The Premier League’s 2026/27 season will kick off with a series of high-stakes encounters on August 23, featuring fresh promotions and defending champions. Hull City, the newly promoted side, will face a stern test against Manchester United under the guidance of Senne Lammens. Everton will host Crystal Palace at Goodison Park, while Ipswich Town, another promoted team, travels to Sunderland for their return to England’s top flight. Nottingham Forest will welcome Leeds United to the City Ground, and Brentford will take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The Sunday opener will see Brighton & Hove Albion, reinforced by Maxime De Cuyper, take on Aston Villa. The Villans, fresh from their Europa League triumph, boast Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana in their ranks. Manchester City, yet to name their new manager following Pep Guardiola’s departure, will begin their campaign against Bournemouth. Newcastle United will host Liverpool in an early-season blockbuster.

The first weekend will conclude on Monday with a London derby between Fulham and Chelsea at Craven Cottage.

The early-season clashes promise intense drama. The North London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea on September 5 will headline the second weekend, while Manchester United and City lock horns in the Manchester derby the following week. Liverpool will host United in late November, and Arsenal will face last season’s runners-up, Manchester City, at the Emirates Stadium on November 28.