Premier League 2025/26: How do Liverpool Start Their Title Defence | OneFootball

The new Premier League season is on the horizon, and Liverpool return to action as the team to beat.

After a commanding title win last season, they enter the 2025/26 campaign as the bookmakers’ favourites in the Premier League odds to retain their crown. And the club’s ambition has been reflected in the transfer market.

Arne Slot has overseen a summer spending spree totalling over £300 million. German sensation Florian Wirtz became the Reds’ record signing at £116m, while Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have also arrived to strengthen the squad.

However, a successful title defence will be measured not just by the quality of Liverpool’s new recruits but also by how quickly they settle into the rhythm of the league because their opening fixtures offer no guarantees.

Here’s how Liverpool begin the defence of their Premier League title.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth

Date: Friday 15 August Venue: Anfield Kick-off: 20:00

The new season kicks off at Anfield on a Friday night, and Liverpool will be expected to open with a win against Bournemouth. The Cherries have shown resilience in previous seasons but lack the firepower to realistically challenge a title contender on their own turf.

This match could serve as the debut for several new signings, including Kerkez—who would be facing his former club. With a packed Anfield and high expectations, Slot will be aiming for a confident, statement victory to start the campaign.

Newcastle United vs Liverpool

Date: Monday 25 August Venue: St James’ Park Kick-off: 20:00

Liverpool’s first away day of the season is a significant test. Newcastle have become one of the toughest sides to face on their home patch under Eddie Howe, and the atmosphere at St. James’ Park will be electric.

According to the latest football odds, the Magpies are expected to challenge for a top four finish again, and Liverpool will need to be at their best to come away with three points. This could be an early benchmark for how well Slot’s tactical philosophy and new additions are bedding in.

Liverpool vs Arsenal

Date: Sunday 31 August Venue: Anfield Kick-off: 16:30

Arguably the biggest match of Liverpool’s opening stretch. Arsenal have finished runners-up in the Premier League three seasons in a row and are desperate to finally get over the line. They have added Viktor Gyökeres to solve their long-standing striker issues, and this could be an early-season title showdown.

Liverpool will be boosted by home advantage, but Arsenal have lost just once here in their last five outings. This match has all the ingredients to be an early classic—and the result could help shape the narrative of the title race.

Burnley vs Liverpool

Date: Sunday 14 September Venue: Turf Moor Kick-off: 14:00

After the international break, Liverpool face newly promoted Burnley away. Now under the management of Scott Parker, the Clarets have bounced back at the first attempt and will be looking to make Turf Moor a tough place to visit once again.

For Liverpool, this is the kind of fixture that can trip up even the best sides—especially after a break in rhythm. Expect some rotation with the Champions League starting a few days later, but no lack of focus. Slot will know that dropped points in fixtures like this can be costly come spring.

Liverpool vs Everton

Date: Saturday 20 September Venue: Anfield Kick-off: 12:30

The first Merseyside Derby of the season comes early, and Liverpool will be favourites on home soil—but they’ll be wary of history repeating itself. Everton famously won 2–0 at Anfield in 2021, ending a 22-year winless run at their rivals’ ground. While that victory came during the pandemic season with no fans in attendance, it remains a recent reminder that derbies defy form.

With Arne Slot looking to maintain supremacy in the city, this is more than just three points. A win would cap off a potentially tricky opening month and set the tone for another strong title push.