You can feel it in the air. That specific, slightly frantic energy that only hits English football once January starts winding down. We just watched Michael Carrick—freshly installed as Manchester United’s interim boss—stun Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and if you aren't looking at the calendar right now, you’re missing the biggest storm brewing in years.
Arsenal is currently sitting pretty at the top with 50 points. Mikel Arteta’s squad has a real chance to stretch that lead to nine points if they handle Nottingham Forest tonight. But honestly? The table is a lie right now. It’s a snapshot. The real movement happens in the next six weeks.
The Barclays Premier League upcoming fixtures for February 2026 look like they were scripted by someone who wants to see the big six suffer. We’re talking about title deciders, relegation six-pointers, and the kind of schedule congestion that makes managers lose their minds.
The February Gauntlet
If you're a Liverpool fan, Sunday, February 8, is already circled in red ink. Huge. Massive. There's no other way to describe City traveling to Anfield. After City’s loss today to Carrick's United, they cannot afford to drop points to the defending champions. Liverpool is currently 4th, trailing the leaders, but a win over Pep in early February changes the entire narrative.
Look at the way the games are stacked. It isn't just about the "Big Six" anymore. Sunderland is back in the mix and actually flying high. Liverpool has to go to the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, February 11, just three days after the City war. That’s a trap game if I’ve ever seen one.
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Key Matches to Watch
- January 25: Arsenal vs. Manchester United (Emirates Stadium)
- February 8: Liverpool vs. Manchester City (Anfield)
- February 22: Tottenham vs. Arsenal (North London Derby)
- March 1: Arsenal vs. Chelsea
Wait, let's talk about that North London Derby. February 22. It’s at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs are currently 12th—yeah, you read that right. Thomas Frank’s side has been struggling for consistency, but form goes out the window when the Gunners show up. If Arsenal is still top of the pile by then, that match becomes a legitimate hurdle to their first title in over two decades.
The Chaos of Rescheduling
One thing people always forget to check is the European spillover. Crystal Palace is making a deep run in the UEFA Conference League, which has already messed with the Barclays Premier League upcoming fixtures list. Their games against Wolves and Manchester United have been bumped to Sundays (Feb 22 and March 1) because they’re playing Zrinjski Mostar on Thursday nights.
This creates a weird "stop-start" rhythm.
Newcastle is another one to watch. They’re currently 6th and have been quietly putting together a decent run. They face Manchester City on Saturday, February 21. If City is bruised from the Liverpool match and distracted by Champions League knockouts, the Magpies could officially end City's hopes of catching Arsenal.
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Why The Bottom Is Just As Scary
Don't just stare at the top. The relegation battle is basically a bar fight at this point. Wolves are in deep trouble. One win in 22 matches? That’s grim. They have a brutal run coming up: Crystal Palace, then Aston Villa on a Friday night (Feb 27), and then Liverpool on March 4.
If Rob Edwards can't find a way to scrape four points from those, Wolves might be down before the Easter eggs are in the shops.
Burnley and West Ham are also circling the drain. Nuno Espírito Santo is trying to steady the ship at West Ham, but they’ve got a date with Manchester United on February 10 that looks increasingly difficult now that Carrick has United playing with some actual grit.
Managing the Madness
If you're trying to keep track of all this, you've gotta be proactive. The TV picks for February are already locked in—Sky Sports and TNT Sports have basically carved up the weekends.
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The most important thing for fans right now? Sync your digital calendars. The Premier League is notorious for moving games with three weeks' notice for "broadcast requirements."
Practical Steps for Fans
- Check the Thursday Night Effect: If a team is in the Europa or Conference League, assume their Saturday game is moving to Sunday or Monday.
- Monitor the Injury Lists: Erling Haaland is still the top scorer with 20 goals, but City looked toothless without a full-strength defense today.
- Ticket Alerts: If you’re eyeing that Spurs vs. Arsenal game on Feb 22, tickets are already hitting the secondary market at insane prices. Secure them now or wait for the inevitable "returns" on club sites.
The race isn't over. Not even close. Arsenal looks strong, but the Barclays Premier League upcoming fixtures are designed to break teams. Between the North London Derby and the looming trip to Anfield later in the spring, the Gunners have to be perfect.
Keep an eye on the Friday night fixtures too. They’re becoming a staple for the mid-table scrap, and that Wolves vs. Villa game on Feb 27 is going to be high-voltage. Grab your calendar, mark the 8th and the 22nd of February, and get ready. This is where the season actually starts.
To stay ahead of the curve, ensure your club's official app notifications are turned on for fixture changes. Many supporters are currently being caught out by the 24-hour shifts caused by European TV slots. Check the "Revised Schedule" section on the official Premier League site every Tuesday morning to confirm kickoff times before booking travel.