Suddenly only six points separate Arsenal and City atop the Premier League table.

 

 

Man City are chasing Arsenal in the Premier League title race. | Visionhaus/Getty Images

 

A rather lackluster Premier League season is gearing up for a massive finish as Manchester City chase down Arsenal for the English crown.

 

A month ago, the Premier League title race was beginning to look like a runaway for the Gunners. After defeating Everton ahead of the international break, Arsenal were nine points clear atop the table, dreaming of lifting a quadruple.

 

Mikel Arteta’s men have imploded since, losing to City in the Carabao Cup final, crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton and defeated 2–1 by Bournemouth at home—leaving the door open for Pep Guardiola’s reinvigorated side to strike.

 

The Cityzens battered Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, securing a 3–0 win and a critical three points to make up ground on the league-leaders. They now trail Arsenal by six points, but have a game in hand that could dwindle the gap down to three.

 

With only a handful of games left to play, the fight for the Premier League title could come down to a photo-finish, especially if Arsenal cannot come out on top in what should be a mouthwatering visit to the Etihad next weekend.

 

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Arsenal, Man City’s Remaining Premier League Games

 



 

Man City are edging closer and closer to Arsenal atop the table. | Rob Newell/CameraSport/Getty Images

 

Arsenal (70 points)

 

Man City (64 points)

 

Man City (A) – April 19

 

Arsenal (H) – April 19

 

Newcastle (H) – April 25

 

Burnley (A) – April 22

 

Fulham (H) – May 2

 

Everton (A) – May 4

 

West Ham (A) – May 10

 

Brentford (H) – May 9

 

Burnley (H) – May 17

 

Bournemouth (A) – May 17

 

Crystal Palace (A) – May 24

 

Aston Villa (H) – May 24

 

–

 

*Crystal Palace (H) – Date TBC

 

*Game still to be rescheduled after prior postponement.

 

A trip to Manchester comes at a particularly cruel time for Arsenal. The Gunners have suffered three defeats in their last four matches and now must take on a scorching City side in what could be a game that decides the Premier League title.

 

City will be brimming with confidence after their Carabao Cup triumph over the league-leaders, and will be the better rested of the two sides since they are out of the Champions League.

 

Arteta’s men then get to return home for matches against Newcastle United and Fulham. Two wins at the Emirates would help the Gunners breath a little easier, considering their next two opponents are relegation-battling West Ham United and Burnley.

 

Arsenal end their campaign at Crystal Palace. Despite their dismal spell in December and January, the Eagles have since rediscovered their form and that is trouble for the league-leaders, who previously needed penalties to get past Oliver Glasner’s men in the Carabao Cup when they were nowhere near their best.

 



 

The Citizens have the head-to-head edge over Arsenal in 2025–26. | David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images

 

After City host Arsenal, they head to Turf Moor for what should be a routine outing against Burnley. A much trickier bout with Everton comes quickly after. The Toffees have only lost two of their last seven matches at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

 

Guardiola’s men then return to Manchester for a battle with Brentford. Despite sitting in seventh place, the Bees are winless in their last five matches across all competitions and likely don’t have the firepower to cause real problems—the same is true for Crystal Palace, whose rescheduled game against City still does not have a set date and time.

 

Danger awaits at the end of City’s slate. They first must make the trip to Vitality Stadium to take on a Bournemouth team that already conquered Liverpool and Arsenal in 2026.

 

Then, City close out the season against fourth-place Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side already won the reverse fixture 1–0 and could be incentivized to repeat their October performance should a positive result be required to secure Champions League soccer next season.

 

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Ninety minutes away from a second straight Champions League semi-final, Arsenal host Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of their quarter-final tie on Wednesday night.

 

Mikel Arteta’s men would have likely taken a draw at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the opening encounter, but super substitute Kai Havertz popped up with a late winner in a 1-0 first-leg victory.

 

Havertz’s strike could very well prove critical after the events of the weekend, as Arsenal’s Premier League title charge suffered a potentially major setback in a 2-1 reverse to Bournemouth.

 

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Sporting, who edged out Estrela Amadora 1-0 in the Primeira Liga last time out.

 

Riccardo Calafiori

 

 

 

Status: Major doubt

 

Type of injury: Unknown

 

Possible return date: April 15 (vs. Sporting)

 

After missing training on Thursday, Riccardo Calafiori was absent from the loss to Bournemouth with an unexplained injury, one that has also rendered him doubtful for Wednesday’s second leg.

 

Martin Odegaard

 

 

 

Status: Minor doubt

 

Type of injury: Unknown

 

Possible return date: April 15 (vs. Sporting)

 

Likewise, Martin Odegaard did not make Saturday’s matchday squad after picking up a knock in the first leg, although he was seen arriving with the team at the Emirates, suggesting that his issue is not overly serious.

 

Bukayo Saka

 

 

 

Status: Major doubt

 

Type of injury: Knock

 

Possible return date: April 15 (vs. Sporting)

 

Bukayo Saka is still recovering from the unspecified issue he sustained on international duty with England, and his chances of making the cut in midweek are currently slim.

