Champions Arsenal host promoted Coventry City on 26/27 opening day

The Premier League has released its fixtures for the 2026/27 campaign which begins on Friday 21st August as the champions Arsenal host newly-promoted Coventry City.

It’s very much a baptism of fire for Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues on their return to the top flight but one that will give them a true test against the Gunners.

Similarly, the following day (Saturday 22nd) Hull City will host Manchester United in the early kick-off while the final promoted team Ipswich Town welcome Sunderland in the 3pm kick-off –the Tractor Boys would love to emulate the Black Cats’ 24/25 season.

Two of the likely title challengers play on the first Sunday of the season as Manchester City host Bournemouth in what will be Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League game in charge. Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola’s life at Liverpool will begin at St James’ Park as his side visits Newcastle United.

The final game of the opening weekend sees a local derby as Craven Cottage sees Chelsea come into town.

Meanwhile, among the big games early in the season the Manchester derby takes place on the weekend of 12th September with United also visiting Anfield on the weekend of 21st November.

The first weekend December will give us a thriller with our first North London and Tyne-Wear derbies of the season. There’s also the return of Boxing Day football later that month.

Finally, the last weekend could prove decisive and if so it’s always interesting to look at the fixtures. Arsenal host Brighton that day, Chelsea face Brentford, Liverpool take on Bournemouth, Manchester United have Fulham to deal with, while Manchester City face a trip to Sunderland. 

Could any of those teams be in with a shot of the title by then? Or will the next season spring some surprises?

Explore the full 2026/27 Premier League fixture list