The New Year is here, and that means the Premier League trophy will soon be lifted once more. The only question left is which team will have the honour. Currently, Arsenal are the frontrunners to claim the title at the end of the season. Mikel Arteta’s squad has had an impressive start to the 2025-26 campaign.
Their commanding 4-1 victory over Aston Villa has put them four points clear at the top of the table. If they maintain this position until May, they will end a lengthy drought that has seen them without a league title for over two decades. However, they face a challenge in the form of Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s team have made winning the league a regular occurrence.
Yet, they could only secure a draw in their first match of 2026, ending 0-0 against Sunderland. Each matchweek brings fresh surprises, and the coming weeks promise to be no different. Express Sport examines each team’s upcoming January fixtures.
Despite the distractions of Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup matches, the Gunners will undoubtedly prioritise their Premier League title chase. Their first fixture of 2026 sees them facing Bournemouth away from home.
Arsenal’s challenging schedule continues with a home match against Liverpool just days later. Despite Arne Slot‘s team not hitting their usual high standards this season, a game against the current champions is no easy task.
Next up for the Gunners is an away trip to Nottingham Forest nine days later, followed by a Sunday face-off with Manchester United at the Emirates towards the end of January. The month concludes with an away game against a revitalised Leeds United at Elland Road.
Arsenal’s fixtures
Bournemouth (A) – Saturday, January 3.
Liverpool (H) – Thursday, January 8.
Nottingham Forest (A) – Saturday, January 17.
Manchester United (H) – Sunday, January 25.
Leeds United (A) – Saturday, January 31.
As for City, a visit to Stamford Bridge would usually pose a significant challenge for Guardiola’s side, and this weekend is likely to be no different. However, with Chelsea currently without a manager following Enzo Maresca’s departure, the task could potentially be even more daunting.
City’s tough run of games continues with a midweek home fixture against Brighton, before they head to Old Trafford for the latest chapter in the Manchester derby saga midway through January.
A home match against bottom-of-the-table Wolves should provide City with an excellent chance to secure all three points. The same could be said for their visit to Spurs, but considering the North London team’s recent success against Guardiola’s side, it may not be as straightforward as some might anticipate.
Manchester City’s fixtures
Chelsea (A) – Sunday, January 4.
Brighton and Hove Albion (H) – Wednesday, January 7.
Manchester United (A) – Saturday, January 17.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) Saturday, January 24.
Tottenham Hotspur (A) – Sunday, February 1.