Premier League 2025–26 fixtures announced: derbies, promoted teams and a blockbuster opening weekend

The 2025–26 Premier League season will begin on Friday, 15 August, with Liverpool hosting AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Arne Slot’s men will take their first step towards defending the title on home turf, while a blockbuster clash awaits on Sunday at Old Trafford: Manchester United welcome arch-rivals Arsenal.

Another highlight of the opening weekend is the showdown between Aston Villa and Newcastle United. Both sides aiming for Champions League qualification will look to set the tone early in the race for European spots. On the same day, Tottenham host newly-promoted Burnley, while Chelsea take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

Early dates for the big derbies

The first Manchester derby of the season will be played at the Etihad on 13 September, while the Merseyside derby will take place at Anfield on 20 September. The first North London derby is scheduled for 22 November at the Emirates, with the return leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 21 February. The Tyne-Wear derby between Sunderland and Newcastle is set for Saturday, 13 December.

Returnees and a tough opening

The three sides promoted from the Championship – Leeds United, Sunderland and Burnley – face tough tests in their return to the top flight. Leeds will host Everton in their opener, Sunderland will welcome West Ham, and Burnley will face a challenging trip to Tottenham.

September: shadowed by derbies

As the fixture list intensifies in September, the Manchester derby on 13 September may prove to be the season’s first defining moment. Just a week later, Arsenal host Manchester City at the Emirates in another heavyweight clash. That same weekend, Liverpool face Everton in the first Merseyside derby of the campaign. This month could prove crucial not just in points, but also in psychological edge.

October: tough away days and upset potential

Chelsea’s meeting with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on 4 October is a standout fixture, while Manchester United travel to face Sunderland and Arsenal face West Ham. Squad rotation and endurance will play an even greater role during this phase of the campaign.

November: four big clashes in three weeks

November reads like a title race rehearsal. Tottenham host Chelsea on 1 November, followed by Manchester City vs Liverpool at the Etihad on 8 November. The North London derby takes place on 22 November at the Emirates, and the month ends with Chelsea hosting Arsenal on 29 November. This stretch could be decisive in shaping the title picture.

December: stress of the schedule

With the expanded Club World Cup format, December will test the depth and rotation strategies of top teams. Key fixtures include the Tyne-Wear derby on 13 December and Manchester United vs Newcastle on 27 December – regional clashes that could directly impact league standings.

Arsenal’s tricky opening run

The Gunners start with a tough away fixture against Manchester United, followed by a home game against Leeds United and then a visit to Anfield in week three. In September and October, Mikel Arteta’s men will face stern tests against City, West Ham and Newcastle. Arsenal’s margin for error in the first half of the season appears minimal.

Manchester City’s derby double

Pep Guardiola’s side will face Wolverhampton and Tottenham early on before hosting Manchester United on 13 September. They then visit Arsenal on 20 September, with further high-profile clashes against Chelsea in late October and Liverpool in November on the horizon.

Chelsea: home ground, high stakes

Chelsea’s first half of the season will be shaped by their results at Stamford Bridge. The Blues will host London rivals Crystal Palace, Fulham and Arsenal, and face both Tottenham and Arsenal again in late November. January brings a tough trip to face Manchester City away.

Liverpool: high-stakes tests early on

After opening against Bournemouth, Liverpool face two major tests in the first three weeks: away at Newcastle and home to Arsenal. They take on Everton on 20 September, and visit Manchester City at the Etihad on 8 November.

Manchester United: Amorim era begins with big tests

Under Rúben Amorim, Manchester United begin the 2025–26 season with a strong but demanding fixture list. They host Arsenal in week one, followed by matches against Burnley (home) and Chelsea (away). The Manchester derby on 13 September is the headline fixture of the month. October’s trip to Sunderland and November clashes with Tottenham and Brighton will test United’s renewed tactical discipline. For their youthful squad, this early stretch could prove pivotal in their top-four ambitions.

Tottenham: a chance to build early momentum

With Thomas Frank at the helm, Spurs begin the season at home against Burnley. September brings Brighton, while October features clashes with Aston Villa and Leeds. These matches will offer a chance for Frank to convince fans that the project is heading in the right direction.

Classic derbies of the season

• Manchester derby: 13 September (Etihad), 17 January (Old Trafford)

• North London derby: 22 November (Emirates), 21 February (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)

• Merseyside derby: 20 September (Anfield), 18 April (Everton’s new stadium)

• Tyne-Wear derby: 13 December (Stadium of Light)

These matches will not only define city rivalries but could also directly shape the top end of the table. The Merseyside and North London derbies, in particular, may prove crucial for European qualification.

Final day could bring drama

The final day of the season, 24 May 2026, is set to deliver high-stakes encounters. Liverpool host Brentford at Anfield, Manchester City welcome Aston Villa, Arsenal visit Crystal Palace, Manchester United travel to Brighton, and Tottenham take on Everton.

Liverpool’s key fixtures

• 15 August: Liverpool – Bournemouth

• 30 August: Liverpool – Arsenal

• 20 September: Liverpool – Everton

• 8 November: Manchester City – Liverpool

• 2 May: Manchester United – Liverpool

Other major clashes

• 13 September: Manchester City – Manchester United

• 22 November: Arsenal – Tottenham

• 29 November: Chelsea – Arsenal

• 13 December: Sunderland – Newcastle

• 18 April: Everton – Liverpool (Everton’s new stadium)

All dates are scheduled according to British Summer Time (BST). Match times are subject to change based on broadcast rights.