Premier League preview: Interim managers in the spotlight and Arsenal look to cement title credentials

A rare and exciting round of mid-week Premier League action is with us, before a break for the FA Cup third round.

Nottingham Forest have already bagged all three points in a dramatic and controversial win in a relegation six-pointer with West Ham. Now focus moves to the top of the table.

Hot on the heels of Enzo Maresca's departure from Chelsea , Manchester United decided to give Ruben Amorim the boot on Monday, leaving former Old Trafford favourite Darren Fletcher in charge of the trip to Burnley.  

If the manager merry-go-round wasn't enough to keep you entertained, the week also sees champions-elect Arsenal hosting reigning champs Liverpool , as the Gunners look to make a point in this season's title race. 

Here are the big talking points headed into Matchday 21. 

Arsenal ready for statement win 

The Gunners begin the first week of 2026 with a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table and right now are easily the best team in the country. 

In their last five games, they've been victorious in fixtures they didn't win last season, proving how much further they've come this campaign and are rightly the favourites to pick up their first title since 2004. 

This week presents an opportunity to double down on that notion as they entertain one of only two teams to have beaten them in 2025-26, in current champions, Liverpool. 

It's a clash full of history, but one in recent years the Gunners have failed to make their mark in, winning only two of the last 13 meetings between the sides across all competitions. 

However, given the ponderous form Arne Slot's men are in right now, it feels like the ideal opportunity for Arsenal to put the Reds to the sword and wrack up a statement win in their title charge. 

Interim bosses take centre stage 

What a start to the year it has been for Chelsea and Manchester United, who both find themselves with interim coaches following the dramatic departures of Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim. 

Their exits had their similarities, with both former bosses clashing with the hierarchy above and both ending up looking for new employment at the start of 2026. But where does it leave these two Premier League big hitters going forward? 

In the short term, it's up to the club's interim managers to oversee this midweek, with Calum McFarlane set to finish off his moment in the sun with the West London derby against Fulham before Liam Rosenior takes over. 

For United, it isn't as clear. Darren Fletcher has been given the reins for the moment, but there's no indication of how long he'll be in charge and whether a more established name will take over until the end of the season. 

For Fletcher, his focus will be getting things back on track on the field, starting with a win at Burnley. 

A new Wolves?

It's four points in a week for Rob Edwards and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have finally given their fans something to shout about in a dismal season. 

It's highly unlikely we're seeing the beginnings of the greatest ever escape, but it will perhaps help the club target the infamous record of Derby County and their lowest-ever points haul. 

After getting their first win of the campaign against West Ham, they travel to Everton this week with more confidence than they've had at any point this term. 

And, they'll face a Toffees side bruised from a home defeat by Brentford at the weekend, so could Wolves take advantage and really start to turn things around? 
 

 

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga, and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.