The 2025–26 Premier League schedule has landed—and it delivers fireworks right out of the gate. Arsenal will open their campaign at Old Trafford against Manchester United, followed immediately by daunting away fixture trips to Liverpool and Newcastle, before hosting Manchester City at the Emirates—outlined as perhaps the “toughest start” in Premier League history.
💥 And That’s Just the Beginning
Analysts, including Opta, agree: the Gunners have the harshest early run of fixtures. In just the first six matches, they face four of last season’s top six—United, Liverpool, Newcastle, and City—while their first home game is against newly promoted Leeds.
Mikel Arteta’s side began the 2024–25 season promisingly but stumbled to finish second. This year, that stutter may not be easily forgiven if they falter early.
🤔 Why It Matters
- Title Credentials Tested Early
A strong start could catapult Arsenal into the hunt—and a poor one might shift momentum decisively to rivals. - Pressure on Arteta & United’s Amorim
Manchester United, hosting Arsenal to start, also face Chelsea and City soon after, placing already shaky Ruben Amorim under immediate scrutiny. - League Strategy Shift
TV schedules will spotlight this fixture sequence—United vs Arsenal broadcast nationally, with continued attention expected across the opening fortnight.
📺 TV Spotlight on Opening Weekend
- Friday, Aug 15: Liverpool vs Bournemouth launches the weekend broadcast blitz.
- Sunday, Aug 17: Arsenal vs Manchester United, live on Sky Sports, dubbed the season’s first blockbuster .
- Other early marquee matches include Chelsea vs Crystal Palace and Aston Villa vs Newcastle.
🗓️ Arsenal’s Opening Fixtures
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 17 | Manchester United | Old Trafford |
| Aug 24 | Fulham | Away |
| Aug 30 | Burnley | Home |
| Sept 13 | Manchester City | Away |
| Sept 20 | Chelsea | Home |
| Sept 27 | Brentford | Away |
This brutal stretch ranks among the most difficult starts in recent memory.
🌟 United & City Face Similar Trials
- Manchester United have that weaponized opener, followed by away trips to Anfield and Etihad—no easy matches .
- Manchester City, while lacking European distraction, begin at Wolves then host Spurs and host/welcome Arsenal in quick succession.