The 2025-2026 Premier League season will kick off on Friday, August 15, with reigning champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield, marking the start of another thrilling campaign.
Arne Slot’s side will begin their Premier League title defence under the lights as the traditional curtain-raiser of the English top flight.
After an impressive first season in charge, Slot’s Reds will be looking to continue their dominant form in front of a home crowd.
One of the standout fixtures of the opening weekend sees Manchester United welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17. The clash of these two traditional rivals is expected to set the tone for a fiercely competitive season.
Newly promoted Sunderland, back in the Premier League for the first time since 2016-2017, will start their return to the top flight at home against West Ham United.
Leeds United, who won the Championship title last season, face Everton under the lights at Elland Road on Monday night.
Meanwhile, Burnley, who bounced straight back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, face a tough test away to Europa League holders Tottenham Hotspur. The game marks Thomas Frank’s Premier League debut as Spurs boss.
Manchester City, hoping to rebound from a rare trophyless campaign, will open their season away to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux in Saturday’s late kick-off.
Everton fans will have to wait until the second round of fixtures for their debut home league game at the newly built Hill Dickinson Stadium, where they will face Brighton.
The 2025-2026 season spans 380 matches played across 33 weekends and five midweek rounds, culminating on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
According to the Premier League, the August 15 start, 82 days after the 2024-2025 season ended, ensures maximum rest time for players.
This season also sees the implementation of a new TV rights deal. Every match, except those in the traditional Saturday 3pm slot, will be broadcast live in the UK on either Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
Additionally, clubs will benefit from a less congested festive schedule, as no team will be asked to play twice in less than 60 hours.
Full Opening Weekend Fixtures (All times 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)
Wolverhampton Wanderers 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)
The post 2025-2026 Premier League Fixtures Are Out: See Full Opening Weekend Schedule appeared first on Naija News.