Premier League opening fixtures 2026/27: Full schedule, dates, kick-off times
Arsenal begin their title defence at home, while Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all face intriguing tests on Gameweek 1 of the new Premier League season
The full Premier League fixture list for the 2026/27 season has been released, confirming the opening weekend schedule, dates and kick-off times for all 20 clubs ahead of the new campaign.
As always, much of the attention falls on the so-called “Big Six”, with every opening weekend result capable of shaping the early narrative of a title race, a top-four push or a manager’s future.
Arsenal begin the campaign as defending champions, while Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are all expected to push for the title.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping to build momentum quickly and avoid the slow starts that have hampered previous campaigns.
The Gunners are set to host 2025/26 Championship winners Coventry City in the Premier League season opener on Friday, August 21, while Manchester United play away at new-promoted Hull City and Spurs will be tested at Brentford a day later in one of the biggest fixtures of Gameweek 1.
Among the standout Premier League opening weekend fixtures, title contenders Manchester City host Bournemouth while Liverpool travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United in one of the headline matches of Gameweek 1. A day later, a London derby will see Fulham lock horns with Chelsea to conclude the first matchday of the campaign.
Premier League Gameweek 1 fixtures and opening weekend schedule
Everton will kick off their season on home soil, where they’ll face Crystal Palace, who have recently confirmed the appointment of Pierre Sage to succeed Oliver Glasner. Having returned to the top-flight after just a year of absence, Ipswich Town will host a Sunderland side who secured European football after finishing seventh last season.
Nottingham Forest will look to bounce back after a poor 2025/26 campaign by hitting the ground running at home against Leeds United, while Brighton and Hove Albion will take on Aston Villa early on Sunday.
Biggest Premier League derbies and key fixtures in 2026/27
While opening weekend always attracts huge interest, supporters will also have one eye on the biggest rivalries later in the campaign, with some derby dates to look forward to.
The first North London derby takes place on the weekend of December 5, when Tottenham host Arsenal, while the return fixture at the Emirates is scheduled for the weekend May 1 and could have major implications at the top end of the table. Meanwhile, Liverpool and Manchester United meet for the first time at Anfield on the weekend of November 21 before renewing hostilities at Old Trafford on the weekend of January 23 in one of the most anticipated fixtures on the English football calendar.
The Manchester derby arrives unusually early this season, with Manchester United hosting Manchester City on the weekend of September 12. The return fixture at the Etihad follows on the weekend of March 20 and could prove pivotal in the title race and Champions League battle. Elsewhere, the Merseyside derby sees Everton welcome Liverpool on the weekend of November 28 before the Reds host their local rivals at Anfield on the weekend of January 30.
Several other clashes between members of the traditional “Big Six” also stand out. Arsenal host Manchester City on the weekend of November 28 before travelling to the Etihad on the weekend of January 30, while Liverpool face Arsenal on the weekend of October 31 at Anfield and again at the Emirates on the first weekend of February. Chelsea’s meetings with Arsenal are scheduled for the weekends of September 5 and March 13, while the Blues face Tottenham on the weekends of October 24 and May 8.
Premier League fixture highlights and FAQ
When does the 2026/27 Premier League season start?
The new Premier League season begins on Friday, August 21, with Arsenal hosting Coventry City.
Who do Liverpool play in their opening fixture?
Liverpool begin the 2026/27 Premier League season away to Newcastle United.
Who do Manchester United play first?
Manchester United open their campaign with an away trip to promoted Hull City.
When is the first North London derby?
Tottenham host Arsenal on the weekend of December 5.
When is the first Manchester derby?
Manchester United host Manchester City on the weekend of September 12.
