Top 10 Premier League fixtures to look forward to in the 2025-26 season
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates with the Premier League trophy. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.
The old season has only just ended (and for some at the FIFA Club World Cup it’s still ongoing) but already there is a chance for fans to wallow in the glittering - but oh so transient - pool of hope that gathers once a year when fixtures for the next one are announced.
Liverpool, Leeds, Tottenham, Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace go into the campaign with trophies to polish, whilst the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City arrive in search a new start and Everton begin it in a new stadium.
The wonderful thing for fans of all 20 clubs, however, is that before the action begins there is that brief moment in which it feels almost anything is possible.
Every single one will have looked at the fixture list and assessed which games are winnable, which are not – and which will be the ones that, ultimately, decide their fate.
Here we pick out the Top 10 fixtures to look forward to in season 2025-26.
So, enjoy the optimism while it lasts – and plan your campaign carefully. A word of caution, though, before booking annual leave for that big trip to Anfield.
With all Premier League fixtures outside of the Saturday 3pm slot due to be shown live across multiple broadcasters for the first time, there will be an awful lot of fixtures changes in the pipeline…
The opening day of the season is always a highlight, especially these days as it's moved to the Friday to enjoy its own slot.
This time, champions Liverpool can be assured of a big welcome on their return to action -and the Kop will hope it's the first chance to get a glimpse of Florian Wirtz if his record transfer goes through.
Jeremie Frimpong could also be in action with Trent Alexander-Arnold already departed, but the feeling is that Liverpool will defend their title with passion and quality.
Bournemouth are no pushovers, of course, but were soundly beaten 3-0 last season at Anfield when Luis Diaz struck twice - and they are currently contemplating selling Milos Kerkez to their rivals.
Still smarting from probably their worst league season since being relegated in 1974, Manchester United are promising a new era at Old Trafford.
They won't have to wait long for their first test, facing title-chasing Arsenal on the first weekend.
The Gunners, having finished second last year, can't afford a slow start, whilst United will be desperate to show that this season will be different. Defeat could see the pressure ramp up from the very start but United fans can take hope from their club's transfer policy - Matheus Cunha could make his debut here, and maybe Bryan Mbeumo too if the Red Devils are successful in luring him from Brentford.
The first Manchester derby of a new season is always eagerly awaited, and this one feels especially significant.
Both clubs are undergoing major change as City recover from a trophyless season and contemplate a rebuild, including new signing Rayan Cherki who scored in both legs of United’s victory over his former club Lyon in the Europa League last season.
This is City’s first opportunity to show they will be title contenders in the new season – and United’s first chance to shows things are changing for them, too.
The first North London derby of the campaign is a big one and Arsenal will be happy it’s at the Emirates.
New Spurs boss Thomas Frank has never won there, although he did grab two draws with Brentford. It will be a huge test of how he’s turning Spurs around.
The good news for Tottenham fans is they head across north London with a trophy in the bag – at last.
An early Christmas present! This one is probably going to be the craziest atmosphere of the season as Sunderland, back in the Premier League after seven years away, take on local rivals Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby.
This is one not to miss at the Stadium of Light, where they will definitely be fireworks.
No games on St Stephen's Day next season (so far at any rate) with all games scheduled for the weekend - with Man United v Newcastle the highlight.
So, we've gone for a midweeker instead - Thomas Frank's emotional return to Brentford. By this stage we'll know if he's made a difference at Spurs but he's guaranteed a hero's reception from the home fans at least. Get your hankies out.
The return of an age-old rivalry based on geography as well as football is one to look forward to. Newly promoted Leeds United against Manchester United has plenty of history and this one could be feisty.
(8) Wednesday, 7 January: Arsenal v Liverpool
A are midweek fixture – and it’s a big one. Could Arsenal-Liverpool be a title six-pointer by the time we reach 2026?
Mikel Arteta will be hoping so – and this fixture could shape the rest of the season.
This is the one Toffees fans have been looking forward to. A Merseyside derby at their shiny new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock with 52,888 fans inside.
The atmosphere should be electric – and if it’s anything like the final derby at Goodison Park then we’re in for a treat.
The last day of the season, when all clubs play at the same time on a Sunday afternoon, is always a highlight of the campaign.
Last year the title race was already over, but it still made for a memorable trophy presentation at Anfield.
The Reds will be hoping for a re-run when Brentford arrive on the final day this time. Always a tricky fixture, although the Bees are yet to win there since arriving in the Premier League back in 2021.
Manchester City, having spent big in the transfer window, will hope to be back in the race this season and face Villa on the final day. That’s a fascinating contest.
Or could Arsenal finally win the title they have been chasing since 2003/04 by winning in south London against Palace?
Right now, as we wait for the opening day, anything is possible. That’s the beauty of fixture release day.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
