The Premier League is back, and it’s returning with a bang.
Manchester United will host Arsenal in a blockbuster clash on Sunday 17 August to headline the opening weekend of the 2025/26 season. The match, part of Sky Sports’ expanded live coverage, marks the first full campaign under United’s new manager, Rúben Amorim.
Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, face a brutal opening run. After their trip to Old Trafford, the Gunners must take on Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Newcastle — all within their first six games.
The action begins two days earlier on Friday 15 August, when Liverpool raise the curtain at Anfield against Bournemouth in Friday Night Football, also live on Sky Sports.
The following day, Saturday 16 August, sees reigning champions Manchester City away to Wolves in the evening slot, after Aston Villa host Newcastle in the early kick-off.
On Sunday, Sky will air a London derby as Chelsea welcome FA Cup winners Crystal Palace to Stamford Bridge, setting the stage for the marquee fixture later that day — Manchester United vs Arsenal at 4.30pm.
The first Monday Night Football of the season rounds out the weekend, with newly-promoted Leeds United taking on Everton at Elland Road.
Sky Sports Secures 215 Live Matches
In a major boost for fans, Sky Sports has secured rights to show at least 215 Premier League games live this season — up from 128 last year. That means nearly 80% of all televised matches will air on Sky.
“This season promises drama from day one,” said Sky Sports’ Head of Football, Mark Alford. “With more matches than ever before, fans won’t miss a second of the action.”
Return of Sunderland, No Boxing Day Fixtures
Sunderland, returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, will face West Ham at home on their opening day. But in a twist, there will be no matches on Boxing Day this season.
The Premier League has clarified that games listed for Saturday 27 December may shift to Boxing Day depending on TV scheduling. However, no club will be asked to play twice in less than 48 hours, with fixtures spread across 27 and 30 December. Each team will have one home game during that period to reduce travel.Opening Weekend Fixtures (August 15–18)
Friday 15 August
- Liverpool vs Bournemouth (8pm, Sky Sports)
Saturday 16 August
- Aston Villa vs Newcastle (12:30pm)
- Brighton vs Fulham (3pm)
- Nottingham Forest vs Brentford (3pm)
- Sunderland vs West Ham (3pm)
- Tottenham vs Burnley (3pm)
- Wolves vs Man City (5:30pm, Sky Sports)
Sunday 17 August
- Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (2pm, Sky Sports)
- Man Utd vs Arsenal (4:30pm, Sky Sports)
Monday 18 August
- Leeds vs Everton (8pm, Sky Sports)
Season Highlights and Key Dates
- Season start: Friday 15 August 2025
- Final round: Sunday 24 May 2026 (all matches at 4pm)
- FA Cup final: Saturday 16 May
- Carabao Cup final: Sunday 22 March
- Champions League final: Saturday 30 May
- Europa League final: Wednesday 20 May (Istanbul)
- Conference League final: Wednesday 27 May (Germany)
- World Cup 2026: Thursday 11 June to Sunday 19 July
Final Day Fixtures (24 May)
- Brighton vs Man Utd
- Burnley vs Wolves
- Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
- Fulham vs Newcastle
- Liverpool vs Brentford
- Man City vs Aston Villa
- Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth
- Sunderland vs Chelsea
- Tottenham vs Everton
- West Ham vs Leeds
