The 2025/26 Premier League season will kick off in dramatic fashion with defending champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth under the lights at Anfield on Friday, August 15.
The fixture, revealed as part of the full Matchweek 1 schedule released on Wednesday, sets the tone for what promises to be another thrilling campaign in English top-flight football.
Arne Slot’s side will look to begin their title defence in style against the Cherries, as they aim to maintain their early dominance on home turf and build momentum from the outset.
The Friday night curtain-raiser offers fans a prime-time introduction to the new season, with anticipation high following Liverpool’s triumphant 2024/25 run.
Meanwhile, one of the standout fixtures of the opening weekend will take place at Old Trafford, where Manchester United host arch-rivals Arsenal on Sunday, August 17.
With both clubs hoping to stake their claim in the title race, the encounter promises high stakes, fierce rivalry, and a showcase of elite talent.
Saturday’s lineup will see newly promoted Sunderland mark their Premier League return after nearly a decade in the lower divisions. The Black Cats, last seen in the top tier in the 2016/17 season, face West Ham United at the Stadium of Light in front of what is expected to be a raucous home crowd.
Fellow newcomers Leeds United and Burnley face difficult tests as they begin their top-flight journey. Leeds will take on Everton at home in the Monday night fixture, while Burnley travel to face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon. Both matches will provide an early measure of their ability to compete at the highest level.
Other fixtures on Saturday include Aston Villa welcoming Newcastle United in the early kick-off, while Brighton entertain Fulham, Nottingham Forest host Brentford, and Manchester City begin their campaign away at Wolves in the evening clash.
Sunday’s action will also feature Chelsea hosting Crystal Palace in a London derby at Stamford Bridge, rounding off a weekend rich with storylines, rivalries, and new beginnings.
2025/26 Matchweek 1 Fixtures:
Friday, August 15
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth (20:00)
Saturday, August 16
Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United (12:30)
Brighton vs. Fulham (15:00)
Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford (15:00)
Sunderland vs. West Ham United (15:00)
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley (15:00)
Wolves vs. Manchester City (17:30)
Sunday, August 17
Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace (14:00)
Manchester United vs. Arsenal (16:30)
Monday, August 18
Leeds United vs. Everton (20:00)
What you should know
The Premier League’s opening weekend promises a blend of nostalgia, rivalry, and anticipation. Champions Liverpool begin under the Anfield lights, while Manchester United and Arsenal reignite one of English football’s fiercest battles.
Sunderland, returning after eight years, and other promoted sides face tough challenges as they re-enter the top-flight fray.