 

Jurrien Timber

 

 

Status: Minor doubt

 

Type of injury: Groin

 

Possible return date: April 15 (vs. Sporting)

 

Similarly, Jurrien Timber has not featured for the Gunners since before the latest international hiatus, and the Dutchman’s status for the midweek game is still clouded in uncertainty.

 

Mikel Merino

 

 

 

Status: Out

 

Type of injury: Foot

 

Possible return date: Unknown

 

Mikel Merino underwent an operation to treat a foot fracture a couple of months ago, and the midfielder is bidding to make his comeback before the end of the season and in time for the World Cup.

 

ARSENAL’S SUSPENSION LIST

 

Arsenal have no players suspended for the second leg, but Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi would miss the first leg of any semi-final if they pick up a yellow card here.

 

 

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With the season run-in now upon us, the Supercomputer has updated its prediction for the final 2025/26 Premier League table. Everyone had expected Manchester City to rule the roost again last term, but it was Liverpool – under new manager Arne Slot – who ended up winning their 20th English league crown at a canter, reclaiming their perch as the country’s most successful club.

 

There were no bonus points handed to those who guessed that Arsenal would finish second – having now achieved that feat three successive seasons on the spin now – while Pep Guardiola’s side’s end-of-season form saw them just about claim third. Other narratives drawn up were that of Nottingham Forest’s surprise run to European qualification, while Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United slipped to their worst-ever league campaigns since the 1992 rebranding.

 

All of the above is still rather fresh in the memory, but football never sleeps. The forecasts below are compiled by a Supercomputer, with the help of Opta, which has simulated the league season based on the fixture list and what we learned from the season so far. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the predicted winners and losers of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

 

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Relegation Zone

A worrying trend at the foot of the table is tipped to finally come to an end this season. In both 2023/24 and 2024/25, all three promoted sides went straight back down. But if the Supercomputer’s latest projections are correct, both Sunderland and Leeds will survive this time around. This does still mean, however, that Burnley are tipped to have their gloom turn into inevitable doom under Scott Parker.

 

The Clarets have only won one of their last 22 league fixtures – a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace – and are expected to go straight back down to the Championship with 26 points.

 

West Ham United could join them in the second tier next season, but now look set to just about stay up, according to the Supercomputer’s calculations. There have been signs of revival at the London Stadium – namely wins against Burnley, Sunderland, Tottenham, Fulham and a huge point at home against Man City. Adding to this, they then thumped Wolves 4-0 at home. As such, the Hammers are still predicted to amass 38 points and finish in 17th place.

 

That would mean they would come just above Tottenham, who are backed to get 37 points as things stand. Spurs have now turned to Roberto De Zerbi, hiring the former Brighton and Marseille head coach on a five-year contract, and maybe he can be the difference.

 

After Ange Postecoglou led Tottenham to Europa League glory in 2024/25, there was hope among the north London faithful that new manager Thomas Frank could mastermind a turnaround. But after less than a season in charge, Frank was dismissed, and his replacement Igor Tudor left his post after just seven matches.

 

Now, Italian tactician De Zerbi is aiming to keep them up, but the odds don’t look good. He is acutely aware that he must hit the ground running in order to avoid the catastrophe of relegation, but a 1-0 loss to Sunderland in his first outing has not helped matters.

 

Opta’s machine also believes Wolverhampton Wanderers – who picked up their first win of the season in their 20th attempt – will be unable to reverse early damage, as they are tipped to remain the cellar dwellers until May. No surprises there, although Rob Edwards’ side have restored some pride in recent weeks and now have 17 points on the board following surprise wins over Aston Villa and Liverpool. They couldn’t… could they? Well, no, probably not.

 

MixCollage-03-Dec-2025-10-19-AM-5550-2

Leeds United may also find themselves dragged into a battle for survival this term, but have been given a chance of avoiding relegation to the Championship. The Whites are predicted to finish in 15th, a point clear of Nottingham Forest, who have sacked three managers this season following Sean Dyche’s dismissal, but might just about avoid the drop.

 

Position

 

Club

 

Points

 

15.

 

Leeds United

 

42

 

16.

 

Nottingham Forest

 

41

 

17.

 

West Ham United

 

38

 

18.

 

Tottenham Hotspur

 

37

 

19.

 

Burnley

 

25

 

20.

 

Wolverhampton Wanderers

 

24

 

Newcastle United and Sheffield United fans reacting to their teams being relegated from the Premier League.

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Bottom Half

Having won the FA Cup – Crystal Palace’s first major honour of any kind – at the end of last season, they proved they are a force here to stay by beating Liverpool twice to kick-start another campaign of promise. They first triumphed in the Community Shield and then again to end Arne Slot’s 100 per cent start to the campaign. But that success has given way to turmoil, with captain Marc Guehi sold to Man City and Oliver Glasner announcing he will be leaving when his contract expires.

 

Sunderland can be delighted with their efforts back in the Premier League; they are still in with a shot of a top 10 finish, too. As things stand, boosted by a win over Spurs after a recent wobble, they now look as though they’re set to end up in a respectable 11th.

