The Premier League starts 2026 with high-stakes fixtures across the table, highlighted by Manchester City’s clash with Chelsea at the Etihad, following the abrupt departure of Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.
Maresca was reported to be a candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola at Man City, but he was dismissed by Chelsea on New Year’s Day. Sources suggest the decision came after the club discovered that Maresca had allegedly held discussions with City regarding a potential move at the end of the season. This was also compounded by disagreements with Chelsea’s medical staff over player load management, including concerns over stars such as Reece James. Under-21 coach Calum McFarlane will take charge of Chelsea for the visit to Manchester.
The first Saturday of 2026, with Aston Villa hosting Nottingham Forest at 1:30pm. All games will be live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv. Villa’s eleven-game winning run ended against Arsenal last week, and they will aim to respond at home. Forest, just above the relegation zone, are under pressure to secure points as they fight to avoid the drop.
Brighton host Burnley at 4:00pm in a contest between two bottom-half sides. Later at 6:30pm, Arsenal travel to Bournemouth, aiming to extend their four-point lead at the top. Bournemouth will attempt to replicate the resilience they showed in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea that preceded Maresca’s exit.
On Sunday, Leeds United host Man United at 1:30pm after holding Liverpool to a goalless draw on New Year’s Day. Leeds will look to frustrate United once again, while the Red Devils seek a sharper attacking edge to maintain their pursuit of European qualification.
At 4:00pm, Tottenham take on Sunderland, with the visitors aiming to continue their strong run following a draw with Man City, while Spurs remain inconsistent. Fulham host Liverpool at the same time, presenting another test for the Reds, who are under pressure after consecutive stalemates. All Premier League matches are broadcast live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).
The weekend reaches its climax at 6:30 p.m., when all Premier League matches are broadcast live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65). Manchester City hosts Chelsea. Guardiola’s side, seeking to maintain pressure on league leaders Arsenal after a draw at Sunderland, will face a Chelsea squad adjusting to McFarlane’s interim leadership. The focus will be on how Chelsea’s players respond after the sudden departure of Maresca and the controversy surrounding his alleged talks with City, while Man City look to assert dominance against a club in transition.
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