What football matches are on today in the UK? Full schedule for February 1, 2026

Today is February 1, 2026, and if you’re wondering what’s on in UK football, you’re not alone. With the Premier League in full swing, the FA Cup entering its thrilling third-round stage, and the EFL delivering non-stop drama, there’s more than enough to keep you glued to the screen. No need to scroll through five different apps - here’s exactly what’s happening today, kick-off times, TV channels, and where to watch it all.

Premier League: Big names, big stakes

Three Premier League matches are on today, all kicking off at 3 PM. That’s the usual Saturday slot, and it’s always the busiest. No midweek fixtures this week, so the focus is squarely on the top six.

• Manchester United vs. Liverpool - Old Trafford. This one’s got history. United are struggling, sitting 12th after a string of poor results. Liverpool, meanwhile, are pushing for the top four, and a win here could put them back in the hunt. Trent Alexander-Arnold is back from injury, and he’s expected to start. Look for him to target United’s left-back - they’ve conceded 11 goals from crosses this season.
• Arsenal vs. Chelsea - Emirates Stadium. Arsenal are top of the table, unbeaten in their last eight. Chelsea are in freefall, winless in five. Mikel Arteta’s side have scored 22 goals in their last six games. Raheem Sterling is back from suspension and could be the difference-maker. If Chelsea’s defence doesn’t tighten up, this could be a rout.
• Manchester City vs. Tottenham - Etihad Stadium. City are chasing a record-breaking 10th straight win in all competitions. Spurs are mid-table, but they’ve got Son Heung-min back from injury. He’s scored in six of his last seven games. City’s defense has been shaky lately - they’ve let in 10 goals in their last five matches. If Spurs can keep it tight, they might nick a point.

All three matches are live on Sky Sports Premier League and NOW TV. You can also stream them via the Premier League app if you’ve got a subscription.

FA Cup Third Round: Lower-league magic

The FA Cup is where the real drama lives. Today, 16 teams from League One and Two, plus National League sides, take on Premier League and Championship clubs. It’s the kind of day where a non-league team can make headlines.

• Grimsby Town (League Two) vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League) - Blundell Park. Grimsby are 18th in League Two, but they’ve won their last three home games. Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, has rotated his squad for this one. Look for young players like Kobbie Mainoo and Jarrad Branthwaite to get minutes. Grimsby’s goalkeeper, Ryan Clarke, has kept four clean sheets this season - he’ll need every one.
• Wrexham (League One) vs. West Ham United (Premier League) - Racecourse Ground. Wrexham are having a dream season. They’re top of League One and already knocked out two Championship sides in the FA Cup. West Ham’s squad is thin - they’ve got injuries across the backline. If Wrexham’s striker, Charlie Wyke, gets space, he’ll score. The crowd here will be electric - over 12,000 tickets sold in under 20 minutes.
• Forest Green Rovers (League One) vs. Newcastle United (Premier League) - The New Lawn. Forest Green are the greenest team in football - they run on 100% renewable energy. Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, has promised a strong team. He’s resting some starters, but Allan Saint-Maximin is playing. He’s scored in three straight games. If Forest Green can hold for 70 minutes, they might force extra time.

These games are live on ITV and the ITVX app. No subscription needed - it’s free-to-air. If you’re in the UK, you can watch all three on your phone, tablet, or TV.

EFL Championship: Playoff push heats up

Five Championship matches today, all at 3 PM. The race for the top six is tight - only three points separate 1st and 6th.

• Leeds United vs. Sheffield Wednesday - Elland Road. Leeds are desperate for points. They’ve lost four of their last five. Sheffield Wednesday are fighting relegation. If Leeds don’t win this, they could drop out of the top six. Patrick Bamford is back from injury - he’s scored 11 goals this season. He’s the only reason Leeds still have playoff hopes.
• Cardiff City vs. Preston North End - Cardiff City Stadium. Cardiff are in the top six, but they’ve only won once in their last six. Preston are 11th, but they’ve kept three clean sheets in a row. Their goalkeeper, Mark Travers, is one of the best in the division. He’s saved 87% of shots on target this season.
• Reading vs. Huddersfield Town - Select Car Leasing Stadium. Reading are bottom of the league. Huddersfield are just above them. This is a relegation six-pointer. Reading’s manager, Ruben Selles, has switched to a 3-5-2. It’s working - they’ve scored in their last three games. Huddersfield’s captain, Aaron Mooy, is back from suspension. He’s the engine of their midfield.

All Championship matches are on EFL on Quest - free-to-air on Freeview channel 37. You can also stream them on the EFL’s official app.

What if you can’t watch live?

Not everyone can sit down at 3 PM. Maybe you’re at work, or you’ve got kids to pick up. Here’s how to catch up:

• Goal.com - Live text updates with minute-by-minute commentary. Real-time goals, cards, substitutions.
• BBC Sport app - Highlights every 15 minutes after full-time. No ads, no fluff.
• Sky Sports app - Watch full match replays within 2 hours of the final whistle.
• Twitter/X - Follow @PremierLeague, @EFL, and @FA_Cup. They post key moments within seconds.

And if you’re looking for stats - who’s scoring, who’s missing, who’s injured - check FBref.com. It’s free, no sign-up needed, and it’s the most accurate source for English football data.

What’s next?

After today, the FA Cup fourth round kicks off on February 22. The Premier League resumes on February 8 with the midweek fixtures. And don’t forget - the EFL Trophy final is in March. If you like underdogs, keep an eye on Sutton United. They’re still in it.

Football in the UK doesn’t stop. Not in January. Not in February. Not even when it’s freezing. Today’s matches are just the beginning. Grab a coffee, find a seat, and watch the game.