Man City handed first home opener in a decade as 2026-27 Premier League fixtures confirmed

Manchester City will begin the 2026-27 Premier League season at home for the first time in ten years, with Bournemouth visiting the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, August 23 (2pm). The full fixture list has now been released, mapping out a campaign that includes early clashes with their closest title rivals.

City’s first away assignment takes them to Crystal Palace, before Coventry make the trip to Manchester the following weekend. The season opener for the Premier League as a whole sees champions Arsenal host Coventry City on Friday, August 21.

Derby days and key rivals

The first Manchester derby of the season arrives in City’s fourth match, on September 12, when Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Old Trafford. The reverse fixture at the Etihad is scheduled for March 20.

City will face Liverpool on October 10 — away — before hosting the Reds on May 8. The trip to Arsenal falls on November 28, with the return fixture at the Etihad on January 30.

Festive calendar

Boxing Day football returns to the Etihad’s away end, with City travelling to Newcastle United on December 26. Last season drew criticism after the Premier League scheduled only a single game on Boxing Day — Manchester United vs Newcastle — while the EFL ran a full card. The tradition is restored for 2026-27.

Title odds and final day

Following the fixture release, City are priced as second favourites for the title at 5/2, behind Arsenal at 6/4. Liverpool are 6/1 and Manchester United 13/2.

All fixtures beyond the opening weekend remain subject to change based on broadcast scheduling, with August and September dates expected to be confirmed during the week of July 13. The final day of the 2026-27 Premier League season is set for May 30.