Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool will begin the defence of their title at home against Bournemouth on Friday, August 15, in the opening match of the 2025-26 season. The release of the new season’s fixtures also revealed a heavyweight clash between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on the first weekend.
Liverpool, who secured the title in Arne Slot’s first season as manager, will kick off the new campaign under the lights at Anfield.
The opening weekend will also see the return of three clubs to the top flight. Newly promoted Sunderland, back in the Premier League for the first time since the 2016-17 season, will start their campaign at home against West Ham United. Championship winners Leeds United will host Everton at Elland Road for the first Monday night fixture of the season, while Burnley, who secured promotion at the first time of asking, face a trip to Europa League holders Tottenham Hotspur, where Thomas Frank will take charge of his first league match as Spurs manager.
Manchester City, looking to bounce back from a rare trophyless season under Pep Guardiola, will travel to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Everton supporters will have to wait until the second week of the season for the first competitive league match at their new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, when they are scheduled to host Brighton.
The new season, which begins 82 days after the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign, is set to conclude on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The Premier League has confirmed that no club will be required to play twice within a 60-hour period over the busy festive season. This will also be the first season under a new domestic television deal, which will see every match outside of the traditional Saturday 3 PM blackout broadcast live on either Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
Premier League Opening Weekend Fixtures (All times BST):
Friday, August 15
- Liverpool v Bournemouth (20:00)
Saturday, August 16
- Aston Villa v Newcastle (12:30)
- Brighton v Fulham (15:00)
- Nottingham Forest v Brentford (15:00)
- Sunderland v West Ham (15:00)
- Tottenham v Burnley (15:00)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City (17:30)
Sunday, August 17
- Chelsea v Crystal Palace (14:00)
- Manchester United v Arsenal (16:30)
Monday, August 18
- Leeds v Everton (20:00)
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