Arsenal open title defence against promoted Coventry as 2026/27 Premier League fixtures land

Arsenal will begin the defence of their Premier League title against newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday 21 August, the first fixture of the 2026/27 season. It is a landmark occasion for Coventry — back in the top flight for the first time in 25 years — and a baptism of fire under manager Frank Lampard.

Coventry’s schedule does not ease up quickly. Their third fixture takes them to Manchester City, while Hull — promoted via the play-offs — open at home to Manchester United, and Ipswich face Sunderland on the opening Saturday of the campaign.

New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola faces an early reunion with his former club Bournemouth on 19 September, a meeting that is also scheduled to be repeated on the final day of the season, 30 May 2027. The Merseyside derby takes place at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on 28 November, with the return fixture on 30 January — just a week before Liverpool travel to Arsenal in what could prove a pivotal run of games.

The two North London derbies are pencilled in for 5 December and 1 May, with Tottenham aiming for an improved campaign under Roberto De Zerbi. Boxing Day fixtures return to the schedule in full, with Coventry hosting Chelsea — now managed by Xabi Alonso.

Manchester City, widely expected to appoint Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor, open against Bournemouth on Sunday 23 August before the first Manchester derby of the season on 12 September. Michael Carrick, now in permanent charge at Old Trafford, faces promoted Hull and Ipswich in his early fixtures.

The season comprises 33 weekend rounds and five midweek sets of fixtures, though the schedule is likely to shift considerably given that nine Premier League clubs will be competing in European competition.