Premier League Live Updates: Leeds United vs. Manchester United and More

January 4, 2026 – The Premier League kicks off the new year with a packed Sunday slate, headlined by a fierce Yorkshire derby at Elland Road where Leeds United host Manchester United at 7:30 AM ET on USA Network. A win could propel Manchester United into the top four.[2][5]

The action continues with four simultaneous 10:00 AM ET matches: Liverpool travel to Fulham at Craven Cottage (USA Network), where the Reds aim to climb the table; Everton face Brentford at Hill Dickinson Stadium (Peacock); Newcastle United take on Crystal Palace; and Tottenham Hotspur battle Sunderland. Odds favor Liverpool slightly at -110 with a 2.5 goal over/under.[2][5]

The day's marquee clash is at 12:30 PM ET: Manchester City host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium (Peacock), as City seek to narrow the gap on table-topping Arsenal, who lead by four points per recent previews. City are -160 favorites with a 3.5 goal line.[2][4][5]

Manchester United's squad depth issues are under scrutiny, with their bench totaling just 1,110 combined minutes ahead of the Leeds clash. Transfer rumors swirl, including United and Liverpool eyeing Watford's Othmane Maamma, amid the open 2026 winter window—highlighted by Brennan Johnson's move from Tottenham to Crystal Palace.[6]

Previews from ESPN FC emphasize Arsenal's strong position and better recruitment edge over City. Elsewhere, Real Madrid face Real Betis in LaLiga, and Tom Brady's Birmingham City meet Coventry in the Championship.[2][4]

Stay tuned for live updates as these matches unfold on the first Premier League weekend of 2026, a World Cup year brimming with excitement. Previous day's action saw Liverpool and Manchester City drop points in 0-0 draws against Leeds and Sunderland, respectively.[1][2]