The Premier League returns from the international break with a jolt, and the timing couldn’t be more dramatic.
Over the next six matchweeks, the title race will stop being speculation and start becoming reality. Momentum will shift, challengers will rise or fall, and the teams we think are favourites may not look so convincing once the dust settles.
At present, Arsenal sit at the top of the table, holding a four-point lead over Manchester City, who themselves put in an emphatic performance against Liverpool in their last outing. That win has reignited belief among City fans and pundits alike that Pep Guardiola’s side could be the most serious challengers to Arsenal.
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This has also led to a lot of fans and football pundits ruling Liverpool out of the title race. Something that was unthinkable in September when they sat on top of the league and were 5 points clear of Arsenal. Which only proves how rapid things can change at the top, so we should be cautious not to completely rule Liverpool out.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s own form has been steady if not spectacular. Before the November break, they only managed a draw against Sunderland after conceding a late equaliser.
It’s a reminder that while Arsenal’s October was imperious, that draw against Sunderland has given the chasing pack new hope. So also is the injury picked up during the break by arguably Arsenal’s most influential player so far this season, Gabriel Magalhães.
The next 6 matches on paper (see table below) look easy for Liverpool but it would be difficult to fancy them at this point as a contender for the title considering their recent form in the Premier League.
| Row | Arsenal | Man City | Liverpool |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tottenham (h) — 23 Nov | Newcastle (a) — 22 Nov | Nottingham Forest (h) — 22 Nov |
| 2 | Chelsea (a) — 29 Nov | Leeds (h) — 29 Nov | West Ham (a) — 29 Nov |
| 3 | Brentford (h) — 3 Dec | Fulham (a) — 3 Dec | Sunderland — (h) 3 Dec |
| 4 | Aston Villa (a) — 6 Dec | Sunderland — (h) 6 Dec | Leeds (a)— 6 Dec |
| 5 | Wolves (h) — 13 Dec | Crystal Palace (a) — 13 Dec | Brighton (h) — 13 Dec |
| 6 | Everton (a) — 20 Dec | West Ham (h) — 20 Dec | Tottenham (a) — 20 Dec |
Most pundits currently see the title race as a two-horse affair — Arsenal vs. Man City. But I believe the next six matchweeks will prove decisive. During this stretch, we’ll finally know which teams are genuine contenders, and which are merely pretenders.
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Key Premier League Fixtures to Watch Over the Next Six Matchweeks
Below is a breakdown of the key fixtures for top clubs over the next six match weeks and how they could shape the title race.
| Gameweek | Key Fixture(s) to Watch | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Week 12 | Arsenal vs Tottenham / Newcastle vs Manchester City | These are the standout games in matchweek 12 that could either extend Arsenal’s lead or allow City to close the gap. |
| Week 13 | Chelsea vs Arsenal / West Ham vs Liverpool | Matchweek 13 provides a big opportunity for other possible contenders like Chelsea and Liverpool to maintain or close the gap. |
| Week 14 | Arsenal vs Brentford / Fulham vs Manchester City | City’s result in matchweek 14 could confirm if they’re built to sustain a title challenge or not. |
| Week 15 | Aston Villa vs Arsenal / Bournemouth vs Chelsea | Aston Villa will test Arsenal’s title credential in matchweek 15. Critical for Chelsea to keep up if they are still close. Bournemouth will provide a tough test for the blues. |
| Week 16 | Liverpool vs Brighton / Crystal Palace vs Manchester City | Major pressure game for City and Liverpool if they are still in the race as they’ll need to prove they can handle the pressure by winning in matchweek 16. |
| Week 17 | Spurs vs Liverpool/ Evertoon vs Arsenal | Mistakes in this round could be costly for both Arsenal and Liverpool as North London clubs clash with Merseyside rivals. |
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Four Reasons Why The Next 6 Premier League Matchweeks Are Crucial
- This run of six matches comes at a crucial moment — immediately following an international break, when form can reset. A strong stretch here could give a team real momentum.
- For City, every game is about closing the gap. For Arsenal, it’s about staying consistent and avoiding a panic drop. And for the rest (Chelsea, Tottenham, Villa, Sunderland), it’s a chance to prove whether they belong in the title conversation.
- After the break, injuries, fatigue, and squad rotation will matter more than ever. Clubs with deeper benches may have an edge, especially in tight fixtures.
- Winning in this block could create a psychological advantage. Teams that falter could start doubting. Teams that surge could carry confidence deep into the season.
In conclusion, the next six matchweeks are not just another stretch of games; they are vitally important and by the end of this period, we’ll likely know which teams are the real title contenders and which ones might just fade out of the title race.
