Premier League midweek round-up: Arsenal look to extend lead as relegation battle intensifies

premier league midweek fixtures march 2026 matchweek 29

Arsenal head into matchweek 29 five points clear at the top of the table after a 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday, with both goals coming from set pieces. It was the kind of result that underlined why this Arsenal side has been so difficult to beat this season. They find ways to score even when open play is not flowing.

Manchester City sit second on 59 points from 28 matches and still have a game in hand. Pep Guardiola has been clear about the margins involved, telling reporters his side "can't drop points" if they want to stay in the title race. Their fixture against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening is one City will be expected to win, but Forest have shown throughout the season that they are no easy opponents.

Tuesday's fixtures

The midweek action begins on Tuesday with four games. Wolves host Liverpool at Molineux in the evening's headline fixture. Wolves sit bottom of the table on 13 points and are running out of time to save their season. Liverpool, meanwhile, will see this as an opportunity to keep pace with the top two.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth face Brentford in a mid-table contest, Everton take on Burnley in a match that has relegation implications for both sides, and Leeds welcome Sunderland in a Yorkshire derby with both teams in the bottom half.

Wednesday's fixtures

Wednesday brings five matches, including what could be the game of the week. Newcastle host Manchester United at St James' Park in the evening kick-off. United arrive off the back of a 2-1 comeback win against Crystal Palace, but their away form has been inconsistent all season.

Aston Villa welcome Chelsea, Brighton take on Arsenal in what could be a tricky fixture for the league leaders, Fulham face West Ham in a match with potential relegation consequences, and City host Forest.

Relegation picture tightening

The bottom of the table is producing some of the most compelling drama this season. Wolves on 13 points look destined for the Championship. Burnley on 19 points from 28 games are eight points from safety and need results quickly.

The situation is more complicated in the zone just above the drop. West Ham have 25 points from 28 games and sit in 18th. Nottingham Forest on 27, Tottenham on 29 and Leeds on 31 are all within touching distance of the relegation places. Spurs have now gone 10 league games without a win, a run that would have seemed unthinkable at the start of the campaign.

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Manchester rivals target Elliot Anderson as summer transfer window takes shape

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The 23-year-old has established himself as a key figure at Forest and made his senior England debut earlier this season. Anderson is valued at around £75 million, though reports suggest that figure could rise if a bidding war develops between the Premier League rivals. If Nottingham Forest are relegated at the end of the campaign, the club may be compelled to consider offers.

Inter monitoring Curtis Jones situation

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is attracting interest from Inter Milan. The 25-year-old will enter the final year of his contract in June, potentially making him available for a reduced transfer fee.

Inter had been linked with Jones during the January window, although no formal offer materialised. The Italian side are also reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni on loan, should he become available.

Barcelona optimistic over Marcus Rashford deal

Barcelona remain hopeful of converting Marcus Rashford’s loan move into a permanent transfer.

The 28-year-old forward joined from Manchester United on a deal that includes a fixed €30 million purchase option. Rashford has made 21 La Liga appearances this season, contributing four goals and seven assists. While personal terms are reported to be close to agreement, Manchester United’s insistence on receiving the full €30 million fee could complicate negotiations.

Goalkeeper market developing

Aston Villa are among the Premier League clubs interested in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. The 23-year-old has made 11 appearances in all competitions this season. Newcastle United are also monitoring the situation after previously attempting to sign him.

Juventus are said to admire Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, although any potential move would depend on the Italian club securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Newcastle face potential departures

Tino Livramento could depart Newcastle United at the end of the season, with Manchester City among the clubs monitoring his situation. The defender’s current contract runs until July 2028, though reports suggest any extension could include a release clause.

Elsewhere, Emil Krafth is expected to leave Newcastle as a free agent this summer.

As the season approaches its conclusion, contract situations, release clauses and league outcomes are likely to shape several high-profile moves across Europe’s top leagues.

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Girona stun Barcelona 2-1 to dent La Liga title charge

After a tight first half, Girona broke the deadlock in the 59th minute through Pau Cubarsí. Barcelona had earlier missed a major opportunity to take the lead when Lamine Yamal struck the post from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time.

Barcelona found an equaliser later in the second half, but the decisive moment came in the 86th minute when Fran Beltrán fired home to restore Girona’s advantage.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time after Joel Roca was shown a red card, but they held firm to claim all three points.

The defeat prevents Barcelona from returning to the top of the La Liga table, leaving them just behind leaders Real Madrid as the title race tightens.

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Brentford edge Macclesfield 1-0 to reach FA Cup fifth round

The decisive moment came in the 70th minute when a cross into the box resulted in an own goal by defender Sam Heathcote, breaking the resistance of the sixth-tier National League North side.

Macclesfield had frustrated their Premier League opponents throughout the first half and remained disciplined defensively. Goalkeeper Max Dearnley produced several key saves to keep the contest level before the breakthrough.

