The English  Premier League returns for Matchweek 28 on February 28 and March 1, 2026, with the title race and relegation battle tightening across England. Arsenal enter the weekend on top, Manchester City remains within reach, and clubs near the bottom face must-win situations.

Every point now shifts momentum. Teams pushing for European places cannot afford mistakes. Teams fighting relegation cannot afford losses. Stadiums in Liverpool, London, and Leeds host fixtures that could reshape the table before the run-in truly begins.

English Premier League Matchweek 28: Liverpool, Manchester City Face Crucial Saturday Tests

Liverpool hosts West Ham United at Anfield in one of Saturday’s headline matches. Liverpool have not scored as freely as in recent campaigns, but their home form against West Ham remains strong. West Ham have not won at Anfield in more than a decade. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, however, West Ham have lost just once in their last six league matches. That improvement gives them confidence heading into a difficult away test.

Manchester City travel to face Leeds United. City trails Arsenal by five points but holds a game in hand. Dropped points would increase the pressure. Leeds have proven competitive at home and recently drew with Aston Villa. City’s margin for error continues to shrink.

Bournemouth welcome Sunderland to the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth are unbeaten in four league matches. Sunderland remain near the relegation zone and need a result to create breathing room.

Newcastle United meet Everton at St. James’ Park with only one point separating them. Both clubs remain in the mix for European qualification. The outcome could immediately alter their positioning.

Burnley host Brentford in another important fixture. A victory would help either side move clear of danger.

Arsenal Hosts Chelsea in Defining London Derby

Chelsea will visit Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in Sunday’s marquee fixture. Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur last week. That result trimmed their advantage at the top of the Premier League table and sharpened the focus entering Matchweek 28.

Chelsea arrives under head coach Liam Rosenior with renewed structure and confidence. Their attack has created steady chances in recent matches, while defensive organization has improved. Arsenal have conceded goals in recent fixtures, leaving little room for another setback.

Kickoff is scheduled for 16:30 GMT. The London derby carries implications beyond local pride. A win for Arsenal would steady their title charge. A Chelsea result would tighten both the title and European races.

Tottenham, Manchester United Seek Stability

Fulham host Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage. Tottenham have not won a league match in 2026 and sit four points above the relegation zone. Interim manager Igor Tudor continues searching for stability.  Tottenham needs points to avoid deeper concern.

Manchester United face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. United are unbeaten in ten league matches and remain in contention for European qualification.

Brighton meets Nottingham Forest in another Sunday contest. Brighton aims for consecutive league wins for the first time since November. Forest has improved in recent weeks and continues climbing.

Matchweek 28 places pressure on every tier of the Premier League table. Title contenders defend narrow margins. European hopefuls chase momentum. Relegation-threatened sides fight for survival. By Sunday night, the standings may look significantly different as the season moves toward its final stretch.

Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce