City target title twist as Arsenal, Liverpool face tough midweek tests

Manchester City will look to intensify the Premier League title race when they host Fulham on Wednesday, with a victory set to cut Arsenal’s lead at the top to just three points.

City’s dramatic late comeback win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday has reignited belief within Pep Guardiola’s camp and could prove a decisive moment in the title run-in.

Arsenal remain favourites for their first league crown in 22 years, but they face a stern test on Thursday when they travel to in-form Brentford, who have lost just twice at home all season.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s season continues to unravel after another damaging defeat, further denting their hopes of Champions League qualification. Arne Slot’s injury-hit side now face a difficult trip to Sunderland, the only team yet to lose at home this season.

At the other end of the table, Tottenham and Newcastle find themselves languishing in the bottom half, putting increased pressure on managers Thomas Frank and Eddie Howe.

AFP Sports highlights three key talking points ahead of the midweek fixtures.

City Eye Momentum in Title Race

City midfielder Bernardo Silva admitted that defeat at Anfield would have effectively ended their title hopes, making Sunday’s late rally all the more significant.

Guardiola’s side are renowned for strong finishes, having won six league titles under the Spaniard, but their form in 2026 has been inconsistent, with just two wins from seven league matches.

“We need to believe and start winning games,” said Erling Haaland, who has challenged himself to deliver more in the title run-in.

Despite leading the Golden Boot race, the Norwegian has scored just once from open play in his last 13 appearances.

With a favourable run of fixtures ahead of Arsenal’s visit to the Etihad in mid-April, City have a real opportunity to apply sustained pressure on the Gunners.

Liverpool’s Champions League Hopes Hang by a Thread

Liverpool are now four points outside the top five and risk falling further behind as they prepare to face Sunderland away.

The Reds will be without midfield talisman Dominik Szoboszlai, who is suspended following his controversial red card against City, compounding Slot’s selection problems.

With Manchester United and Chelsea facing relatively easier fixtures, Liverpool could slip further down the table, intensifying speculation over Slot’s future.

Spurs and Newcastle Under Scrutiny

Tottenham and Newcastle meet on Tuesday in north London, with both managers facing mounting pressure.

Frank admitted Spurs are “desperate” for points, sitting just six points above the relegation zone in 15th place.

Howe, despite his popularity on Tyneside after ending Newcastle’s long trophy drought and delivering Champions League football, has also come under scrutiny amid links to England and Manchester United.

The midweek round promises major implications at both ends of the Premier League table.