Manchester City have the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to just three points when they host Fulham on Wednesday, a day before the Gunners travel to in-form Brentford.

Arsenal remain favorites for a first league title in 22 years, but City’s dramatic late comeback against Liverpool on Sunday could mark a turning point for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Elsewhere, Liverpool’s Champions League hopes suffered another setback after defeat to City, with Arne Slot’s injury-hit squad now facing a tough midweek trip to Sunderland. Tottenham and Newcastle are also struggling in the bottom half, placing pressure on managers Thomas Frank and Eddie Howe.

AFP Sports highlights three key talking points from the midweek fixtures:

Can City swing the title race?
Bernardo Silva admitted even City players felt the title looked out of reach before their six-minute turnaround at Anfield, which secured a 2-1 win over Liverpool. Now, Guardiola’s men have the opportunity to use that momentum to challenge Arsenal.

City have historically finished seasons strongly under Guardiola, but have only won two of their seven league games so far in 2026.

“We need to believe and to start winning games. This is what matters in the end,” said Erling Haaland, who is pushing for more in the title run-in.

Haaland leads the Golden Boot race but has scored just once from open play in his last 13 appearances. “I haven’t scored enough goals since the start of this year and I know I need to improve,” he added.

A favorable run of fixtures before Arsenal visit the Etihad in mid-April gives City a chance to truly test the leaders. Arsenal, meanwhile, have recovered from a January wobble with four consecutive wins, though Brentford—who have lost only twice at home this season—offer a stiff challenge.

Liverpool face tough trip to Sunderland
Last season’s champions look set to miss out on the Champions League, now four points behind the top five. Arne Slot’s injury-hit squad travels to Sunderland, who boast the Premier League’s only undefeated home record.

Liverpool will be without key player Dominik Szoboszlai following his controversial red card against City. With Manchester United and Chelsea enjoying easier fixtures, the Reds could fall further behind, intensifying scrutiny on Slot’s future.

Spurs and Newcastle fight to avoid further trouble
Despite English dominance in the Champions League, Tottenham and Newcastle find themselves in the bottom half of the Premier League. The two sides meet in north London on Tuesday, with Frank and Howe under the spotlight.

Frank admitted Spurs are the more “desperate” side, sitting just six points above the relegation zone. Despite fan calls for his dismissal, the Dane has retained his position for now.

Howe, meanwhile, remains popular on Tyneside after ending Newcastle’s 70-year domestic trophy drought last season and consistently qualifying for the Champions League. The 48-year-old insists he is still the right man for the job, though reports suggest England and Manchester United have expressed interest in him.