Arsenal will host old rivals Manchester United this weekend as they push for their fifth straight home win in the Premier League and aim to stay ahead in the title race.
The Gunners have drawn 0-0 in their last two league matches against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, but their main rivals have failed to take advantage. Manchester City and Aston Villa have both dropped points, allowing Arsenal to remain in control at the top.
Although Arsenal are strong favourites, they will be cautious of a renewed Manchester United side under interim manager Michael Carrick. United impressed last weekend with a 2-0 win over Manchester City, showing energy and attacking intent in Carrick’s first match since returning to the role.
Despite that win, United have struggled for consistency this season and currently sit fifth in the table. They have failed to win back-to-back league matches apart from a brief run in October. Arsenal’s defence, however, has been solid, having not allowed a single shot on target in their last two league games.
The historic rivalry between Arsenal and United shaped the early years of the Premier League, but Arsenal have not won the title since 2004, while United’s dominance has faded. Arsenal are now seen as favourites to lift a long-awaited 14th league title, but United would relish the chance to disrupt their momentum.
City in Trouble as Poor Run Continues
Manchester City’s struggles deepened this week after a shock 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, one of the biggest upsets in recent competition history.
Pep Guardiola’s side are still winless in the Premier League in 2026, with injuries to key defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol playing a major role in their decline.
“Everything that can go wrong is going wrong in many small details,” Guardiola admitted after the loss in Norway.
City will hope new signing Marc Guehi strengthens their defence when they face bottom-placed Wolves on Saturday. Guardiola insists his team must act quickly to revive their season.
Pressure Mounts on Tottenham’s Thomas Frank
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank received brief relief after a 2-0 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund, but his league form remains a concern.
Spurs have slipped to 14th place after a promising start to the season, and fans have grown increasingly frustrated. A recent home defeat to struggling West Ham sparked protests, increasing pressure on the former Brentford boss.
Tottenham now face Burnley, another team fighting relegation. Failure to win could leave Frank’s position in serious doubt.
“We need to turn this performance into momentum,” Frank said. “We must go to Burnley and win.”
Weekend Fixtures (GMT)
Saturday
West Ham vs Sunderland (12:30)
Burnley vs Tottenham
Fulham vs Brighton
Manchester City vs Wolves
Bournemouth vs Liverpool (17:30)
Sunday
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
Newcastle vs Aston Villa
Arsenal vs Manchester United (16:30)
Monday
Everton vs Leeds (20:00)
