Bournemouth Visit Liverpool in Premier League Opener
Bournemouth visit Liverpool in Premier League opener as Arne Slot’s team begin their title defence at Anfield on Friday, 15 August. This opening clash gives Liverpool a chance to make an early statement as the 2025-26 season kicks off. The following day, Tottenham now under the guidance of Thomas Frank will welcome newly-promoted Burnley in what will be his first game in charge. Sunderland’s return to the top tier also begins on Saturday, 16 August, when they host West Ham. Leeds, another promoted side, will face Everton at Elland Road on Monday night, rounding off the first matchweek.
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Big Openers Across the League
Elsewhere on the opening weekend, Aston Villa are set to host Newcastle in Saturday’s early kick-off, while Manchester City head to Wolves later that day. On Sunday, Manchester United, now led by Ruben Amorim, will meet Arsenal at Old Trafford in one of the standout fixtures of the weekend.
First Games at New Homes and Notable Matchups
Everton will play their first Premier League match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the following week, facing Brighton. That same weekend also includes Arsenal vs. Leeds, Spurs visiting Manchester City, and Liverpool making a trip to Newcastle. The early schedule for Liverpool looks intense, with a home game against Arsenal on the third weekend just before the season’s first international break.
Derbies and Tough Runs
After the break, the first Manchester derby will light up the weekend of 13 September at the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola’s side hosting United. The drama continues the following weekend as Manchester City face Arsenal, Liverpool host Everton in the Merseyside derby, and Chelsea visit Manchester United. Burnley may have the toughest start among the promoted teams, facing top sides like Spurs, United, Liverpool, City, and Villa in their first eight games.
Second-Half Highlights and Season Finale
Manchester United and Liverpool fans will mark 18 October for their clash at Anfield. City and Liverpool meet for the first time on 8 November at the Etihad, followed by the north London derby at Emirates after the break. The north-east derby returns on 13 December with Newcastle visiting Sunderland. The new year begins with Leeds vs. Manchester United and City vs. Chelsea, with Arsenal and Liverpool squaring off midweek. The second Manchester derby will be at Old Trafford on 17 January, while Liverpool host City on 7 February. Everton’s first Merseyside derby at their new stadium arrives 18 April, the same weekend Arsenal travel to face Manchester City. The season wraps up on Sunday, 24 May, featuring games like Manchester City vs. Aston Villa.
