Liverpool, United to headline 2025 EPL opener

Premier League fans can expect fireworks from the start of the 2025–26 season as defending champions Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield, while Manchester United host Arsenal in a high-stakes opener at Old Trafford.

The fixtures, announced on Tuesday, promise a thrilling start to the new campaign, which kicks off on Friday, August 15.

The spotlight will be on Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, who clinched the title in his debut season, as they begin their title defence under the Friday night lights. Manchester United, meanwhile, face a tough test against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who finished runners-up for the third straight year and are hungry for glory.

Newly promoted Sunderland return to the top flight for the first time since the 2016–17 season. They begin their campaign at home to West Ham on Saturday, August 16. Championship winners Leeds United are back in the big time as well, hosting Everton under the Monday night lights at Elland Road.

Elsewhere, Burnley—who bounced straight back to the Premier League after relegation—face a tough away day against Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur, now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

Manchester City, coming off a rare trophyless season, begin their redemption campaign with a trip to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers. Pep Guardiola’s men will be keen to make a strong statement early on.

The Premier League emphasized player welfare in the fixture planning. No team will be required to play more than once in 60 hours over the festive period. The season, which spans 380 games, will wrap up on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

This campaign also marks the beginning of a new era in broadcasting. All matches outside the traditional 3 p.m. Saturday blackout will be broadcast live, either on Sky Sports or TNT Sports, under the league’s latest TV deal.