Liverpool to Kick Off Premier League Title Defence Against Bournemouth as New Season Fixtures Announced
Liverpool will begin their Premier League title defence with a home clash against Bournemouth on Friday, 15 August, marking the opening night of the 2025–26 campaign. Arne Slot’s side, fresh off their first title triumph since 2020, are tasked with setting the tone early at Anfield.
The new season promises immediate drama, with Manchester United facing Arsenal at Old Trafford in a heavyweight showdown just 24 hours later. United, who endured an inconsistent 2024–25 campaign, are handed the league's most difficult opening run, according to Opta’s power rankings, with three fixtures against last season’s top four in their first five games.
Manchester City, aiming to bounce back after a rare trophyless season under Pep Guardiola, start their campaign away at Wolves. City face four away matches directly following five of their first six Champions League ties, complicating squad rotation and recovery strategies early in the campaign.
Meanwhile, newly promoted Sunderland, returning to the top flight for the first time since 2016–17, host West Ham in what is expected to be an emotional return to the Premier League. Championship winners Leeds begin their season under the Monday night lights against Everton, who themselves will play their first league game at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium in round two.
Thomas Frank will lead Tottenham in his first Premier League match as Spurs boss against promoted Burnley—back in the big time after just one year in the Championship. Aston Villa, judged by analytics as having the softest start, will look to build on their recent Champions League qualification under Unai Emery.
The fixture calendar, spanning 380 matches over 33 weekends and five midweek rounds, wraps up on 24 May 2026. To protect player welfare, the league has ensured no team will play twice in under 60 hours during the intense festive period.
England manager Thomas Tuchel will be monitoring the calendar closely, with Liverpool scheduled to face Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City right before each of the season’s international breaks—key matches that could shape the early title race.
With nine Premier League teams in European competitions this year—six in the Champions League—fixture congestion and late schedule changes are expected, especially if clubs progress deep into knockout stages.
Among the most anticipated individual storylines is that of Rayan Cherki, Manchester City’s marquee summer signing, who has already promised to “punish” Manchester United following their Europa League triumph over his former club Lyon. That moment could come as early as 13 September at the Etihad.
As the curtain rises on a new campaign, the road to glory—and survival—looks more intricate than ever.
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