Our first full fixture block of 2026 and its a mad one, midweek fiuxtures lead into FA Cup weekend.
We never produce an MA summary graphic for the FA Cup, so this will just cover the Premier league games.
With two new managers at Chelsea and Manchester United, are we expecting a new manager bounce? How will they both tweak their respective teams, does that mean a consideration for upcoming sealed bids? Dorgu, Dalot, Yoro and for Chelsea perhaps Estevao etc?
The hammers kick us oiff tonight, having spent nearly 50 million on two strikers, in an effort to retain their Premier League status? Suspect that a new CB will be incoming also, they entertain Forest, who seemingly have lost that new manager bounce, having last 5 of their last 6. Is this a classic 6 pointer?
Will Semenyo play his last game for Bournemouth against Spurs? If feels like too much of a risk. Spurs defenders, Spence, Porro remain popular, but Tottengham are reliably inconsistent, so why game on a Spurs defender?
Brentord play Sunderland in a red and white strike derby, still have no idea why Red Stripe don’t have a sponsorship deal with either club! Schade and Thiago flying and Sunderland still proving everyone wrong. Surely you have now gone with a Sunderland defender?
Everton got hammered recently, but surely Wolves at home is a banker? Wolves playing better football recently under Edwards, having secured their first PL win in months after beating a dire West Ham.
Fulham v Chelsea, London river derby, will Rosenior switch it up?
Next up is City v Brighton, with Dias and Gvardiol now out for 4-6 weeks, who will fit into their backline, Pep talking about a small squad, I’m not sure many have much sympathy? As for Brighton, they are due a good run, apart from their last game versus Burnley, their record is W|D|W|D!
A resurgent Leeds head to the NE and with DCl having a decent run, perhaps a goal or two here?
Thursday sees Arsenal v Liverpool, this should be a banker for Arsenal, Liverpool defensively are all over the place, are slow and predictable.
Awarded
West Ham v Forest 6th January 2026 – An assist to Soucek for the West Ham OG. We don’t award doubles for OG’s. Last touch came off Soucek. Additionally, an assist to Gibbs-White for the Forest penalty, under the new rules for this season (This will not appear on the stats page, but will show on the player.
Fulham v Chelsea
7th January 2026 – Wilson goal – Assist to Smith Rowe for initial shot saved by keeper
City v Brighton
7th January 2026 – Haaland penalty = Doku taken down in box
Burnley v Man United 7th January 2026 – For Heaven OG = Humphreys assist
Not awarded:
Brentford v Sunderland 7th January 2026 – Yarmoliuk goal – Comes off Collins stomach, no double assist.
Fulham v Chelsea
7th January 2026 – Delap – No assist, off Jedi onto post and scored by Delap.
Bournemouth v Spurs 7th January 2026 – Palhinha goal – Headed into air by Senesi, before stunning overhead kick.
