The 2025/26 Premier League season is set to kick off with a highly anticipated showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, 17 August. The fixture headlines a packed opening weekend, with reigning champions Liverpool launching their title defence at home against AFC Bournemouth in a Friday night curtain-raiser.
Arsenal, who finished second in each of the last three seasons, will begin their campaign to end a 22-year title drought with a tough away test against a United side that endured a disappointing 15th-place finish last season. Despite their struggles, United hold the best record in Premier League opening weekend history and have strengthened their squad with the signing of forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
The Gunners, yet to confirm any new signings, face a challenging start to the season. Following their clash with United, they welcome newly-promoted Leeds United in Matchweek 2 before taking on three opponents who all finished in the top seven last term.
Head coach Mikel Arteta has described the current transfer window as a pivotal period for the club, as Arsenal look to finally convert their recent near-misses into silverware.
2025/26 Premier League – Matchweek 1 Fixtures (All times BST)
Friday, 15 August
20:00 – Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth
Saturday, 16 August
12:30 – Aston Villa vs Newcastle United
15:00 – Brighton & Hove Albion vs Fulham
15:00 – Nottingham Forest vs Brentford
15:00 – Sunderland vs West Ham United
15:00 – Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley
17:30 – Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City
Sunday, 17 August
14:00 – Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
16:30 – Manchester United vs Arsenal
Monday, 18 August
20:00 – Leeds United vs Everton
