Premier League 2025/26 fixtures: Key talking points | OneFootball

The fixtures for the 2025/26 Premier League season have been released and we’ve looked at the key talking points ahead of the opening games.

Arsenal handed horror start

Arsenal are aiming to take the next step this season after three straight campaigns as runners-up. Mikel Arteta’s men will not have time to ease into the season, however, with the fixture computer having given the Gunners a horror start.

The North Londoners take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening weekend and meet four of last season’s top seven in their first six games. That includes facing the champions, Liverpool, at Anfield in late August, Manchester City at the Emirates, and a tricky trip to Tyneside to take on Newcastle United in September.

Their tough start has heightened the need for a strong pre-season and increases the pressure on the board to complete deals swiftly. After a quiet start to the transfer window, it’s time for the Gunners to make progress.

Sunderland have chance to start strongly

Sunderland return to the Premier League after almost a decade away this season, with the Black Cats backed heavily for the drop.

In each of the last two seasons, the three promoted teams have gone straight back down. Leeds and Burnley both have recent top-flight experience, but Sunderland were in League One as recently as 2021/22.

Régis Le Bris faces a huge task but the fixture list offers hope of a good start. Sunderland host West Ham in their opening fixture in what will be a raucous Stadium of Light, before a trip to face fellow promoted side Burnley on matchday two. Across their first four games, Sunderland’s toughest opponent based on last season’s performance is Brentford, who ended 2024/25 10th in the table. The club do not face any of last season’s top five until October 25th.

Amorim has challenge to avoid early pressure

Arsenal’s daunting start has taken the headlines but Manchester United’s own beginning is little better. After those two teams meet on the opening weekend, Ruben Amorim’s side face both Manchester City (H) and Chelsea (A) in their first five games.

Amorim oversaw the club’s worst-ever Premier League campaign last term, inheriting a struggling side from Erik ten Hag in November and providing little uplift. The 40-year-old was handed some slack given his mid-season arrival but after a full summer transfer window and pre-season, expectations will be different.

Challenging the very top sides this season is unlikely, but an improvement in performance is the minimum required. If there is no tangible sign of style emerging, the pressure will be on.

Parker out to spoil former side’s new era

There are no easy fixtures in the Premier League but Thomas Frank will be content with a home clash against promoted Burnley in week one. The Dane has replaced Ange Postecoglou in North London, tasked with turning Tottenham back into top-four contenders.

Frank will be taking nothing for granted, particularly given the job former Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has done at Turf Moor. The 44-year-old has now led three different sides to Premier League promotion and made Burnley a tough nut to crack last season. Burnley conceded just 16 goals in 46 league games last season, a record in a Football League season. Parker will be keen to play the role of party pooper.

Hill Dickinson Stadium hosts Brighton in curtain-raiser

Everton said goodbye to Goodison Park last season with the Toffees moving into the new 52,000+ capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium. After steering the side clear of the relegation battle last season, David Moyes will be hoping his side can move upward in their new home.

Everton are on the road at Leeds on matchday one, before welcoming Brighton to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 23rd. It is set to be a special occasion.

Read – Every Premier League team’s start ranked by difficulty

See more – Five Premier League players who need a move in the summer transfer window

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