New Delhi: Matchday 26 of the Premier League kicked off with thrilling encounters as teams battled for crucial points to climb the table. Manchester United bounced back in the second half to draw against Everton. Arsenal fell short on the home turf as they lost 1-0 to West Ham. Chelsea, Bournemouth and Fulham also lost leaving the race wide open for the top four.
As the weekend’s action intensifies, the reigning Champions League Manchester City will host league leaders Liverpool. The Reds have a golden opportunity to increase the gap with second-placed Arsenal. So, before the action starts let’s take a closer look at which team holds the upper hand over the other.
Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest (7:30 pm IST)
HOWAY NEWCASTLE! 💪 pic.twitter.com/yMgjLuAAE2
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 23, 2025
Newcastle United will look to bounce back from a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Manchester City when they host Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park tonight. Eddie Howe’s side have recently struggled in the league having lost three of their last four matches. The only victory they registered was against bottom-placed Southampton. The Magpie’s top-four hopes have taken a hit but they will aim not to slip further down the table. A third consecutive home defeat in the Premier League would mark their worst run at St James’ Park since the Steve Bruce era in 2021.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest found themselves in a similar situation after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Fulham which further dented their already slim hopes of challenging for the title. Chris Wood continued his impressive campaign with his 18th league goal but it was not enough as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men endured back-to-back away losses. Sitting third in the table, Forest’s Champions League fate remains in their hands but they must avoid a third consecutive away defeat for the first time under Santo.
Newcastle United: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Longstaff; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Danilo, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Manchester City vs Liverpool (10 pm IST)
🔴 IT’S MATCHDAY 🔴
The Reds travel to Manchester for a #PL clash at the Etihad 👊#WalkOn | #MCILIV pic.twitter.com/H3SKAzMP5m
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 23, 2025
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will host Arne Slot’s Liverpool at the Etihad in a high-stakes Premier League clash with both teams having plenty on the line. City’s title defence is over but they remain in a fierce battle for a Champions League spot as they are currently fourth in the standings.
The reigning champions were humbled in Europe as Real Madrid knocked them out with a 6-3 aggregate victory but they bounced back domestically with a resounding 4-0 win over Newcastle. Omar Marmoush stole the headlines with a hat-trick and City have now won three consecutive league games at home, scoring at least three goals in each.
On the other hand, Liverpool have seen their grip on the title race loosen in recent weeks. Their midweek 2-2 draw at Aston Villa prevented them from extending their lead over Arsenal to double digits. With the Gunners’ loss on Saturday now they can achieve that and solidify their lead. The Reds remain unbeaten away from home in the Premier League this season and have scored in all 14 away fixtures so far. However, they have won just two of their last eight games on the road in all competitions. Earlier in the season, Liverpool claimed a 2-0 win over City at Anfield and they will need to display another statement performance to stay in control of the title race.
Manchester City: Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Gonzalez; Savinho, Silva, Foden, Marmoush; Haaland
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold; Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
Prediction: Manchester City 0-1 Liverpool
Where to watch Premier League Matchday 26 fixtures?
As Premier League Matchday 26 enter its second day, fans can enjoy all the action either on television or by streaming. The matches will be available on the Star Sports network and those who prefer to stream can catch the games live on Disney+ Hotstar.
Check out the detailed preview and predicted lineups of Premier League Matchday 26 remaining fixtures, where top teams prepare for intense battles. Also, find out where to watch the Premier League’s matchday 26 fixtures. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
