The Premier League 2025–26 fixture list has been released, setting the stage for another intense season. Defending champions Liverpool will open the new campaign at Anfield against Bournemouth on Friday, August 15, while Arsenal begin their season with a tough trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday.
Opening Weekend Fixtures (All times BST)
Friday, 15 August
- Liverpool vs Bournemouth (20:00)
Saturday, 16 August
- Aston Villa vs Newcastle (12:30)
- Brighton vs Fulham (15:00)
- Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (15:00)
- Sunderland vs West Ham (15:00)
- Tottenham vs Burnley (15:00)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City (17:30)
Sunday, 17 August
- Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (14:00)
- Manchester United vs Arsenal (16:30)
Monday, 18 August
- Leeds vs Everton (20:00)
Strength of Early Fixtures
Data from Opta’s power rankings has revealed the perceived difficulty of each team’s opening five fixtures:
- Manchester United face the most difficult start, playing three of last season’s top four within their first five games.
- Arsenal are close behind, with early encounters against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United.
- Among the promoted clubs, Leeds United have the most demanding start, facing Arsenal and Newcastle.
- Aston Villa are reported to have the most favorable early schedule, despite opening against Newcastle.
Fixture Context and Key Notes
- Sunderland return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016–17 and begin their campaign at home against West Ham.
- Leeds United, the 2024–25 Championship winners, host Everton in the first Monday night fixture.
- Tottenham Hotspur, now managed by Thomas Frank, host Burnley in his league debut.
- Manchester City, looking to bounce back from a rare trophyless season, start away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Considerations for the Season Ahead
The Premier League has cautioned that the presence of nine clubs in European competitions, including six in the UEFA Champions League, may result in fixture rescheduling on short notice, especially if teams progress into the knockout rounds.
Broadcasting will also influence fixture timing. The updated TV schedule is expected later this month or in early July, depending on Champions League group stage allocations.
Fixtures surrounding international breaks could also prove pivotal. For example, Liverpool face Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City in the weeks immediately before international windows in September, October, and November. Managers will be forced to manage both physical fatigue and tactical rotation during these tight intervals.
Additionally, the holiday period is expected to be demanding. Clubs such as Burnley, Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Brentford, and Chelsea face long away trips as early as January 3.
Season Overview
- The 2025–26 Premier League season will run from August 15, 2025, to May 24, 2026, comprising 380 matches across 33 weekends and five midweek rounds.
- The league has emphasized player welfare during the congested winter schedule, confirming that clubs will not be required to play twice within a 60-hour window.
- The new Premier League broadcast deal comes into effect this season, ensuring that every fixture outside the traditional Saturday 3:00 p.m. slot will be shown live by Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
Title Race and Expectations
With Arne Slot aiming to defend Liverpool’s crown in only his second season, and Pep Guardiola determined to reclaim top honors after a rare off-year, the title race is expected to be fiercely contested. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will seek to turn consistent second-place finishes into a long-awaited league title.
The journey begins now — and for many clubs, it will be a sprint from the start.
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