Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool will kick off their 2025–26 title defence at Anfield against Bournemouth on the opening weekend, while Manchester United will host Arsenal in a blockbuster clash at Old Trafford.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, fresh off winning the title in his debut season, will feature in the season opener on Friday, 15 August.
Newly promoted Sunderland, returning to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016–17 season, will begin their campaign at home against West Ham on Saturday.
Championship winners Leeds United will face Everton under the lights at Elland Road on Monday night, while Burnley, promoted at the first attempt, will travel to Europa League holders Tottenham Hotspur, now under new head coach Thomas Frank, for his first league game in charge.
Everton supporters will have to wait until matchweek two for the club’s first home fixture at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they’ll face Brighton.
Meanwhile, Manchester City, coming off a rare season without silverware, will open away at Wolverhampton Wanderers, looking to make a statement.
The upcoming Premier League season will span 380 matches, played over 33 weekends and five midweek rounds, concluding on Sunday, 24 May.
The Premier League has chosen a 15 August start date, which is 82 days after the 2024–25 season ended, to maximise player recovery time.
To ease fixture congestion, clubs will not be required to play twice within 60 hours during the festive period.
This will also be the first season under the Premier League’s new broadcast deal, with every match outside the traditional Saturday 3:00 p.m. blackout airing live on Sky Sports or TNT Sports.Premier League 2025–26 Opening Weekend Fixtures (All times in 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)
- Wolves 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)
