Liverpool Host Bournemouth as Manchester United Face Arsenal in Opening Weekend

Premier League champions Liverpool will kick off the 2025/26 season at home against Bournemouth on Friday, 15 August, in the opening fixture of the new campaign.

The Reds, who secured the title in Arne Slot’s debut season in charge, begin their defence at Anfield under the lights in what promises to be a high-profile curtain-raiser.

Elsewhere, Manchester United welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday in a blockbuster early showdown, while newly promoted Sunderland return to the top flight for the first time since 2016/17 with a home tie against West Ham United on Saturday.

Championship winners Leeds United will host Everton on Monday night at Elland Road, as they mark their return to the Premier League. Meanwhile, Burnley, who bounced straight back from relegation, will travel to face Europa League holders Tottenham Hotspur, managed for the first time in the league by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

Other opening weekend highlights include:

• Aston Villa vs Newcastle (12:30, Saturday)
• Brighton vs Fulham (15:00, Saturday)
• Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (15:00, Saturday)
• Wolves vs Manchester City (17:30, Saturday)
• Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (14:00, Sunday)

Everton supporters will have to wait until the second round of fixtures to experience their first Premier League match at the newly rebranded Hill Dickinson Stadium, when they host Brighton.

Manchester City, seeking redemption after a rare trophyless season, begin away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 2025/26 season will consist of 380 matches played across 33 weekends and five midweek rounds, concluding on Sunday, 24 May. The Premier League has confirmed that the 15 August start date allows for maximum rest time for players following the previous season.

As part of the new broadcast agreement, every Premier League fixture outside of the traditional Saturday 3pm blackout will be shown live on either Sky Sports or TNT Sports.

Additionally, no club will be required to play two matches within a 60-hour window over the festive period, in a move aimed at protecting player welfare.