Defending champions Arsenal will begin their 2026/27 Premier League title defence at home to Championship winners Coventry on Friday August 21, with an 8pm kick-off at Emirates Stadium broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Mikel Arteta's side — celebrating their first top-flight title in 22 years — face Frank Lampard's Coventry before taking on Aston Villa away and then hosting Xabi Alonso's Chelsea in their next two fixtures.

Liverpool head to Newcastle on the opening weekend

Andoni Iraola's first match as Liverpool manager sees the Reds travel to Newcastle United on Sunday August 23 for a 4.30pm kick-off, one of six Premier League matches live on Sky Sports across the opening round.

Liverpool's schedule then builds towards blockbuster meetings with Manchester City and Arsenal in October, followed by back-to-back clashes with Manchester United and Everton in November.

Promoted sides enter the top flight

Championship play-off winners Hull City make their Premier League return at home to Manchester United at the MKM Stadium at 12.30pm on Saturday August 22. Fellow promoted sides Ipswich Town host Sunderland at Portman Road at 3pm on the same day.

Manchester City launch their post-Pep Guardiola era at the Etihad Stadium against Bournemouth at 2pm on Sunday August 23, though their first encounters with last season's top five will all come on the road.

London derbies and the final day

Two London derbies feature in the opening round: Brentford host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday August 22 at 5.30pm, and Fulham entertain Chelsea on Monday August 24 at 8pm — both live on Sky Sports.

Tottenham, who have finished 17th in each of the past two seasons, face a demanding end to the campaign. Their final five matches include a trip to Arsenal on May 1, home games against Chelsea on May 8 and Manchester United on May 23, and a season finale at Aston Villa on May 30.

The final round of fixtures takes place on Sunday May 30, 2027, with all matches kicking off at 4pm. Notable season-ending ties include Arsenal vs Brighton and Hove Albion, Liverpool vs Bournemouth, and Sunderland vs Manchester City.

Festive schedule and European commitments

Clubs are guaranteed at least a 60-hour rest period between matches over the Christmas and New Year period. A full Boxing Day programme is confirmed, with ten fixtures scheduled for December 26 — headlined by Crystal Palace vs Arsenal and Newcastle United vs Manchester City.

Nine Premier League clubs will participate in UEFA competitions in 2026/27. The Premier League has cautioned supporters that fixture dates may change at short notice should clubs advance deep into European competitions.

Key dates for 2026/27

The season begins on Saturday August 22 — one week later than usual to allow players additional recovery time following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Champions League league phase opens on September 8–10, the Europa League phase starts on September 16–17, and the Conference League begins on October 15.

The FA Cup final is set for Wembley on Saturday May 22, 2027, with the Premier League season concluding eight days later on May 30. Sky Sports will broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League matches throughout 2026/27.