Reigning champions Arsenal will begin their Premier League title defence with a home fixture against newly promoted Coventry City after the 2026/27 schedule was officially unveiled.
The Gunners, who ended a 22-year wait for the league title last season under Mikel Arteta, will welcome Coventry to the Emirates Stadium on Friday, 21 August in the opening match of the new campaign.
For Coventry, it marks a historic return to the top flight after a 25-year absence, although their first assignment could hardly be more demanding as they face the defending champions away from home.
Manchester United will start their season with a trip to fellow promoted side Hull City on Saturday, 22 August.
Michael Carrick’s men will be eager to make a positive start as they look to re-establish themselves among the league’s leading contenders.
Ipswich Town, the third promoted club, begin their campaign at home against Sunderland, while Tottenham Hotspur travel across London to face Brentford in another intriguing opening-weekend encounter.
Manchester City enter a new era following the departure of Pep Guardiola and will kick off their season at home to Bournemouth on Sunday, 23 August.
The fixture will provide an early indication of how City adapt to life after one of the most successful managerial reigns in football history.
Liverpool’s first league match under Andoni Iraola also arrives on Sunday, with the Reds travelling to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United.
Iraola faces an immediate test against one of the division’s most formidable home sides as he begins his tenure at Anfield.
Chelsea’s new chapter under Xabi Alonso starts with a west London derby away to Fulham on Monday, 24 August.
The Blues will hope the Spaniard can guide the club back into serious title contention after several inconsistent campaigns.
Elsewhere, Everton host Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest welcome Leeds United, while Brighton & Hove Albion entertain Aston Villa during a packed opening weekend.
The fixture list has also thrown up several mouth-watering derbies later in the season.
The first Manchester derby is scheduled for September, while supporters can also look forward to the traditional Merseyside, North London and Tyne-Wear rivalries.
With the fixtures now confirmed, attention will quickly turn to the summer transfer window as clubs continue to strengthen their squads ahead of what promises to be another fiercely competitive Premier League campaign.
Opening weekend fixtures
Friday, 21 August Arsenal v Coventry City
Saturday, 22 August Hull City v Manchester United Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur Everton v Crystal Palace Ipswich Town v Sunderland Nottingham Forest v Leeds United
Sunday, 23 August Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa Manchester City v Bournemouth Newcastle United v Liverpool
Monday, 24 August Fulham v Chelsea
