The 2025/2026 Premier League season is scheduled to commence on Friday, August 15, with defending champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth under the lights at Anfield, in what promises to be an electrifying start to the new campaign.
Under the guidance of Arne Slot, who impressed in his debut season, Liverpool will be eager to launch a strong title defence in front of their home supporters.
The Reds’ return to Premier League action comes just 82 days after wrapping up the previous season.
Elsewhere, newly promoted Sunderland will mark their return to the top flight for the first time since the 2016–17 season with a home fixture against West Ham United, while Leeds United, winners of the Championship last term, take on Everton at Elland Road on Monday night.
Manchester United and Arsenal will reignite their historic rivalry on Sunday, August 17, with the heavyweight clash at Old Trafford expected to be one of the highlights of the opening round.
Burnley, who earned immediate promotion back to the Premier League, will face a challenging opener away to Tottenham Hotspur, where newly appointed manager Thomas Frank makes his top-flight debut for Spurs.
Manchester City, who are aiming to bounce back from a rare trophyless campaign, start their season on the road against Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday’s late kickoff.
Meanwhile, Everton’s first home match will not come until the second weekend, when they take to the pitch at their new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, to face Brighton.
The season will be played over 380 matches across 33 weekends and five midweek rounds, culminating on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
A new TV deal also takes effect this season, with every match, except for Saturday 3pm fixtures, set to be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
Full 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)