A heated title race and fast-closing gaps all over the table will set the tone in Matchweek 26.
Aston Villa's big road win at Fulham helped get back into the top four. Now they will need to hold off Nottingham Forest at Villa Park to keep trending upwards.
After losing two of three league matches, Unai Emery’s side bounced back with that 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage. The Villans have had a great run of home form against Forest, only losing one in their last 14 (W7 D6).
Forest, however, had the upper hand in the reverse fixture earlier this season, winning 2-0 at the City Ground. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are coming off an impressive 2-0 victory over West Ham United, but Forest have struggled on the road this season.
Arsenal find themselves in a three-way battle for the title and will have a tough challenge at home against Newcastle United. The Gunners have exploded offensively in a five-match Premier League winning streak, scoring 21 goals.
Newcastle haven’t lost in the league in 2024, but remain in eighth spot after dropping points in home draws with Luton Town and AFC Bournemouth. Getting a result in north London will not be easy for the Magpies, but pulling it off could be a turning point in the season for Eddie Howe’s side.
NBC Spotlight
History is not on Bournemouth’s side when they welcome Manchester City to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, live on NBC.
The Cherries have failed to win any of their 19 Premier League games against Man City, the most any side has ever faced another without winning in the competition's history. Yet, history won’t matter once the game starts, with Bournemouth looking to keep the positive momentum going after earning a 2-2 draw on the road at Newcastle last weekend.
Man City have been firing on all cylinders in 2024, winning every match in the calendar year until Chelsea held them to a 1-1 draw at home.
The result denied them the chance to return to the top of the table, but City's 1-0 midweek win over Brentford brought them back into second place.
Pep Guardiola’s side will be eager to move forward and close the gap on leaders Liverpool to just one point with a win on Saturday.
Don’t miss this one. Watch the match on NBC, Peacock, and Universo on Saturday at 12:30 PM ET.
