The Premier League has released the full fixture list for the 2026-27 season, setting the stage for another demanding campaign packed with heavyweight clashes, new managerial eras, and several intriguing reunions across the division.
Defending champions Arsenal will begin their title defence at home to newly promoted Coventry on August 21. It marks a high-profile return to the top flight for Coventry, who are back in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years after winning the Championship last season. The opening weekend immediately tests Frank Lampard’s side against the reigning champions at the Emirates.
Elsewhere, the new season brings plenty of managerial intrigue. Andoni Iraola will take charge of his first Premier League match as Liverpool boss away at Newcastle on August 23. His first Anfield appearance is scheduled for the following weekend when Liverpool host Nottingham Forest on August 29.
Manchester City also enter a new era following the departure of Pep Guardiola, with their opening fixture set at home to Bournemouth on August 23. The club are expected to appoint Enzo Maresca, formerly of Chelsea, as Guardiola’s successor after the Spaniard stepped down following a decade in charge.
Chelsea begin their own new chapter under Xabi Alonso, who starts with a west London derby away at Fulham on August 24. It is an immediate test of intensity for a side looking to re-establish itself among the league’s top contenders.
Among the promoted sides, Hull City return to the Premier League after a seven-year absence and open their campaign at home to Manchester United on August 22. Ipswich Town, promoted as Championship runners-up, host Sunderland on the same day.
The opening round also features Europa League winners Aston Villa travelling to Brighton, Brentford hosting Tottenham, Everton facing Crystal Palace, and Leeds United visiting Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal’s early schedule offers no respite after their opener. Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Aston Villa in their first away match, before hosting Chelsea on September 5. Further early-season trips to Sunderland and Brighton follow, adding to a challenging start for the champions.
The fixture computer has also delivered several standout dates across the season. The first Manchester derby of the post-Guardiola era is set for the weekend of September 12. Liverpool welcome Manchester United on November 21, while City and Arsenal meet for the first time on November 28 at the Emirates Stadium.
The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool is also scheduled for November 28, with the fixture taking place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Tottenham and Arsenal meet in the north London derby on December 5, marking Roberto De Zerbi’s first experience of the rivalry.
The festive schedule includes a notable Boxing Day fixture, with Coventry manager Frank Lampard returning to face Chelsea on December 26. Liverpool travel to Manchester United on January 23, before City host Arsenal a week later at the Etihad Stadium.
The season concludes on May 30, with Arsenal at home to Brighton on the final day. Manchester City travel to Sunderland, while Liverpool host Bournemouth. Chelsea and Manchester United end their campaigns at home to Brentford and Fulham respectively.
The campaign begins and ends later than usual due to the World Cup schedule, which finishes just over a month before the Premier League starts. The traditional curtain-raiser, the Community Shield, will see Arsenal face FA Cup winners City on August 16.
