Premier League 2025-26 Fixtures Revealed: Man Utd v Arsenal Headlines Opening Weekend Drama
Liverpool kick off the season, while Chelsea, Man City and Tottenham all face intriguing starts
The wait is over. The Premier League 2025-26 fixtures are officially out, and it’s safe to say the new season is starting with a bang. From title hopefuls squaring off early to newly-promoted clubs testing their mettle, the opening weekend promises fireworks — and the full campaign looks set to deliver drama from August to May.
Perhaps the biggest eye-catcher in the fixture release is the headline clash at Old Trafford, where Manchester United host Arsenal on Sunday 17 August. It’s a blockbuster showdown between two of England’s most storied clubs, both of whom will be looking to assert themselves in the title race right from the off.
But that’s just one part of a stacked opening weekend that begins under the Friday night lights on Merseyside, with champions Liverpool raising the curtain at Anfield against Bournemouth.
Man Utd v Arsenal: An Early Test of Title Credentials
There’s no easing into the season for Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United or Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. The Red Devils will welcome the Gunners to Old Trafford for a Sunday afternoon clash that already feels pivotal — even if it’s only Week 1.
United will be eager to bounce back after another transitional year, while Arsenal arrive as legitimate title contenders once again, having pushed hard in the previous two campaigns. This fixture has produced fireworks in recent seasons, with dramatic late goals, controversies, and momentum shifts. Expect more of the same.
The match is scheduled for 16:30 BST on Sunday 17 August — a slot traditionally reserved for the weekend’s headline fixture. And rightly so.
Liverpool Launch Their Title Defence on Friday Night
Jürgen Klopp may be gone, but Liverpool’s ambitions remain sky-high. Their first test comes at home against Bournemouth on Friday 15 August, a fixture that brings back memories of last season’s 3-1 win — one of many strong home performances.
With a new head coach in charge — potentially Arne Slot if negotiations go to plan — Liverpool will be keen to set the tone under the lights at Anfield. The energy is likely to be electric as fans get their first look at the post-Klopp era in competitive action.
City’s Title Charge Begins on the Road
Treble winners in 2023, double winners in 2024, and still the team to beat. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will start their 2025-26 Premier League campaign away to Wolves in the Saturday evening kick-off on 16 August (17:30 BST).
City have enjoyed a dominant record at Molineux in recent years, but Wolves can be unpredictable — especially on home turf. It’ll be fascinating to see how City set up in their first match since Kevin De Bruyne’s departure to Napoli and with Bernardo Silva now captaining the side.
London Calling: Chelsea and Spurs Set for Home Openers
Chelsea’s latest reboot gets underway at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 17 August at 14:00, when they host Crystal Palace. After a turbulent few seasons, the Blues will hope a strong start can help steady the ship. This London derby could provide early clues about how serious Chelsea are about returning to the top four.
Tottenham, meanwhile, welcome newly-promoted Burnley to North London at 15:00 on Saturday. Vincent Kompany may have moved on from Turf Moor, but Burnley’s attacking philosophy remains — and Spurs will need to be sharp to avoid an opening-day stumble.
The Return of Leeds and Sunderland
It’s been a long road back for Sunderland, but the Black Cats are finally back in the Premier League. Their return match is a home fixture against West Ham on Saturday afternoon — a game that will surely bring a carnival atmosphere to the Stadium of Light.
Leeds United, another newly-promoted giant, will round off the opening weekend with a Monday night clash at Elland Road against Everton. It’s a nostalgic fixture, one loaded with top-flight history, and under the floodlights, expect it to be fiercely contested.
Full Opening Weekend Fixtures: Premier League 2025-26
Friday, 15 August
- 20:00 – Liverpool v Bournemouth
Saturday, 16 August
- 12:30 – Aston Villa v Newcastle United
- 15:00 – Brighton v Fulham
- 15:00 – Nottingham Forest v Brentford
- 15:00 – Sunderland v West Ham United
- 15:00 – Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley
- 17:30 – Wolves 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
Final-Day Fixtures Set for May Drama
If the opening round of games whets the appetite, the final day — scheduled for Sunday 24 May 2026 — looks set to serve up a dramatic finish.
Key fixtures include:
- Liverpool v Brentford at Anfield — will the Reds be in the title mix?
- Manchester City v Aston Villa — another tough final opponent for City.
- Brighton v Manchester United — never an easy place to go on the final day.
- Crystal Palace v Arsenal — London derbies are never predictable, especially under pressure.
Elsewhere, Chelsea travel to Sunderland, Tottenham host Everton, and West Ham face Leeds in what could be a relegation six-pointer.
How to Buy Tickets for the 2025-26 Season
For fans looking to catch the action live, the best place to buy tickets remains the official club portals. Each Premier League team offers direct access to home and away match tickets, though many games sell out quickly.
If you miss out, resale platforms like StubHub and Viagogo may offer another option — but be sure to check the terms and make sure the seller is verified. As always, prices will vary depending on opposition, location, and competition.
Notably, the Premier League’s £30 cap on away ticket prices remains in place for 2025-26 — a move that continues to make travelling support more affordable. If you’re on a budget, away days might be your best bet.
Watching from Home: TV & Streaming Options
In the UK, the Premier League will again be split between Sky Sports and TNT Sports, offering extensive live coverage across TV and streaming platforms. BBC Sport retains highlights rights, with Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 returning in August — though for the first time in 25 years, Gary Lineker won’t be hosting.
In the United States, NBC Sports continues to hold exclusive broadcast rights, with coverage available on Peacock and other NBC platforms through to 2028.
In Summary – Buckle Up for a Wild Ride
From Manchester United v Arsenal on Day One to a potentially decisive City v Villa clash on the final afternoon, the Premier League 2025-26 fixture list is a feast of football from start to finish.
With fresh storylines, new managers, and returning giants like Leeds and Sunderland, the season is already shaping up to be one of the most compelling in years.
Now all that’s left to do is count down the days. Premier League football is nearly back — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
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