The Premier League has unveiled its 2025-2026 fixture schedule, setting the stage for an electrifying start to the new campaign. Defending champions Liverpool will launch their title defense on August 15, hosting Bournemouth at Anfield in the season’s opening match. However, the headline fixture of the opening weekend is a mouthwatering Sunday afternoon showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Fresh off a thrilling 2024-25 season, the Premier League’s release of the new schedule on Wednesday has fans buzzing with anticipation. Manchester City, chasing a seventh title under Pep Guardiola, begin their campaign with a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 16. Meanwhile, Arsenal face a daunting early run, taking on Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle in their first six matches after finishing second for the third consecutive year.
Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, faces a stern test early on. Following their opener against Bournemouth, the Reds travel to Newcastle on the second weekend before hosting Arsenal in a blockbuster clash at Anfield. These fixtures will provide an early gauge of Liverpool’s ability to retain their crown in a highly competitive field.
Elsewhere, Everton will christen their new 53,000-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock with a home match against Brighton on August 23, marking a historic farewell to Goodison Park. Tottenham, now led by Thomas Frank, kick off their Premier League campaign at home to newly promoted Burnley on August 16, just days after Frank’s competitive debut in the UEFA Super Cup against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Promoted sides Sunderland and Leeds also make their return to the top flight. Sunderland host West Ham in their first Premier League match since the 2016-17 season, while Leeds face Everton in their opening fixture after two years in the Championship.
With fierce rivalries, new stadiums, and managerial debuts, the 2025-26 Premier League season promises drama from the very first whistle. Fans can now start plotting their matchday plans as the countdown to August begins.
