Premier League Wednesday preview: Man City look to close gap as Slot seeks Sunderland solace

With the FA Cup taking centre stage this weekend, we're treated to a full midweek round of Premier League action and there is plenty to look forward to on Matchday 26. 

Tonight, there are five more games to take in, including Sunderland defending their home record against Liverpool and Manchester City hosting Fulham.  

Here are the key storylines to look out for in Wednesday's Premier League games. 

Sunderland to pile on Slot 

Only two teams have an unbeaten home record in 2025-26, League Two table-toppers Bromley and Regis Le Bris Sunderland, as they prepare to host Liverpool tonight. 

It's a record that has played a major part in the Black Cats being this season's surprise package, bucking the trend of promoted clubs' recent dire performances in the top flight and competing with the elite. 

They currently sit in 11th in the table, and while their overall form has tailed off in the second half of the campaign, the Stadium of Light has remained a fortress and Sunderland have won their last two on home turf. 

This all doesn't bode well for the visitors, who are looking to get over Sunday's dramatic defeat to Manchester City and focus on getting back in the Champions League spots - especially after Manchester United and Chelsea dropped points on Tuesday.

Yet, in a season that's proving to be more and more difficult for the reigning champions, they've only taken one win against a promoted side this term - and that was way back in August before their season started to crumble. 

It's just one of the reasons that Slot is feeling the pressure, just a season after leading the club to the title. The Dutchman needs wins and he needs top four, or the pressure could get real heated on Merseyside. 

• Read next: I  Predicting the great managerial merry-go-round in the Premier League's top six this summer

Forest's must-win game 

Manchester United's stoppage-time equaliser may have been no good for fans needing a haircut, but for Forest supporters it meant a sigh of relief. 

A win for West Ham would have put them just a point off Forest at the bottom of the table, and further into trouble as Sean Dyche's men continue to struggle to string a set of results together to move them away from danger. 

Tonight presents a home tie against bottom-placed Wolves, who, since a mini-revival in January, have reverted back to their early season form and should be there for the taking. 

However, there is an air of tension around The City Ground from those unconvinced by Dyche and the club's ability to get them out of a sticky situation. And anything else but a victory and things could really start to get problematic for the Forest boss.

City's Fulham pass to close gap 

Sunday's late win against Liverpool is the type of turning-point win you see in a title race, and Manchester City will now feel they have what it takes to hunt down Arsenal after events at Anfield. 

This week, they get to turn the heat up on the Gunners by playing a day earlier, where a win would put them within three points of Mikel Arteta's men before they play Brentford on Thursday. 

Luckily for Pep Guardiola, their game sees them host Fulham, a fixture that has been notoriously one-sided for City in the Premier League era.

The Cottagers are winless against the hosts in 16 outings, and although Marco Silva's side have punched above their weight once again, there's little to suggest that woeful record will come to an end at The Etihad. 

A win for City and the onus is back on Arsenal, where palms are beginning to get sweaty. 

Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

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.