The Premier League is back. The 2025–26 campaign will officially kick off on Friday, 15 August, as defending champions Liverpool begin their title defence at Anfield against AFC Bournemouth under the lights in the season opener.
The full fixture list for all 380 matches has been released, and the opening weekend promises a series of high-profile clashes, with Manchester United set to host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, 17 August, in what is undoubtedly the standout fixture of Matchweek 1. This will be the ninth straight season United have opened their campaign at home, and only the second time in history they have begun the season with a match against Arsenal.
Chelsea also begin their campaign at home on the same day, taking on Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, while Manchester City travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday evening’s slot.
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur face Burnley, Aston Villa host Newcastle United, and Sunderland mark their return to the top flight with a home clash against West Ham United. Newly promoted Leeds United close out the first round with a Monday night home tie against Everton.
The early weeks of the season feature tough tests for clubs with high ambitions. Manchester United’s start includes a trip to Fulham, a home match against Burnley, a derby against Manchester City at the Etihad, and a high-stakes clash with Chelsea. It is a brutal introduction for new manager Ruben Amorim, as United look to recover from a disastrous 15th-place finish last season.
Arsenal, runners-up in the last campaign, also face a challenging run, starting with United away, followed by trips to Leeds and Liverpool, before meeting Nottingham Forest and then hosting Manchester City in what will be a defining first month.
Liverpool, who lifted the title under Arne Slot last season, will be looking to maintain early momentum. After Bournemouth, they face a demanding run, including matches against Spurs and Arsenal, as Slot seeks to build on the success of his debut season.
Here are the opening weekend fixtures for the 2025–26 Premier League season:
Friday 15 August
20:00 – Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth
Saturday 16 August
12:30 – Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Brighton & Hove Albion v Fulham
Nottingham Forest v Brentford
Sunderland v West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley
17:30 – Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City
Sunday 17 August
14:00 – Chelsea v Crystal Palace
16:30 – Manchester United v Arsenal
Monday 18 August
20:00 – Leeds United v Everton
The campaign begins with huge expectations, fierce rivalries, and pivotal early fixtures that could shape the title race and relegation battle. Let the countdown begin.
