2026/27 EPL Fixtures Released: Key Talking Points

2026/27 EPL Fixtures Released:

• Arsenal defend their Premier League title at home to newly promoted Coventry on Friday, 21 August 2026.

• Manchester United travel to Hull City on Saturday, 22 August under new full-season manager Michael Carrick.

• Liverpool face Newcastle United away on Sunday, 23 August in Andoni Iraola’s first league match as manager.

• Chelsea begin the Xabi Alonso era away at Fulham on Monday, 24 August.

The 2026/27 Premier League fixtures have been confirmed, with Arsenal kicking off their title defence at the Emirates Stadium against newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, 21 August 2026 — the Sky Blues’ first top-flight match in 25 years against the Gunners, who were guided to their first Premier League crown since 2004 by Mikel Arteta. Following an expanded 48-team World Cup, the Premier League starts one week later than usual, providing 33 clear days from the tournament final on 19 July.

New managers for 2026/27

Key talking points

Manchester derby: 13 September 2026

The first Manchester derby of the post-Guardiola era is scheduled for the weekend of 13 September 2026, 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 21 November.

North London derby: 5 December 2026

The first North London derby of the 2026/27 campaign sees Tottenham Hotspur host Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 5 December 2026. Spurs head into the showdown with plenty to prove after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. The return fixture at the Emirates is scheduled for Saturday, 1 May 2027.

Manchester United vs Liverpool: 21 November 2026

After facing City (13 September) and Arsenal (31 October), United travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday, 21 November 2026. United head into the fixture with confidence having completed a rare league double over Liverpool in 2025/26. Liverpool make the return trip to Old Trafford on 23 January 2027.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: 5 September 2026

An early title test arrives on Saturday, 5 September 2026, when Arsenal host Chelsea in a blockbuster London derby. Arsenal took four points from Chelsea last season, including a dramatic 2-1 home win. Chelsea, now under Xabi Alonso, will look to signal title-contending intent from the first major fixture.

Other notable early-season dates

• Man City vs Arsenal: 19 September 2026 (title showdown, pre-Community Shield meeting)

• Everton vs Liverpool: 19 September 2026 — first Merseyside derby at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium

• Chelsea vs Tottenham: 24 October 2026 — London derby at Stamford Bridge

Season structure

The 2026/27 season consists of 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds. There will be at least a 60-hour break between fixtures over the Christmas and New Year period, a fuller Boxing Day slate, and the final day of the season on 30 May 2027 (Arsenal at home to Brighton, City at Sunderland, Liverpool hosting Bournemouth).

Matchweek 1 — 21 to 24 August 2026 (all times BST)