- Arsenal kick off their title defence against Coventry on Friday, August 21 at the Emirates Stadium as the EPL 2026/27 fixtures are confirmed.
- Manchester United open their campaign away to Hull City on Saturday, August 22, while Manchester City host Bournemouth.
- Liverpool face Newcastle United, while Chelsea close out Matchweek 1 with a Monday clash against Fulham.
Reigning English Premier League champions Arsenal will kick off their title defence with a home clash against newly promoted Coventry in the 2026/27 season.
In the fixtures released on Friday June 19, the season’s curtain-raiser on Friday, 21 August sees the Sky Blues play their first top-flight match in 25 years against the Gunners, who were guided to their first Premier League crown since 2004 by Mikel Arteta.
Manchester United, now under the full-season stewardship of coach Michael Carrick, will be aiming to mount a title challenge after finishing third, and their hopes will begin with a trip to Hull City at the MKM Stadium, who secured their league promotion via the Championship playoffs.
ALSO READ: Arsenal crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years
Pep Guardiola-less Manchester City will be at home to ensure they carry on Guardiola’s legacy when they host Bournemouth on Sunday, 23 August, who also start the campaign with a fresh face in new manager Marco Rose.
Liverpool’s first match under Andoni Iraola, who replaced the sacked Arne Slot after he left the Cherries, is away at Newcastle on the same day.
Chelsea begin life under Xabi Alonso away at Fulham on Monday, 24 August, with the Cottagers also yet to appoint a new manager following Marco Silva’s departure.
Brentford host Tottenham, Everton welcome Conference League champions Crystal Palace to Merseyside, and Leeds visit Nottingham Forest that weekend, while Europa League winners Aston Villa make the trip to Brighton before new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso starts his reign with a west London derby at Fulham on Monday, 24 August.
2026/27 EPL fixtures released: Key talking points
Here are the key talking points from the released Premier League fixtures for the 2026/27 season.
When is the first Manchester derby?
The first Manchester derby of the post-Guardiola era is scheduled for the weekend of September 13, with Manchester United hosting Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Carrick will be eager to claim local bragging rights before United’s highly anticipated trip to Liverpool on November 21.
The 2025/26 Manchester derbies produced plenty of drama. United ended a three-year winless run at the Etihad with a stunning 2-1 comeback victory thanks to late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
The return fixture at Old Trafford was a tactical affair that ended in a tense goalless draw, leaving the rivals to share the derby honours.
When is the first North London derby?
The first North London derby of the26/27 campaign is set for December 5, 2026, with Tottenham Hotspur hosting Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs head into the showdown with plenty to prove after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, boast the bragging rights after dominating both league meetings, recording emphatic 4-1 victories home and away.
A memorable Eze hat-trick inspired the Gunners’ triumph at the Emirates Stadium, while Viktor Gyokeres played a key role in the commanding win in the reverse fixture.
The return meeting at the Emirates Stadium is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2027.
When is Manchester United vs Liverpool?
After facing Man City on October 10 and Arsenal on October 31, Man United travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday, November 21, 2026, in one of the season’s biggest fixtures.
United head into the encounter with confidence after completing a rare league double over Liverpool in 2025/26.
They claimed a gritty 2-1 victory at Anfield before edging a thrilling 3-2 contest at Old Trafford, where Kobbie Mainoo netted the decisive 77th-minute winner.
Liverpool will make the return trip to Old Trafford on January 23.
When is Arsenal vs Chelsea?
An early title test awaits on Saturday, September 5, 2026, when Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in a blockbuster London derby.
The Gunners carry the psychological edge after taking four points from the Blues last season, including a dramatic 2-1 victory at home that featured a Pedro Neto red card and unlikely goals from Arsenal’s centre-backs.
For Chelsea, who are expected to have a less demanding schedule this season, the fixture offers an ideal opportunity to show they can break down Arteta’s disciplined side and establish themselves as genuine title contenders.
Another standout fixture sees Man City host Arsenal on September 19, 2026, in a huge early-season title showdown. The two sides will have already met in the Community Shield before the league encounter.
On the same day, Everton welcome Liverpool for the first Merseyside derby to be played in the league at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Meanwhile, Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in another highly anticipated London derby.
Following an expanded FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams, the Premier League will start one week later than usual. This allows for 89 clear days from the end of the 2025/26 season, and 33 days from the World Cup final on 19 July.
The 2026/27 season will consist of 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds. The Premier League schedule has been designed to avoid domestic competition clashes with UEFA club competition dates wherever possible.
Follow SportPesa Blog Kenya on Google News for the latest EPL fixtures, match updates, and full 2026/27 Premier League coverage. Stay ahead with detailed schedules, key match previews.
Over the Christmas and New Year period, clubs will have at least a 60-hour break between fixtures. This is in keeping with commitments made to clubs to address the congested festive schedule within the expanded international calendar.
There will also be a fuller slate of Premier League fixtures on Boxing Day this season.
The final day of the Premier League will take place on 30 May, with Arsenal at home to Brighton, City travelling to Sunderland, and Liverpool hosting Iraola’s old club Bournemouth. Chelsea and United finish at home to Brentford and Fulham respectively.
Follow SportPesa Blog Kenya on Google News for the latest EPL fixtures, match updates, and full 2026/27 Premier League coverage. Stay ahead with detailed schedules, key match previews.
2026/27 EPL Fixtures match day 1 – August 21- August 24
Friday, August 21, 2026
- Arsenal vs Coventry City – Emirates Stadium – 10:00 PM
Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Hull City vs Manchester United – MKM Stadium – 2:30 PM
- Ipswich Town vs Sunderland – Portman Road – 5:00 PM
- Everton vs Crystal Palace – Goodison Park – 5:00 PM
- Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United – City Ground – 5:00 PM
- Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur – Gtech Community Stadium – 7:30 PM
Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Brighton vs Aston Villa – Amex Stadium – 4:00 PM
- Manchester City vs Bournemouth – Etihad Stadium – 4:00 PM
- Newcastle United vs Liverpool – St James’ Park – 6:30 PM
Monday, August 24, 2026
- Fulham vs Chelsea – Craven Cottage – 10:00 PM