Arsenal open 2026-27 title defence against Coventry as Premier League fixtures released

Arsenal will kick off their Premier League title defence at home to Championship winners Coventry City on Friday 21 August 2026, after the full 380-fixture schedule for the 2026-27 season was released. The Gunners ended a 22-year wait to be crowned champions of England last month, and Mikel Arteta’s side now face the challenge of retaining the title.

Last season’s runners-up Manchester City, now managed by Enzo Maresca following Pep Guardiola’s departure, open their campaign against Bournemouth on Sunday 23 August. Michael Carrick’s Manchester United begin with a home fixture against newly-promoted Hull City in the 12:30 kick-off on Saturday 22 August, with the first Manchester Derby scheduled for 12 September at Old Trafford.

Andoni Iraola takes charge of Liverpool for the first time in a competitive fixture at St James’ Park against Newcastle on 23 August. Aston Villa also travel on the opening weekend, facing Brighton on the same day.

Among the other opening-weekend fixtures, Ipswich Town host Sunderland following their own promotion, Brentford welcome Tottenham, Everton face Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest take on Leeds United. The weekend closes with a London derby as Fulham host Chelsea on Monday 24 August.

Key derby dates are already circled in the calendar: the first North London Derby is hosted by Tottenham on 5 December, the first Merseyside Derby takes place on 28 November at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and the Manchester Derby arrives early on 12 September at Old Trafford.

Opening weekend fixtures in full

21 Aug — Arsenal v Coventry City (20:00)

22 Aug — Hull City v Manchester United (12:30)

22 Aug — Everton v Crystal Palace (15:00)

22 Aug — Ipswich Town v Sunderland (15:00)

22 Aug — Nottingham Forest v Leeds United (15:00)

22 Aug — Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur (17:30)

23 Aug — Brighton v Aston Villa (14:00)

23 Aug — Manchester City v Bournemouth (14:00)

23 Aug — Newcastle United v Liverpool (16:30)

24 Aug — Fulham v Chelsea (20:00)