The Premier League fixtures for 2026-27 are out — and there’s already plenty to talk about. The opening round includes a tasty early test: Arsenal at home to Frank Lampard’s newly promoted Coventry.
Coventry are back in the top flight for the first time in 25 years after winning the Championship. Hull, promoted via the play-offs, start their first Premier League season since 2017 at home to Manchester United on August 22. Newly promoted Ipswich host Sunderland that same day.
Andoni Iraola, the former Bournemouth boss, begins life as Liverpool manager with a trip to Newcastle on August 23. His Anfield debut is set for the weekend of August 29 against Nottingham Forest. Also on August 23, Manchester City — starting life after Pep Guardiola — host Bournemouth. City are expected to appoint ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca to replace Guardiola, who stepped down after a decade.
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso starts with a west London derby at Fulham on August 24. On the first weekend, Europa League winners Aston Villa go to Brighton, Brentford host Tottenham, Everton welcome Crystal Palace and Leeds travel to Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal, champions for the first time since 2004, face a testing start: after Coventry they head to Villa, then host Chelsea at the Emirates on September 5, followed by trips to Sunderland and Brighton. The first Manchester derby of the post-Guardiola era arrives the weekend of September 12. Liverpool host Manchester United on November 21; City and Arsenal first meet on November 28 at the Emirates. The first Merseyside derby is also pencilled in for November 28 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Roberto De Zerbi gets his north London derby on December 5 when Tottenham host Arsenal. Boxing Day’s pick is Lampard facing his old club Chelsea on December 26. Liverpool visit Manchester United on January 23, and a week later City host Arsenal at the Etihad.
The final day is May 30: Arsenal v Brighton, City at Sunderland and Liverpool v Bournemouth. Chelsea and United finish at home to Brentford and Fulham respectively. The season’s start and end are later than usual because the World Cup finishes just 34 days before kick-off. Arsenal will meet FA Cup winners City in the Community Shield on August 16.
