The international break ends tomorrow, and the Premier League roars back this weekend as players return from national duty to rejoin their club sides.
Some managers will welcome key stars back to full fitness, while others face anxious waits over injury assessments from the just-concluded World Cup qualifying and friendly matches.
As training grounds fill up again from today through Friday, the focus quickly shifts to the resumption of the 2025/26 EPL season — a campaign already tightly poised at the top.
PUNCH Online reports that only a few points separate the top ten teams, setting up a crucial four-match stretch that could reshape the title picture before the November international window.
After seven games, Arsenal lead the Premier League with 16 points, ahead of Liverpool on 15. Tottenham and Bournemouth sit on 14, with Man City on 13, Crystal Palace on 12, and Chelsea on 11 — just five points separating the top seven in an increasingly tight title race.
Here is a look at the top six next four games run:
Arsenal Eye Breathing Space
Current leaders Arsenal head into this phase with arguably the easiest run among the front-runners. Mikel Arteta’s side host Crystal Palace before visiting Burnley, Fulham, and Sunderland.
Arsenal’s defensive balance and control in midfield have kept them consistent, and this stretch could push them clear ahead of tougher winter fixtures.
Liverpool Face Toughest Stretch
At Liverpool, Arne Slot will hope to channel lessons from the break into a reset. His team’s next four games are among the hardest: Manchester United and Aston Villa at Anfield, Brentford away, and a heavyweight trip to Manchester City.
The Reds’ attacking rhythm has been electric, but their defensive coordination remains shaky. Slot’s tactical adjustments and squad rotation will be critical in navigating this brutal run — one that could define their title credentials before December.
City’s Trickier but Manageable Path
Manchester City’s next four fixtures — Everton and Bournemouth at home, Aston Villa away, and Liverpool at the Etihad — look manageable on paper but still pose threats.
City will need depth and sharpness to avoid dropping points against form teams like Villa and Bournemouth.
Chelsea Building Quiet Momentum
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, have shown signs of recovery after a slow start. Their upcoming games offer a mix of opportunity and challenge: Nottingham Forest away, Sunderland and Wolves at home, then a high-stakes London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Blues could climb into the top four if they capitalise on winnable fixtures, but their young squad’s consistency remains a question mark. Fitness checks on Cole Palmer will be vital ahead of the restart.
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Bournemouth and Palace Stay in the Chase
Bournemouth and Crystal Palace — surprise members of the top six — have earned their places through disciplined football and big results. They meet in Matchweek 9 when the Premier League resumes, with both clubs knowing that the next four fixtures will test their staying power.
Bournemouth face Forest (H), Man City (A), and Villa (A) after their trip to Selhurst Park.
Palace, meanwhile, visit Arsenal before hosting Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion. Both have tough away assignments, but continued form could keep them in contention at least until Christmas.
Crunch Time Before the Next Break
With the November international break set for 10–18 November, this next four-game stretch will determine how the title race looks heading into the festive run.
Arsenal’s momentum, Liverpool and City’s heavyweight clashes, and Chelsea’s quiet resurgence will dominate headlines — while Bournemouth and Palace will look to prove their early-season form is no fluke.
By the time the next window arrives, fans could have a clearer picture of whether it’s still a three-horse race or a six-way battle for supremacy.
Tosin, with over six years’ experience, conducts incisive interviews, pens engaging features, subedits and delivers impactful stories for the digital sphere.
