Liverpool to Open Premier League Season Against Bournemouth
Liverpool to Kick Off 2025/26 Premier League Season Against Bournemouth, Man United Host Arsenal in Blockbuster Weekend
Defending champions Liverpool will begin their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on the opening night of the 2025/26 season. The curtain-raiser is set for Friday, 15 August, at Anfield, marking Arne Slot’s first full season in charge after a triumphant debut campaign.
The opening weekend also features a headline clash between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, in what promises to be an early test for both sides’ title ambitions.
Newly promoted Sunderland, returning to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/17 season, will host West Ham on Saturday, 16 August, while Championship winners Leeds United welcome Everton to Elland Road under the Monday night lights.
Burnley, who secured an immediate return to the top flight, face a tough opener away to Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur, now managed by Thomas Frank in his Premier League debut with Spurs.
Manchester City, reeling from a rare trophyless season under Pep Guardiola, will begin their quest for redemption with a trip to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa host Newcastle United in Saturday’s early kickoff, while Brighton take on Fulham and Nottingham Forest play Brentford in the traditional 3pm slot.
Everton fans will have to wait until Matchday 2 for their first league fixture at the newly named Hill Dickinson Stadium, when they’ll face Brighton.
The 2025/26 season will span 380 matches over 33 weekends and five midweek rounds, concluding on Sunday, 24 May 2026. The Premier League has confirmed the August 15 start — just 82 days after the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign — was chosen to maximize rest time for players, particularly those involved in summer international tournaments.
In a move to protect player welfare, no club will be required to play two matches within 60 hours during the congested festive schedule.
This season will also usher in a new era for fans watching from home. Under the latest broadcasting rights agreement, every match not subject to the traditional Saturday 3pm blackout will be shown live on Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
Full Premier League 2025/26 Opening Weekend Fixtures (All times BST):
Friday, 15 August
- Liverpool vs Bournemouth (20:00)
Saturday, 16 August
- 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)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City (17:30)
Sunday, 17 August
- Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (14:00)
- Manchester United vs Arsenal (16:30)
Monday, 18 August
- Leeds United vs Everton (20:00)
Liverpool to Open Premier League Season Against Bournemouth