Premier League 2026 - The Top 3 Contenders and their Upcoming Fixtures

Premier League 2026 - The Top 3 Contenders and their Upcoming Fixtures

As of Matchweek 23, the top three contenders for the Premier League 2026 title are Arsenal (50 points), followed by Manchester City (46 points) and Aston Villa (46 points). The following analysis details their upcoming fixture difficulty based on their next five scheduled matches (Matchweeks 24–28).

1. Arsenal (1st Place – 50 pts)

Arsenal’s lead at the top was recently cut to four points following a 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United. Their upcoming run is a mix of potentially tricky away trips and high-profile home clashes.

• MW 24: Leeds United (Away)

• MW 25: Sunderland (Home)

• MW 26: Brentford (Away)

• MW 27: Tottenham Hotspur (Away)

• MW 28: Chelsea (Home)

Difficulty Analysis: While Arsenal has the opportunity to bounce back against 16th-placed Leeds, it will be a challenge as Leeds is currently unbeaten in their last five matches at Elland Road. The run culminates in two major tests: a North London Derby away at Spurs and a home fixture against 5th-placed Chelsea.

2. Manchester City (2nd Place – 46 pts)

Manchester City is embarking on what the sources describe as a "trickier run of fixtures" compared to their rivals. Their schedule features several high-ranking opponents in quick succession.

• MW 24: Tottenham Hotspur (Away)

• MW 25: Liverpool (Away)

• MW 26: Fulham (Home)

• MW 27: Newcastle United (Home)

• MW 28: Leeds United (Away)

Difficulty Analysis: This is arguably the most difficult schedule of the top three. City face back-to-back away games against Spurs and Liverpool. Following those, they host 7th-placed Fulham and 9th-placed Newcastle, both of whom have shown competitive form this season.

3. Aston Villa (3rd Place – 46 pts)

Aston Villa currently holds the most favourable run of fixtures among the top three contenders heading into February. Their upcoming schedule is as follows

• MW 24: Brentford (Home)

• MW 25: Bournemouth (Away)

• MW 26: Brighton (Home)

• MW 27: Leeds United (Home)

• MW 28: Wolves (Away)

Difficulty Analysis: Villa’s schedule is dominated by teams in the bottom half of the table. They play four of the bottom nine sides in this five-match stretch, including a trip to 20th-placed Wolves. This run provides Unai Emery’s side with a significant opportunity to gain ground on Arsenal and Man City, especially given they are already level on points with City.

Summary of Fixture Difficulty

Contender	Difficulty Level	Key Challenges
Arsenal	Moderate	Tricky away trip to Leeds; North London Derby; Chelsea (H)
Man City	High	Brutal away stretch at Spurs and Liverpool
Aston Villa	Low	Primarily facing bottom-half teams and 20th-placed Wolves

What do you think will be standings after Game Week 28? Will the order still be the same or will we have Manchester United fighting for a top 3 spot as well. The Premier League is undoubtedly the most difficult league in the world and this season hasn't disappointed one bit. Highs, lows, shocks, upsets - the league like every season has seen it all.

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