News Focus
- Champions Arsenal will begin their title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday, 21 August.
- New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola faces a difficult debut away at Newcastle United on Sunday, 23 August.
- Manchester City start a new chapter without Pep Guardiola when they host Bournemouth on the opening weekend.
- The first Manchester derby of the campaign is scheduled for 12 September at Old Trafford.
- The season will conclude on 30 May, with Arsenal hosting Brighton and Liverpool entertaining Bournemouth on the final day.
English football’s top flight has confirmed the complete schedule for the 2025/26 campaign. The season will kick off on Friday, 21 August, when defending champions Arsenal welcome Coventry City to the Emirates Stadium. This fixture marks Coventry’s return to the highest level after a 25-year absence.
The opening weekend continues with several intriguing clashes. Hull City, another promoted side, will host Manchester United on Saturday afternoon. Everton face Crystal Palace, while Ipswich Town take on Sunderland in a match between two top-flight sides. Nottingham Forest welcome Leeds United, and Brentford host Tottenham Hotspur in the evening slot.
Sunday, 23 August brings two significant managerial debuts. Andoni Iraola will take charge of his first competitive match for Liverpool when they travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United. Across Manchester, City begin life without Pep Guardiola as they entertain Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. Brighton host Aston Villa in the earlier Sunday fixture. The opening round concludes on Monday, 24 August, when Xabi Alonso begins his tenure as Chelsea manager with a trip to Fulham.
Several key dates stand out in the calendar. The first Manchester derby takes place at Old Trafford on 12 September. Arsenal travel to Aston Villa in the second week of the season, before welcoming Chelsea to North London seven days later. Roberto De Zerbi will experience his first north London derby on 5 December when Tottenham host Arsenal.
Coventry manager Frank Lampard will make an emotional return to his former club Chelsea on Boxing Day. Liverpool’s trip to Old Trafford is scheduled for 23 January. The reverse fixture between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates will take place a week after the City versus Arsenal clash in November.
The campaign will draw to a close on 30 May. Arsenal will aim to defend their crown at home to Brighton, while Liverpool host Bournemouth. Manchester City conclude their season away at Sunderland. Chelsea and Manchester United both finish with home matches against Brentford and Fulham respectively.