Premier League champions Liverpool will kick off the 2025/26 season at home against Bournemouth on Friday, August 15, as the full fixture list for the new campaign is unveiled.
The Anfield curtain-raiser marks the start of Arne Slot’s second season in charge after guiding the Reds to a league title in his debut campaign.
One of the standout fixtures of the opening weekend will see Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17.
Newcomers and Key Matchups
Newly promoted Sunderland, returning to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/17 season, will open their campaign against West Ham United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, August 16.
Championship title winners Leeds United will host Everton in the Monday night fixture on August 18 at Elland Road. Meanwhile, Burnley—back in the top flight after just one season away—will travel to Tottenham Hotspur, now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, will begin their bid to bounce back from a rare trophyless season with an away game at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Everton supporters will get their first glimpse of top-flight football at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium in the second round of matches when they welcome Brighton.
Season Schedule and Rest Periods
The 2025/26 season will span 380 matches across 33 weekends and five midweek rounds, concluding on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The Premier League confirmed the August 15 start date allows for maximum rest following the previous season’s close. It also emphasized that, during the festive period, teams will not be required to play more than once within a 60-hour window, in an effort to manage player welfare.
Premier League 2025/26 Opening Weekend Fixtures
Friday, August 15
- Liverpool vs Bournemouth (20:00)
Saturday, August 16
- 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)
- Wolves vs Manchester City (17:30)
Sunday, August 17
- Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (14:00)
- Manchester United vs Arsenal (16:30)
Monday, August 18
- Leeds United vs Everton (20:00)