The hosts had already made headlines earlier in the competition by eliminating defending FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in the third round, but their cup run came to an end despite another spirited display.

Brentford will now face West Ham United in the fifth round as they continue their FA Cup campaign.

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Manchester United linked with surprise move for Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister

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The Argentina international is currently under contract with Liverpool until 2028, meaning any approach would require a significant transfer fee. A direct move between the two Premier League rivals would be rare, with very few high-profile transfers occurring between the clubs in modern history.

United are understood to be assessing multiple midfield targets, with Mac Allister among the names on their shortlist. Other options reportedly include emerging talents across the Premier League as the club reshapes its squad.

Mac Allister has experienced an inconsistent spell this season compared to his previous campaign, fuelling speculation over his long-term role at Liverpool. However, no formal offer has been confirmed, and any deal could depend on United’s European qualification status and available transfer budget.

The situation remains at an exploratory stage as the summer transfer window approaches, with developments expected in the coming months.

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Leicester surrender 3-0 lead as Southampton complete dramatic comeback

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Leicester raced into a 3-0 lead but were undone by a second-half surge from Southampton, who scored four goals after the break to complete a remarkable turnaround.

The collapse extends Leicester’s difficult run following their relegation from the Premier League, with the club continuing to struggle for consistency in the Championship campaign.

The defeat also comes amid off-field pressure, with Leicester recently handed a six-point deduction for breaching financial regulations, further complicating their league position.

Southampton’s comeback keeps them competitive in the promotion race, while Leicester remain under pressure as they look to stabilise their season.

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Benjamin Šeško rescues Manchester United with late equaliser against West Ham

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West Ham had taken the lead early in the second half through Tomáš Souček, putting pressure on United as they chased a fifth consecutive league win.

However, Šeško levelled in the 96th minute to salvage a point for the visitors and keep them in fourth place in the Premier League standings. The late goal halted United’s four-game winning run under interim manager Michael Carrick but preserved their position inside the top four.

Speaking after the match, Benjamin Šeško highlighted the team’s determination in the race for Champions League qualification, stating that United will continue to fight for a top-four finish.

The result leaves West Ham still battling near the lower half of the table, while Manchester United remain in contention for European qualification as the season enters a crucial phase.

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Cristiano Ronaldo absent from Al-Nassr games amid Saudi Pro League dispute

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Al-Nassr confirmed that Ronaldo was not included in the squad for consecutive league fixtures, with reports indicating the decision is connected to the player’s frustration over the club’s lack of reinforcements during the transfer window.

According to reports, Ronaldo is unhappy with Al-Nassr’s transfer business compared to rival clubs, particularly following high-profile signings made elsewhere in the league. Sources suggest the forward has continued to train with the squad but has opted not to feature in matches.

The Saudi Pro League has since released a statement emphasising that no individual player can influence league-wide decisions or investment strategies, regardless of status or profile.

Ronaldo’s absence has fuelled speculation about his future at the club, although no official announcement has been made regarding a potential transfer or disciplinary action.

Al-Nassr are expected to clarify the situation ahead of their upcoming fixtures as the Saudi Pro League season continues.

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Arsenal stay top as Man United rise in latest Premier League rankings

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Arsenal remain the highest-ranked side after continuing to combine consistent results with a strong goal difference, keeping them ahead of their closest rivals in the updated assessment.

Manchester United have moved up into the top four of the rankings, rising several places compared to the previous update. A run of positive results and greater balance across the pitch have contributed to their upward movement.

Manchester City and Liverpool remain firmly placed among the top contenders, continuing to push Arsenal at the upper end of the rankings as the title race develops.

Further down the list, teams such as Newcastle United, Chelsea and Brentford have experienced mixed movement, reflecting inconsistent form and fluctuating results across recent league fixtures.

At the lower end of the rankings, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley remain among the bottom sides, with both clubs continuing to struggle for momentum and points.

The updated rankings underline how quickly form can shift across the Premier League as teams approach a decisive phase of the season.

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Karim Benzema completes move to Al-Hilal, labels new club ‘Real Madrid in Asia’

Benzema terminated his contract with Al-Ittihad after declining an extension and agreed a free-transfer deal until mid-2027 with Al-Hilal, who currently top the Saudi Pro League standings. The 38-year-old French international joins a side aiming to defend domestic honours and contend for continental success.

In his first comments since the move, Benzema told club media that he was “happy to be here” and compared the Riyadh giants to his former club Real Madrid, calling Al-Hilal the “Real Madrid in Asia” and expressing his ambition to help win more trophies.

He said the decision to join Al-Hilal came as he seeks fresh challenges and silverware in the later stage of his career, with the Saudi League providing a competitive platform.

The transfer has stirred discussion within the league, with some reports linking the move to tensions at rival clubs and reshaping the balance of title contenders as the season progresses.

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