Premier League 2025 26 fixtures unveiled: Brutal start for Man Utd and Arsenal

The highly anticipated fixtures for the 2025/26 Premier League season have been officially released, promising an immediate test for several of the league's top contenders. The new campaign is set to ignite on Friday, August 15, 2025, and will conclude on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

One of the standout clashes of the opening weekend sees Manchester United, embarking on their first full season under Ruben Amorim, host title hopefuls Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17. This fixture sets the tone for a daunting start for both clubs. United's initial five games include formidable encounters against Manchester City and Chelsea, ensuring an early examination of their credentials. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, face an equally challenging opening sequence, with their first six matches featuring formidable opponents such as Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Newcastle.

The reigning champions, Liverpool, will have the honor of raising the curtain on the new season, welcoming Bournemouth to Anfield in the curtain-raiser on Friday, August 15. Elsewhere on the opening weekend, Pep Guardiola's new-look Manchester City will travel to face Wolves on Saturday evening, August 16. Sunday's action also includes Chelsea hosting FA Cup holders Crystal Palace, setting up a London derby. The weekend culminates on Monday, August 18, with Leeds United marking their return to the top flight by hosting Everton at Elland Road, their first Premier League match since May 2023.

Here is the opening week:

Friday August 15

Liverpool vs Bournemouth

Saturday August 16

Aston Villa vs NewcastleBrighton vs FulhamNottingham Forest vs BrentfordSunderland vs West HamTottenham vs BurnleyWolves vs Manchester City

Sunday August 17

Chelsea vs Crystal PalaceManchester United vs Arsenal

Monday August 18

Leeds vs Everton

Other notable fixtures from the opening round include Aston Villa welcoming Newcastle in Saturday's early kick-off, while Sunderland also make their Premier League comeback at home against West Ham. Europa League winners Tottenham, now under the guidance of new boss Thomas Frank, begin their campaign at home against newly-promoted Burnley.

All 380 fixtures for 2025/26 Premier League season

The Premier League has also confirmed important details regarding the festive period. While no matches are directly scheduled for Boxing Day (December 26), games listed for Saturday, December 27, are available for live broadcast re-scheduling to the traditional festive date. Crucially, no top-flight club will be required to play two matches in fewer than 48 hours between December 27 and December 30, a welcome change designed to prioritize player welfare. Each club is guaranteed a home fixture on either December 27 or January 3, with reduced travel considerations for the busy period.

Sunday May 24: All 4pm kick-offs

Brighton vs Man UtdBurnley vs WolvesCrystal Palace vs ArsenalFulham vs NewcastleLiverpool vs BrentfordMan City vs Aston VillaNottingham Forest vs BournemouthSunderland vs ChelseaTottenham vs EvertonWest Ham vs Leeds

Beyond the domestic league, the calendar is packed with major cup finals and international tournaments. The Carabao Cup final is slated for Sunday, March 22, followed by the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 16. European club football culminates with the Europa League final on Wednesday, May 20, in Istanbul, the Champions League final on Saturday, May 30, and the Conference League final on Wednesday, May 27, in Germany. The footballing year will extend further into the summer with the FIFA World Cup, scheduled to commence on Thursday, June 11, and conclude with the final on Sunday, July 19.