 

Newcastle United have flattered to deceive this season. While there have been big wins against top teams like Manchester City, there have also been some poor losses, most notably losing both games to rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby. Blowing hot and cold is why the Magpies are forecast to finish in 13th place rather than continue to prove they can disrupt the old order.

 

Fulham have often struggled to break through the glass ceiling and fully realise their potential, unlike other clubs around them that have managed to kick on and evolve in recent seasons. Back-to-back wins over Sunderland and Tottenham had them looking good, but recent dropped points to West Ham and Forest mean they are now expected to finish 12th in the Supercomputer’s predicted Premier League table.

 

Position

 

Club

 

Points

 

11.

 

Sunderland

 

53

 

12.

 

Fulham

 

51

 

13.

 

Newcastle United

 

50

 

14.

 

Crystal Palace

 

50

 

Top Half

Bournemouth are up to ninth place in the real Premier League table after their impressive 2-1 win over title favourites Arsenal. The Supercomputer has Andoni Iraola’s side finishing 10th, which would be another excellent achievement for a club who continue to punch above their weight.

 

Brighton have somewhat flown under the radar so far this term, as other underdogs take on the role of overachievers – a reputation they once wore with pride under Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi. Fabian Hurzeler’s side have emerged from a difficult spell in January and February, winning four of their last five Premier League fixtures, and are now expected to finish seventh.

 

Everton were tipped by many fans as potential dark horses for the 2025/26 campaign. With fresh American ownership, a new stadium, and exciting attacking reinforcements like Jack Grealish arriving over the summer, manager David Moyes seemed well-equipped to start building something special at Bramley-Moore Docks. The Supercomputer is predicting them to finish eighth after a huge 3-0 win vs Chelsea and a solid draw away at Brentford.

 

david moyes

Talking of the Bees, they will be delighted if they can manage a top 10 finish after a summer of wholesale changes saw Bryan Mbeumo join the Red Devils, Yoane Wissa head to Newcastle, and Thomas Frank to Tottenham. This, alongside losing key names in previous summers, set Keith Andrews up for a rescue mission like no other – but, he’s delivered some important results as the Bees have maintained their steady progression. The west London club are currently flying high in 7th, and are predicted to finish ninth – but it will be tight as they are tipped to get 55 points along with Everton and Brighton.

 

Chelsea have hit a rough patch under Liam Rosenior, and it’s still hard to know just exactly where they should be – as highlighted by defeats against Newcastle, Everton and Man City. They are on course to finish sixth and will need to quickly turn the tide in order to make the Champions League spots.

 

Meanwhile, Liverpool have experienced an extremely turbulent second season under Arne Slot. Many pundits and fans alike tipped the Reds to begin a period of domination after adding the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to their ranks in the summer, weeks after winning the Premier League title, but things certainly haven’t panned out that way. All things considered, a top-five finish wouldn’t be a complete disaster for the Merseyside outfit, but whether Slot will still be in charge at Anfield next season is another question.

 

Position

 

Club

 

Points

 

5.

 

Liverpool

 

61

 

6.

 

Chelsea

 

57

 

7.

 

Brighton & Hove Albion

 

55

 

8.

 

Everton

 

55

 

9.

 

Brentford

 

55

 

10.

 

Bournemouth

 

53

 

Top Four

The wheels have threatened to fall off for Aston Villa, who were looking like potential outsiders for the Premier League title until recently. But they now face a battle to finish inside the top four after a string of poor results, including a dismal 2-0 defeat away against West Midlands rivals Wolves, a 4-1 home thrashing of Chelsea and a 3-1 defeat to Man Utd at Old Trafford. A recent draw away at Forest hasn’t helped confidence either.

 

A top-four finish for Manchester United felt extremely unlikely around the time Ruben Amorim was put out of his misery in early January. Michael Carrick has transformed the mood around Old Trafford by winning seven of his first nine games in charge – including huge wins over Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa. Against all odds, it looks as though the Red Devils will be back in the Champions League next season, even if they’ve now dropped points in two of their last three league games after a draw against Bournemouth.

 

Manchester City are expected to finish second, although it’ll be fascinating to see how their deserved Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal impacts the Premier League title race. Pep Guardiola’s side can concentrate solely on domestic matters after being knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the Round of 16. There’s certainly no shortage of confidence for the Etihad outfit, having smashed Chelsea 3-0 away from home. If any team can pull off the seemingly impossible by catching Arsenal, it’s City.

 

As for Arsenal, things are beginning to get increasingly nervy for Mikel Arteta’s side. Although they bounced back with a victory against Sporting in the Champions League after losing the Carabao Cup final and then getting dumped out of the FA Cup by Southampton, a shock 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth has brought the Gunners crashing back down to earth with a large thud.

 

The Supercomputer still has the Gunners down as the eventual Premier League champions with 82 points. But so much of the season now hinges on the clash between the two title contenders at the Etihad Stadium on April 19.

 

Position

 

Club

 

Points

 

1.

 

Arsenal

 

82

 

2.

 

Manchester City

 

76

 

3.

 

Manchester United

 

66

 

4.

 

Aston Villa

 

65