Premier League 2025-26: Man United vs Arsenal Headlines Opening Weekend, Liverpool to Kick Off Title Defence at Anfield

Premier League 2025-26: A high-voltage Sunday showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal headlines the opening weekend of the 2025-26 English Premier League season, with champions Liverpool starting their title defence at residence to AFC Bournemouth on Friday, August 15.
The Premier League introduced its full fixture record on Wednesday, giving followers a glimpse of the challenges forward simply weeks after the conclusion of the 2024-25 marketing campaign.
Marquee Fixtures: Opening Weekend (UK Time)
Friday, Aug. 15
Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth (20:00)
Saturday, Aug. 16
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United (15:00)
Brighton vs Fulham (15:00)
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (15:00)
Sunderland vs West Ham United (15:00)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley (15:00)
Wolves vs Manchester Metropolis (17:30)
Sunday, Aug. 17
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (14:00)
Manchester United vs Arsenal (16:30)
Monday, Aug. 18
Leeds United vs Everton (20:00)
Early Season Drama: Huge Clashes Loom Massive
After opening towards Bournemouth, Liverpool’s title defence will probably be examined early, with a frightening journey to Newcastle in week two adopted by a blockbuster residence conflict towards Arsenal.
For Arsenal, the beginning is much more brutal – they face Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester Metropolis, and Newcastle inside their first six video games. The Gunners, who ended runners-up for a 3rd straight season, will must be at their sharpest from day one.
Manchester Metropolis, chasing their seventh league crown beneath Pep Guardiola, start away to Wolves on August 16.
New Eras and New Houses
Everton start life at their new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium on August 23 towards Brighton, transferring from their historic Goodison Park residence.
Sunderland, again within the Premier League for the primary time since 2016-17, host West Ham on the opening weekend.
Leeds United, additionally returning to the highest flight, welcome Everton on August 18.
Thomas Frank’s Premier League managerial debut for Tottenham is at residence vs Burnley, simply days after dealing with PSG within the UEFA Tremendous Cup.
Key Season Dates
FA Group Defend – August 9/10
UEFA Tremendous Cup – August 13
Premier League Kickoff – August 16
UCL Group Stage Draw – August 28
Switch Window Closes – September 1
UCL Group Stage Begins – September 16
Highlights – Upcoming Huge Matches
Aug. 23:
Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Manchester Metropolis vs Tottenham
Arsenal vs Leeds
Aug. 30:
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Manchester United vs Burnley
Brighton vs Manchester Metropolis
Sept. 13:
Manchester Metropolis vs Manchester United
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Burnley vs Liverpool
Sept. 20:
Arsenal vs Manchester Metropolis
Liverpool vs Everton
Manchester United vs Chelsea
Oct. 18:
Liverpool vs Manchester United
Arsenal vs Fulham
Nov. 22:
Arsenal vs Tottenham
Manchester United vs Everton
Newcastle vs Manchester Metropolis
Jan. 24:
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Manchester Metropolis vs Wolves
West Ham vs Sunderland
Mar. 21:
AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United
Brighton vs Liverpool
Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest
Newcastle vs Sunderland
Could 2:
Manchester United vs Liverpool
Arsenal vs Fulham
Chelsea vs Tottenham
Last Day – Could 24:
Brighton vs Manchester United
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Liverpool vs Brentford
Manchester Metropolis vs Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton
Whereas the opening weekend kickoffs are locked in, all remaining fixtures are topic to adjustments based mostly on TV scheduling and European competitors involvement. With heavyweight clashes scheduled all through the early months and key title-deciding video games unfold throughout the calendar, the 2025-26 Premier League season guarantees to be one other thrilling chapter in English soccer.