Arsenal begin title defence as Premier League 2026/27 fixtures released

The Premier League has published its full fixture list for the 2026/27 season, with the campaign kicking off on Saturday, 22 August — one week later than usual to allow players recovery time following the FIFA World Cup in North America.

Arsenal enter the season as defending champions for the first time since 2004/05, when they finished second in their title defence. Mikel Arteta’s side have the chance to become only the second club since 2009 to retain the Premier League trophy, a challenge last faced at Arsenal by Arsene Wenger.

The season will span 33 weekends and five midweek rounds. One notable addition to the calendar is the return of Boxing Day football, with 26 December falling on a Saturday. The Premier League has also confirmed that no two match rounds during the Christmas and New Year period will take place within 60 hours of each other, a measure designed to ease fixture congestion within the expanded international calendar.

There is significant intrigue across several clubs heading into the new campaign. Liverpool and Chelsea both begin under new managers, while Manchester City face their first season in a decade without Pep Guardiola at the helm. Manchester United, meanwhile, will look to build on the momentum generated under Michael Carrick.

Newly promoted Coventry City also enter the top flight for the first time since their relegation in 2001, having claimed the Championship title under Frank Lampard. The club’s 25-year absence from the Premier League ends with Lampard tasked with establishing them at the highest level.