Premier League 2026-27 fixtures announced as champions Arsenal face Coventry

Arsenal will begin the defence of their Premier League title against newly-promoted Coventry City on the opening day of the new season in August.

The opening round of fixtures in the English top flight fall on the weekend of 22 and 23 August – a week later than usual due to this summer’s World Cup.

Mikel Arteta’s side clinched their first title in 22 years last term having seen off Manchester City in a tight title race. City’s first game without Pep Guardiola at the helm is against Bournemouth.

Manchester United, who finished third after Michael Carrick’s arrival in January, are in action away to newly promoted Hull City.

Andoni Iraola’s first competitive game in charge of Liverpool is away to Newcastle United.

Chelsea also have a new man in the dugout with Xabi Alonso tasked with lifting them from their slump after a dismal 10th place finish last season. They start the new campaign away to Fulham in a west London derby.

Tottenham, after surviving relegation on the last day back in May, take on Brentford.

Elsewhere on the opening weekend of action, Everton host Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town take on Sunderland, Nottingham Forest host Leeds while Brighton take on Aston Villa.

10 fixtures from the new season to look forward to

August 21, Arsenal v Coventry

The fixture list has produced a mouth-watering match for Coventry and manager Frank Lampard to enjoy on the club’s return to the Premier League after a 25-year absence. It will be daunting against champions Arsenal, but the Sky Blues will relish the Friday night slot.

August 22, Hull v Manchester United

Hull were last in the top flight in 2017 and excitement about a return will only ramp up after Michael Carrick’s United were revealed as the visitors to MKM Stadium on the opening weekend.

September 5, Arsenal v Chelsea

The first big-six meeting will occur at Emirates Stadium when Mikel Arteta welcomes close friend Xabi Alonso across London for a tough early test in his Chelsea tenure.

September 12, Manchester United v Manchester City

Old Trafford will host the first Manchester derby of the post-Pep Guardiola era. It will be the first time in a decade Guardiola has not been involved in this fixture. Carrick will eye a repeat of the 2-0 win he celebrated in January.

November 21, Liverpool v Manchester United

This will be a special fixture for both clubs with Andoni Iraola’s maiden match as Liverpool head coach against Manchester United at Anfield. Carrick got the better of the Reds in May, but that was at home and this will be his first trip to Merseyside as manager.

November 28, Arsenal v Manchester City

A battle between the two recent dominant clubs in the Premier League will take place at the end of November, with Arteta set to take on a new City boss for the first time.

December 5, Tottenham v Arsenal

Roberto De Zerbi will sample his first north London derby as Tottenham boss at the start of December. De Zerbi will be the seventh Spurs manager Arteta has faced in this fixture.

December 26, Coventry v Chelsea

The pick of the Boxing Day matches may be Lampard taking on old club Chelsea. After tentative reports the Blues may try to hire their former midfielder again, Lampard stayed with the Sky Blues and will aim to bring some Christmas cheer to his club’s fans.

March 20, Manchester City v Manchester United

The first Manchester derby at Etihad Stadium in 11 years that will not feature Guardiola in the dugout. Given it is two months before the end of the season, this could have consequences for the title or Champions League qualification.

May 1, Liverpool v Chelsea

An interesting atmosphere may await Xabi Alonso, who was heavily tipped to take over at former club Liverpool, but instead accepted the challenge at Chelsea. Alonso will also take on fellow Basque boss Iraola and there will inevitably be plenty of jeopardy around the match itself.

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