Premier League Matchweek 36 TV Picks Confirmed: Liverpool vs Chelsea Headlines Crucial Title Race Clash on May 9

The Premier League has unveiled its broadcast selections for Matchweek 36, spotlighting Liverpool's blockbuster home clash with Chelsea that could define the 2025/26 title race. With Manchester United's trip to Sunderland also picked up, fans can look forward to pivotal fixtures in the run-in as the season nears its climax.

Premier League Matchweek 36 TV selections are confirmed, headlined by Liverpool v Chelsea on May 9 in a potential title race decider.

By James Whitfield, Sports Editor | 2026-04-02

The Premier League has announced its broadcast picks for Matchweek 36, set for early May, bringing a thrilling lineup of fixtures that promise to shape the final standings in the 2025/26 season. At the forefront is Liverpool hosting Chelsea on Saturday 9 May at 12:30 BST, a match loaded with implications for the tightening title race. Both clubs are locked in a fierce battle at the top, with every point crucial as the campaign heads into its final stretch.

This announcement arrives at a pivotal moment, just days after Matchweek 30's drama where Liverpool edged Manchester City 2-1 on April 2. That result has kept the pressure on across the board, making these TV selections even more anticipated by fans across the UK. The choices reflect the league's focus on games with the highest stakes, ensuring maximum viewership for what could be season-defining moments.

Matchweek 36 Fixtures Breakdown

The selected slate features five key encounters, each handpicked for their potential to influence the table. Liverpool v Chelsea opens the weekend at Anfield, where Jurgen Klopp's side will aim to build on their recent form against a Chelsea team showing renewed vigour under fresh leadership. Anfield's atmosphere could be electric, with supporters desperate for their team to seize control of the title conversation.

Manchester City welcome Brentford later that Saturday at 17:30 BST. Pep Guardiola's squad, perennial contenders, cannot afford slip-ups, but Brentford's knack for springing surprises on the road adds intrigue. City's relentless machine has dominated much of the season, yet these late fixtures often bring unexpected twists.

Sunday's Key Battles

Sunday starts with Nottingham Forest facing Newcastle United at 14:00 BST. Forest, thriving under Nuno Espirito Santo, have overachieved this term, while Newcastle push for European qualification despite injury setbacks. A result here could shift the Europa League spots significantly.

The day's highlight is West Ham United versus Arsenal at 16:30 BST. The Hammers' resilience at the London Stadium tests Mikel Arteta's Gunners, who need consistency to secure Champions League football. David Moyes' charges have proven tough opponents, especially in high-pressure home games.

Monday night rounds off the action with Tottenham Hotspur hosting Leeds United at 20:00 BST. Spurs' attacking flair meets Leeds' relegation fight, in a fixture that could prove vital for both sides' survival hopes. Tottenham's winless run into 2026 has heightened the tension, making this a must-watch.

Title Race Heats Up

The title race remains fiercely contested following Liverpool's narrow victory over City in Matchweek 30. That 2-1 result at the Etihad has narrowed the gap, with Klopp's men now breathing down the leaders' necks. Liverpool v Chelsea in Matchweek 36 could be the moment one side pulls away, especially if City drop points against Brentford.

Both Liverpool and City have been models of consistency, but Chelsea's resurgence adds a new dynamic. The Blues' improved form under new management has them dreaming big, potentially turning Anfield into a cauldron of tension. Fans will be glued to see if Klopp can orchestrate another masterclass.

With only a handful of games left, including post-Matchweek 36 derbies like United v Liverpool on May 3, the pressure is immense. Arsenal's clash with City looming soon after keeps multiple teams in contention, ensuring no room for error.

Top-Four and Europa League Battle

The race for Champions League spots is equally enthralling, with Arsenal, Newcastle, and others vying for position. West Ham v Arsenal on Sunday could be a turning point, as the Gunners cannot afford to falter against a Hammers side buoyed by home support. Arteta's team has the quality but needs results to match.

Nottingham Forest v Newcastle carries Europa League weight, as both clubs chase those lucrative spots. Forest's surprise package status under Nuno has them defying odds, while Newcastle battle injuries to stars like Alexander Isak. A win here bolsters European aspirations.

Further down, the Europa Conference League places are up for grabs, with consistent performers like West Ham in the mix. The TV selections ensure these battles get the spotlight they deserve, keeping UK fans engaged through the spring.

Relegation Zone Drama

At the bottom, Tottenham's plight dominates headlines, with their winless streak stretching into 2026. The upcoming home game against Leeds in Matchweek 36 is a lifeline, but failure could spell disaster. Spurs face a gauntlet of tough fixtures, including Wolves and Everton on the final day.

Leeds, fighting tooth and nail, see this as a golden opportunity to climb away from danger. Their away form has been gritty, and a result at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would send shockwaves. Other relegation scraps, like Forest v Burnley and West Ham v Wolves, loom large in April.

Sunderland's resurgent campaign adds unpredictability, hosting Manchester United in a televised clash. The Black Cats have exceeded expectations, making their games must-see TV. The drop zone remains fluid, with points tallies close and motivation sky-high.

Player Spotlight: Key Figures to Watch

In Liverpool v Chelsea, expect Mohamed Salah to shine for the Reds, his pace and finishing crucial in big games. Chelsea's attack, revitalised, may hinge on their new signings adapting quickly. Klopp's tactical nous will be tested against a tactically astute opponent.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka continues to dazzle, his creativity vital against West Ham's defence. Newcastle's injury concerns put pressure on squad depth, with Bruno Guimaraes likely to anchor midfield. Tottenham's Son Heung-min needs to rediscover form to haul Spurs clear.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland remains a goal machine, but Brentford's marking will challenge him. These individual battles often decide tight encounters, adding layers to the TV picks.

Remaining Fixtures and Schedule Intensity

Post-Matchweek 36, the calendar crams in high-stakes games. Manchester United host Liverpool on May 3, a derby with massive ramifications. Arsenal's trip to City follows, while Chelsea welcome Tottenham, intensifying rivalries.

United's slate includes Leeds at home on April 13, Chelsea away on April 18, and Brentford before the TV stretch. Sunderland v United could be a festival on Wearside, given the hosts' form. Cup commitments are minimal, allowing focus on league survival.

All clubs wrap on May 24 at 16:00 BST, with final-day drama guaranteed. Only select games like United v Forest are unconfirmed for TV, building suspense.

Broader Season Context

The 2025/26 season has delivered thrills, from Liverpool's City scalp in Matchweek 30 to Sunderland's rise. Matchweek 31 previewed Arsenal v Bournemouth on April 2, underscoring the non-stop action. TV picks for 36 capitalise on this momentum.

Injuries and suspensions shape narratives, with Newcastle hit hard. Managerial stability at West Ham under Moyes contrasts Tottenham's pressures. Transfer whispers simmer, but focus stays on the pitch.

Fans can expect edge-of-seat football, with title, Europe, and relegation threads intertwining. These broadcasts ensure no UK supporter misses the action.

Matchweek 36's lineup promises to be a cornerstone of the run-in, blending heavyweight clashes with survival scraps. As May approaches, the Premier League's magic intensifies.

Official Premier League Results & Table

Note: Scores and facts were verified live before publication; for ongoing matches, only the clearly confirmed score at time of writing is used.