MIDWEEK MAYHEM: TITLE TENSION AND THE CARRICK CLAMOR AS MATCHDAY 26 ARRIVES
10 Feb, 2026
MIDWEEK MAYHEM: TITLE TENSION AND THE CARRICK CLAMOR AS MATCHDAY 26 ARRIVES
The Premier League doesn't stop for breath. With Arsenal currently sitting nine points clear (having played a game more than Manchester City), the midweek slate offers the chasing pack a chance to dial up the heat. From the "Carrick Revolution" at Old Trafford to a desperate scrap at the bottom of the table, here is your comprehensive guide to all ten Matchday 26 fixtures.
Tuesday, Feb 10
Chelsea vs. Leeds United
The "Blues" are resurgent under Liam Rosenior, hunting their eighth win in 11. Cole Palmer is the man of the moment after his weekend hat-trick, but Leeds arrive at Stamford Bridge with renewed hope after beating Forest. Leeds historically struggle in midweek London trips, and keeping Palmer quiet will be a gargantuan task for Daniel Farke’s backline.
Everton vs. AFC Bournemouth
Goodison Park is starting to feel like a fortress again. Following their gutsy comeback against Fulham, the Toffees can jump into the top half with a win here. Bournemouth are safe in mid-table but have developed a nasty habit of conceding late—a trait Sean Dyche’s "never say die" Everton will look to exploit.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United
It’s the "Pressure Cooker Derby." Spurs are winless in seven and missing the suspended Cristian Romero, while Newcastle’s European hopes took a massive hit against Brentford. Both managers are under fire; a defeat for either tonight could be the tipping point for their respective seasons.
West Ham United vs. Manchester United
The narrative writes itself: Michael Carrick returns to the club where it all began, looking for his fifth straight win as United boss. The Hammers are fresh off a win at Burnley and have a strange hex over United at the London Stadium, but with Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo in this form, the "Carrick Express" looks hard to derail.
Wednesday, Feb 11
Crystal Palace vs. Burnley
The One to Watch: Palace finally broke their nine-match winless duck by beating rivals Brighton last weekend. Now, Oliver Glasner’s men aim for their first home win since November. They face a Burnley side that is winless in seven midweek games and sitting 19th. If Palace win this, they are effectively safe; if Burnley pull off an upset, the relegation scrap becomes a forest fire.
Manchester City vs. Fulham
Fresh off their heist at Anfield, City return to the Etihad where they are unbeaten in 55 midweek games. Erling Haaland snatched the winner against Liverpool and will be licking his chops against a Fulham side that has lost their last 16 meetings with City. For Pep, it’s about pressure; for Fulham, it’s about survival.
Nottingham Forest vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
A genuine relegation "six-pointer." Forest (17th) and Wolves (20th) are separated by a chasm of anxiety. Wolves are currently five points adrift of safety and simply cannot afford to lose at the City Ground. Expect a physical, cagey affair where one mistake could decide a season.
Aston Villa vs. Brighton
Two of the league's most tactically flexible sides meet at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side has stuttered lately, dropping out of the title talk, while Brighton are reeling from a derby loss. With both teams favoring a high line, this should be the highest-scoring game of the midweek round.
Sunderland vs. Liverpool
A wounded Liverpool travels to the Stadium of Light without the suspended Dominic Szoboszlai. Sunderland are the league's "giant killers" at home, but Arne Slot knows that anything less than three points here likely ends their Champions League qualifying hopes.
Thursday, Feb 12
Brentford vs. Arsenal
The leaders face a "Thursday Curse"—they’ve failed to score in their last three Thursday league outings. Brentford are flying high in 7th after a thriller against Newcastle and have Igor Thiago (17 goals) in world-class form. Arsenal will likely be without Bukayo Saka, meaning more weight on the shoulders of Viktor Gyökeres, who has six goals already in 2026.