Liverpool will kick off their Premier League title defense at Anfield with a Friday night clash against Bournemouth on August 15, marking the first match of the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, Manchester United welcomes Arsenal to Old Trafford in one of the headline fixtures of the opening weekend.
The Reds, who are eyeing a third league title in six seasons, are expected to have German playmaker Florian Wirtz among their ranks. The new campaign begins under the lights at Anfield, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling year of English football.
Liverpool’s first month under new manager Arne Slot won’t be easy. After their opener, they travel to face Newcastle before hosting Arsenal in a heavyweight encounter a week later — a stretch that immediately tests their title credentials.
Arsenal, runners-up for three consecutive seasons, will face a stern test from the start. The Gunners begin their campaign with a tough away trip to Manchester United, followed by key fixtures against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle within their opening six matches.
Manchester United, who finished a disappointing 15th last season, face a difficult road back to form. Erik ten Hag’s side have a brutal opening schedule — including a derby clash away to Manchester City in week four and a home tie against Chelsea the following round.
Wednesday’s full fixture release has given clubs and fans a chance to start mapping their season, coming just weeks after the curtain fell on the 2024-25 campaign.
A new chapter begins for Everton as they prepare to debut in their 53,000-seat stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Their first opponent at the new ground will be Brighton on August 23, in the second round of the season.
Tottenham will also be under new leadership this season. Thomas Frank’s first league game as Spurs manager comes at home against newly promoted Burnley on August 16. That debut follows a high-profile UEFA Super Cup showdown three days earlier against Paris Saint-Germain, as Europa League winners Tottenham face the reigning Champions League holders.
Sunderland marks their return to the Premier League with a home fixture against West Ham — their first top-flight appearance since the 2016-17 season. Leeds United, also newly promoted, begin with a home game against Everton after two years in the Championship.
Key Fixtures to Watch:
1. Liverpool vs Arsenal (Aug 30–31)
2. Manchester City vs Manchester United (Sept 13–14)
3. Arsenal vs Manchester City (Sept 20–21)
4. Liverpool vs Manchester United (Oct 18–19)
5. Manchester City vs Liverpool (Nov 8–9)
6. Arsenal vs Liverpool (Jan 6–8)
7. Manchester United vs Manchester City (Jan 17–18)
8. Liverpool vs Manchester City (Feb 7–8)
9. Manchester City vs Arsenal (Apr 18–19)
10. Manchester United vs Liverpool (May 2–3)
Fixture Congestion Looms
Both Manchester City and Chelsea will be involved in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, potentially playing in the United States until mid-July. That gives them just about a month to recover before the domestic season gets underway.
The packed calendar is further complicated by the upcoming men’s World Cup, also to be held in North America. Many top players will face an intense workload with little downtime between tournaments.
In a bid to reduce strain during the festive period, the Premier League has committed to preventing any two rounds of holiday fixtures from being scheduled within 60 hours of each other — a small win in an otherwise crowded season.
See also:
UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round Draw Revealed
Maccabi, Rangers, Salzburg Set for UCL 2nd Round Tests
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Real Madrid Life vs Liverpool
Potter Risks With Palmieri Exit as West Ham Shake-up Deepens
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