding a Wave of Momentum

‎Daniel Farke’s Leeds have surged clear of the bottom three, picking up 10 points from their last six matches and remaining unbeaten across that spell.

‎They have scored a remarkable 10 goals in their last three home games, though they haven’t kept a clean sheet at Elland Road since August.

‎Suspension rules out Ethan Ampadu, while several players are injured. But the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin to the starting XI should bolster their attack.

‎The Whites haven’t beaten United in the Premier League since 2002, yet this may be their best opportunity in years.

‎Prediction: Leeds United 2–1 Manchester United

‎The energy, form, and atmosphere all point toward Leeds landing a statement victory.

‎Chaos at Chelsea Ahead of Trip to Manchester City

‎Just six months after winning the FIFA Club World Cup, Enzo Maresca is gone, having clashed with the club’s hierarchy.

‎His 18-month spell ends with the Blues languishing 15 points behind Arsenal and boasting only one win in seven league games.

‎Chelsea is facing a deepening crisis. They arrive at the Etihad Stadium without a permanent manager, and their suspended midfielder, Moises Caicedo, is unavailable.

‎The squad also includes several injuries, notably to Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia, and there are major doubts over Marc Cucurella’s fitness. Cole Palmer is being carefully managed after an injury.

‎Confidence is low, goals are scarce, and performances have lacked cohesion.

‎City Aiming to Keep Pace with Arsenal

‎Manchester City’s recent draw at Sunderland halted their six-game winning run, but Pep Guardiola’s men remain formidable.

‎Haaland may not have scored on Wearside, but he has a strong record against Chelsea and thrives at the Etihad.

‎City could be without up to seven players including Savinho, Nico Gonzalez, John Stones, and Mateo Kovacic. Still, their depth remains unmatched.

‎With Arsenal potentially seven points clear by kickoff, City will be desperate and motivated to respond.

‎Prediction: Manchester City 3–1 Chelsea

‎Regardless of Chelsea’s internal turmoil, this fixture has been one-way traffic for years. City are overwhelming favourites.

‎Spurs Fans Lose Patience With Thomas Frank

‎Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is fighting to win over an increasingly restless fanbase.

‎During Spurs’ 0–0 draw at Brentford, travelling supporters chanted “Boring, boring Tottenham”, frustrated by the team’s pragmatic, defensive approach.

‎Despite the respect Frank commands for his tactical discipline, supporters expect more attacking ambition.

‎Sunday’s home match against Sunderland, a side unbeaten at home, now carries added weight.

‎Spurs have managed just two home wins all season, and Frank knows improvement is essential if he hopes to shift the mood.