Football

Liverpool to kick off 2025/26 Premier League season against Bournemouth

Defending champions Liverpool will begin their Premier League title defence by hosting Bournemouth on Friday, 15 August, marking the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

It will be Arne Slot’s second season in charge, following a triumphant debut in which he led the Reds to their third league title in seven years.

The opening weekend also features a heavyweight clash between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, while newly promoted Sunderland return to top-flight action with a home tie against West Ham.

Other key fixtures on the opening weekend include Leeds United, back in the Premier League after winning the Championship, hosting Everton on Monday night.

Burnley, who secured promotion at the first attempt, travel to Europa League winners Tottenham, now under new manager Thomas Frank.

Manchester City, aiming to bounce back after a rare trophyless season, visit Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday’s evening kick-off, while Chelsea host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Manchester United have been handed the most difficult start to the season, facing three of last season’s top four in their opening five games. Arsenal’s early fixtures are also daunting, with tests against Liverpool and Manchester City.

In contrast, Aston Villa are judged to have the easiest start, despite opening against Champions League qualifiers Newcastle. Of the newly promoted teams, Leeds face the toughest schedule, including early meetings with Arsenal and Newcastle.

Fixture congestion and scheduling complexities are set to be a talking point, especially with nine clubs competing in European competitions. Managers are likely to face additional pressure due to closely packed matches and potential fixture changes.

Notably, Manchester City will host five of their first six Champions League group games but face difficult away trips afterwards. Chelsea and Arsenal also face tough stretches, with key domestic games falling between European ties.

The season, which will span 380 matches over 33 weekends and five midweek rounds, concludes on Sunday, 24 May.

Premier League opening-weekend fixtures in full

All times BST:

Friday, 15 August

Liverpool v Bournemouth (20:00)

Saturday, 16 August

Aston Villa v Newcastle (12:30)

Brighton v Fulham (15:00)

Nottingham Forest v Brentford (15:00)

Sunderland v West Ham (15:00)

Tottenham v Burnley (15:00)

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City (17:30)