The Premier League has unveiled its fixtures for the 2025-26 season, and fans are in for a thrilling start as Manchester United host Arsenal on the opening Super Sunday at Old Trafford. It marks the beginning of a new era for United under manager Rben Amorim, and the challenge couldn’t be tougher with title contenders Arsenal coming to town on August 17.
Liverpool will also begin their title defence against Bournemouth at Anfield in the curtain-raiser on Friday, August 15. Chelsea, Manchester City, FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, and newly-promoted sides Sunderland, Leeds United, and Burnley also feature prominently in the early schedule.
Super Sunday showdown
All eyes will be on Old Trafford as Amorim’s Manchester United begin their campaign against a familiar rival in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. It’s a daunting start for United, who will also face Manchester City and Chelsea in their opening five matches. Arsenal’s fixture list is arguably even more challenging, with early-season tests against Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, City, and Newcastle after their trip to Manchester.
Chelsea, now rebuilding under a fresh project, will welcome FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the other Super Sunday fixture, making for a compelling capital derby.
Manchester City, meanwhile, begin their campaign away at Wolves in the Saturday evening kick-off. Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to undergo a period of transition following the departure of several senior players, and Molineux could be a testing first assignment.
Champions return to Anfield spotlight
Liverpool, crowned Premier League champions in 2024-25, will kick off the new season at home to Bournemouth under the Friday night lights. With Anfield expected to be in full voice, Jrgen Klopp’s side will be eager to begin their title defence with three points.
Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola and boasting a refreshed squad, travel to Molineux to take on Wolves in the Saturday evening kick-off. Aston Villa and Newcastle will get Saturday underway in the early fixture, while Spurs – now under the guidance of former Brentford boss Thomas Frank – host newly-promoted Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Promoted clubs step back into the spotlight
Leeds United and Sunderland return to the top flight and will each enjoy home comforts on the opening weekend. Leeds will welcome Everton to Elland Road on Monday night in what will be their first Premier League match since May 2023, while Sunderland take on West Ham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.
Burnley, back in the top tier, face a tough assignment in north London against Spurs. The Clarets will be hoping for a stronger showing after last season’s relegation but face a stern test against a rejuvenated Tottenham side.
Festive period adjustments
There are no fixtures scheduled for Boxing Day this season, though the Premier League has left the door open for matches to be moved to December 26 for live broadcast purposes. A full round of Championship and EFL games is expected to be held that day instead.
To protect player welfare, the Premier League has confirmed no club will play more than once in a 48-hour period between December 27 and December 30, with travel also minimised during the festive period.
Opening weekend fixtures in full:
Friday, 15 August
Liverpool v Bournemouth
Saturday, 16 August
Aston Villa v Newcastle
Brighton v Fulham
Nottingham Forest v Brentford
Sunderland v West Ham
Tottenham v Burnley
Wolves v Manchester City
Sunday, 17 August
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Manchester United v Arsenal
Monday, 18 August
Leeds United v Everton
With heavyweight showdowns, newly promoted clubs back in the fold, and fresh managerial narratives across the board, the 2025-26 Premier League season looks set for a thrilling start. Whether at Old Trafford, Elland Road, or Anfield, the early fixtures offer drama, expectation, and no shortage of talking points