The Premier League has officially announced the fixtures for the 2025/26 season, setting the stage for another thrilling year of English football. Reigning champions Liverpool will begin their title defense at Anfield against Bournemouth on Friday, August 15th, in a match broadcast live on Sky Sports with an 8pm kickoff.
Liverpool, under the continued management of Arne Slot, will be eager to build upon their previous season's success. The opening match against Bournemouth presents an opportunity to start strong and signal their intentions for the campaign. However, the Reds face a challenging start to the season overall. Their first away game is against Newcastle on August 23rd, followed by a home match against Arsenal on August 30th, in what promises to be an early test of their title credentials.
Other notable fixtures for Liverpool include the Merseyside derbies against Everton, with the first at Anfield on September 20th and the return fixture at Everton's new stadium on April 18th. Matches against Manchester United are scheduled for October 18th at Anfield and May 2nd at Old Trafford, while the clashes with Manchester City, always pivotal in the title race, will take place on November 8th (away) and February 7th (home). Liverpool will conclude their season at home against Brentford on May 24th.
The opening weekend also features several other intriguing matches. Manchester United will host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17th, in a game also televised by Sky Sports. This promises to be a blockbuster encounter as both teams aim to start the season on a high note. Chelsea will also begin their campaign at home, welcoming Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 17th.
Other Matchweek 1 fixtures include Aston Villa hosting Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion against Fulham, Nottingham Forest versus Brentford, Sunderland against West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur against Burnley on Saturday, August 16th. Wolverhampton Wanderers will host Manchester City on Saturday evening, while Leeds United will travel to Everton on Monday, August 18th.
Arsenal face a difficult start with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on August 17th. The Gunners then have a home game against newly promoted Leeds United before traveling to Anfield to face Liverpool on August 30th.
Manchester United's season begins with the high-profile clash against Arsenal. Key dates for United fans will include the Manchester derbies on September 13th (away) and January 17th (home), and the matches against Liverpool on October 18th (away) and May 2nd (home).
Chelsea's opening match against Crystal Palace is followed by a London derby against West Ham United on August 23rd and a home game against Fulham on August 30th. The Blues will face Arsenal on November 29th (home) and February 28th (away), and Tottenham Hotspur on November 1st (away) and May 17th (home).
The newly promoted teams will all face tough starts to the season as they adjust to the Premier League. Leeds United will travel to Old Trafford to face Arsenal in their first away match and will also face Liverpool in January. Burnley face Tottenham away on the opening day, while Sunderland travel to West Ham.
As always, the Premier League season promises plenty of drama, excitement, and unpredictable results. With the release of the fixtures, fans can now begin to plan their season, anticipate key matches, and look forward to what is sure to be another captivating year of football. All fixtures are subject to change.
