It is Thursday, January 15, 2026. If you’re looking at the schedule for epl league matches today, you’ll notice the pitch is actually quiet. No whistles. No VAR drama. No 90th-minute winners. But don’t let the empty stadium lights fool you.
While the actual Matchweek 22 fixtures don't kick off until Saturday, the Premier League is currently a pressure cooker of "shadow football." We are right in the thick of the winter transfer window, and the news coming out of the training grounds today is arguably more important than a random midweek draw.
Honestly, today is the day managers are sweating over medical reports and virus outbreaks. If you're a Chelsea fan, you've probably heard the news: Liam Rosenior is dealing with a full-blown crisis before his first league game in charge.
The Chelsea Virus and the "New Manager" Curse
Liam Rosenior was supposed to be the fresh start Chelsea needed. Instead, he’s spent today trying to figure out how to field a team against Brentford this coming Saturday.
A virus has absolutely ripped through the Cobham training ground. It’s not just the players; the staff are down, too. Rosenior confirmed this morning that Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are stuck at home. They are highly unlikely to feature this weekend.
It's a brutal break. Usually, a new manager gets a "bounce," but Rosenior is walking into a tactical nightmare. Chelsea is currently sitting in 8th place with 31 points. They’ve been inconsistent, and losing Gittens—who provides that spark on the wing—right before a London derby is a massive blow.
Why the Manchester Derby is Already Being Won Today
The biggest story surrounding epl league matches today isn't on the field, but in the dugout at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick is officially preparing for his first match as interim manager following Ruben Amorim’s exit.
The stakes? Oh, just a Manchester Derby on Saturday.
United is in 7th, hovering just a point away from those European spots. Meanwhile, Manchester City is in a rare position: they are chasing. Pep Guardiola’s side sits 2nd on 43 points, six points behind a dominant Arsenal.
Carrick has a massive decision today regarding his midfield. Does he stick with Amorim’s 3-4-3 or go back to something the United squad knows better? City has dominated the recent head-to-head, winning six of the last ten matchups, but a new manager at Old Trafford usually brings some sort of chaotic energy that disrupts Pep’s overthinking.
The Injury Ward: Spurs and Bournemouth Updates
Tottenham fans got some grim news today. Thomas Frank (yes, he’s at Spurs now) confirmed that Richarlison is out for seven weeks. That hamstring injury from the Villa game was as bad as it looked.
Spurs are languishing in 14th. It’s been a disastrous season by their standards. They have 27 points from 21 games. Seven weeks without your primary focal point up front is a long time in the Premier League.
On the flip side, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is feeling a bit more optimistic. He told reporters today that Ryan Christie is finally back in full training. The Scotland international has missed eight of the last nine games. Having him back for their Monday night trip to Brighton could be the difference between mid-table safety and a relegation scrap.
How the Table Actually Looks Right Now
Before the next round of epl league matches today's news cycles end, let’s look at the cold, hard numbers. The league is top-heavy, but the middle is a complete mess.
- Arsenal: 49 points. They are the clear favorites.
- Manchester City: 43 points. Tied with Villa, but ahead on goal difference.
- Aston Villa: 43 points. Unai Emery is doing it again.
- Liverpool: 35 points. A disappointing 4th, looking to close the gap on Saturday against Burnley.
- The Relegation Scrap: Wolves are rooted to the bottom with only 7 points. They are essentially playing for pride at this point. Burnley (13) and West Ham (14) are right there with them in the red zone.
What to Watch for in the Next 48 Hours
Since there are no live epl league matches today, your focus should be on the "pre-match" movements.
- Transfer Rumors: Keep an eye on Newcastle. They are 6th and desperate for a defensive mid. If a deal closes today, that player could technically be registered for the weekend.
- The Arsenal Test: The Gunners head to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Forest is 17th and fighting for their lives. These are the "trap games" that cost teams titles in April.
- Sunderland’s Stability: Sitting in 10th after 21 games is a dream for the Black Cats. They face Crystal Palace on Saturday. If they win, they could actually leapfrog Chelsea into 8th. Think about that for a second.
The Premier League never actually sleeps. Even on a Thursday with no games, the tactical shifts and medical updates are shaping what will happen when the whistle finally blows. Check your fantasy lineups now—before the "virus" news at Chelsea sends your points into the bin.
Stay updated on the official team sheets which usually drop 60 minutes before the Saturday kick-offs. If Rosenior's virus spreads further, we might see some youth academy kids making their debuts at Stamford Bridge. That’s the beauty of the January slog. Anything can happen.
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Actionable Insights for Matchweek 22:
- Fade Chelsea: With the virus and a new manager, Brentford (5th) are massive value.
- Captain Saka: Arsenal is flying, and Forest’s defense has been leaky against top-four opposition.
- Watch the City Lineup: If Rodri or De Bruyne show any signs of fatigue in the Friday training reports, United might actually have a sniff at a draw.