With 2026 now underway, the countdown to the moment when the Premier League trophy is once again lifted into the air begins. The question that remains is which team will have the honour of hoisting it.
Currently, Arsenal are leading the pack as favourites to be crowned champions at the end of the season. Mikel Arteta's squad has had a stellar 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 manage to maintain this position until May, they will break a long-standing drought that has seen them go more than two decades without a league title.
However, there's one obstacle in their path - Manchester City. Under Pep Guardiola's leadership, City has made winning the Premier League a regular occurrence.
Yet, they could only secure a point in their first match of 2026 after a goalless draw with Sunderland. Each matchweek brings fresh twists and turns, and the coming weeks promise to be no different. football.london provides a glimpse into each side's upcoming January fixtures:.
ArsenalDespite 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 being at their peak this season, facing the reigning champions is no easy task.
Nine days later, Arsenal are off to Nottingham Forest, followed by a Sunday face-off with Manchester United at the Emirates towards the month's end. Arsenal concludes January with an away game against a revitalised Leeds at Elland Road.
Arsenal fixtures:
Bournemouth (A) - Saturday 3 January
Liverpool (H) - Thursday 8 January
Nottingham Forest (A) - Saturday 17 January
Manchester United (H) - Sunday 25 January
Leeds United (A) - Saturday 31 January
As for Man City, a visit to Stamford Bridge usually gives Pep Guardiola's side plenty to ponder - and this weekend is likely no different. However, with the Blues currently without a manager following Enzo Maresca's departure, the challenge could potentially be even greater.
City's tough run of games continues with a midweek home match against Brighton before they head to Old Trafford mid-January for the latest chapter of the Manchester derby.
A home match against the struggling Wolves should provide City with a prime chance to secure full points. Spurs have been in poor form this season but a trip to North London might not be as simple as anticipated, considering the their recent record of outperforming Guardiola's side.
Man City fixtures:
Chelsea (A) - Sunday 4 January
Brighton and Hove Albion (H) - Wednesday 7 January
Manchester United (A) - Saturday 17 January
Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) Saturday 24 January
Tottenham Hotspur (A) - Sunday 1 February
