Arsenal, Liverpool, City, Chelsea next four-game run as EPL action returns

The international break concludes, and the Premier League for the 2025/26 season resumes this weekend, with players returning to their clubs from national duty. Managers are dealing with player fitness assessments and potential injuries from recent World Cup qualifying and friendly matches as training grounds become active again from today through Friday.

After seven games, the title race is intensely competitive, with Arsenal leading the table with 16 points, followed closely by Liverpool on 15 points. Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth are tied on 14 points, Manchester City has 13 points, Crystal Palace 12, and Chelsea 11, resulting in only a five-point gap separating the top seven teams.

A critical four-match stretch before the November international window is set to potentially reshape the title standings, given the narrow points difference among the top contenders.

Arsenal, as current leaders, have what is considered the easiest run of fixtures among the top teams, hosting Crystal Palace and then playing away against Burnley, Fulham, and Sunderland. Their consistency has been supported by strong defensive balance and midfield control, which could help them build a lead ahead of more challenging winter matches.

Liverpool faces one of the most difficult schedules, with home games against Manchester United and Aston Villa, an away match at Brentford, and a crucial away fixture against Manchester City. Despite their dynamic attacking play, defensive coordination remains a concern, and manager Arne Slot's tactical adjustments and squad rotation will be vital in navigating this period to prove their title credentials.

Manchester City's upcoming fixtures include home games against Everton and Bournemouth, an away match at Aston Villa, and a home clash with Liverpool. While these appear manageable, they require depth and sharpness to avoid dropping points against in-form teams like Aston Villa and Bournemouth.

Chelsea, under manager Enzo Maresca, are showing signs of recovery after a slow start and have a mix of opportunities and challenges in their next four games: an away match at Nottingham Forest, home games against Sunderland and Wolves, and a high-stakes London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.