The 2025-26 Premier League season is fast approaching, and there are some exciting matchups and key storylines to follow as the teams prepare to battle it out.
Here’s an early look at what to expect, focusing on some of the most anticipated games, starting with Liverpool defending their title and Manchester United vs. Arsenal in the opening weekend.
Key Early Fixtures
1. Manchester United vs. Arsenal: A Classic Opening Game
One of the most exciting matchups of the opening weekend is Manchester United vs. Arsenal, a clash that, in recent years, has often had title implications. While both teams had very different seasons last year, this game is sure to be high-energy. Arsenal will face a tough start to the season with difficult games, including trips to Old Trafford and Anfield.
2. Manchester City’s Easier Start
Manchester City have a much more manageable opening to the season, with a trip to Wolves on the opening weekend and no game against last season’s top five until gameweek five against Arsenal. With their involvement in the Club World Cup, City will appreciate this relatively easier start. They will face key tests with trips to Brighton and a home match against Tottenham, but things look favorable for them to build momentum early.
3. Liverpool’s Title Defense Against Bournemouth
Liverpool, who will defend their Premier League title, have a home match against Bournemouth in the opening game. It’s a favorable start for the defending champions, but the schedule soon ramps up with tough matches against Newcastle and Arsenal to follow.
4. Sunderland’s Premier League Return
As a newly promoted side, Sunderland gets a relatively smooth introduction to life in the Premier League. They will start their campaign at home against West Ham and follow up with a trip to Burnley. Their first real test doesn’t come until October when they face one of the top four from last season. Sunderland will hope to gather points early to establish themselves in the top flight.
Managerial Challenges and Club Dynamics
5. Thomas Frank Faces Early Tests with Brentford
Brentford, under new manager Thomas Frank, faces an uphill task right away with a trip to Manchester City on the second weekend of the season. After that, Frank’s team will have a chance to build momentum with some more manageable fixtures before facing the top teams again later in the season.
6. Manchester United’s Tough Start
Manchester United have one of the toughest schedules early on, according to analysts. With games against Arsenal, Fulham, Burnley, Manchester City, and Chelsea in their first six matches, manager Erik ten Hag will need to get the team up to speed quickly. Their performance in these opening fixtures will be critical to avoid a poor start like last season.
7. Everton’s New Era
With Everton playing their first Premier League match at the newly named Hill Dickinson Stadium, they’ll hope for a strong start at home. The first five home games include matches against Brighton, Aston Villa, West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Tottenham. These games offer a chance to build momentum before facing the bigger challenges later in the season.
Complete Opening Weekend Fixtures
Here are the opening weekend fixtures for the 2025-26 Premier League season:
Friday, August 15
- Liverpool vs. Bournemouth (3 p.m. ET)
Saturday, August 16
- Aston Villa vs. Newcastle (7:30 a.m. ET)
- Brighton vs. Fulham (10 a.m. ET)
- Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford (10 a.m. ET)
- Sunderland vs. West Ham (10 a.m. ET)
- Tottenham vs. Burnley (10 a.m. ET)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester City (12:30 p.m. ET)
Sunday, August 17
- Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace (9 a.m. ET)
- Manchester United vs. Arsenal (11:30 a.m. ET)
Monday, August 18
- Leeds vs. Everton (3 p.m. ET)
What to Expect from the Early Games
- Manchester United vs. Arsenal: This match promises to be a thrilling start to the season with both teams eager to prove themselves after last season’s disappointments.
- Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: A great opportunity for Liverpool to start their title defense with a solid win, but they must remain focused on tougher opponents ahead.
- Sunderland’s return: Fans will be watching with excitement as Sunderland faces West Ham in their first Premier League match in nine years. It’s a crucial game for their confidence and survival.
- Everton’s new stadium: The opening match at Hill Dickinson Stadium is symbolic for Everton’s future and will set the tone for their season.
