A list purporting to be next season's Premier League fixtures has been leaked and widely circulated on social media platforms - but all is not as it appears. The official fixtures for the next season will be released on Wednesday as Liverpool begins its title defense.
However, as is typical at this time of year, with growing excitement among fans, social media has been flooded with early fixture claims. One particular set has been gaining significant attention.
At first glance, they appear quite authentic. The usual font and layout used when the fixtures are officially released are certainly present. But upon closer inspection, problems emerge. Most notably, there are several administrative errors which might go unnoticed if you're only casually glancing at the opening weekend or just your club's full list.
This includes the inclusion of Leicester City - despite the Foxes' relegation last term. West Ham is scheduled to play Leicester on the final day, even though the Foxes are preparing for a season in the Championship.
Another mistake sees Nottingham Forest playing twice on December 30 - slated to host Everton but also travel to Anfield to play Liverpool. The Reds are also listed to play the Nottingham side on three occasions.
The number of errors hasn't fooled fans who are sceptical about the reliability of the leaked fixtures, which suggested Liverpool would open up with a trip to Brighton.
According to the leaked information, Leeds United would have welcomed Arsenal at Elland Road for the opening match of the season on August 15, marking its return to top-tier football. The first weekend's highlight was set to be Newcastle United taking on Manchester City.
The first face-off between reigning champions Liverpool and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City was allegedly slated for September 27. The Reds first Merseyside derby was said to be penciled in for November 8 while a showdown with Manchester United was apparently set for December 20.
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Despite the leak being, let's face it, incorrect, the start and end dates provided by the Premier League are accurate. The season is set to kick off on the weekend of Saturday, August 16, and conclude on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The season will span 33 weekends and five midweek match rounds.
Players will enjoy 83 clear days of rest from the conclusion of the 2024/25 season - not including those participating in the Club World Cup, of course. Player welfare appears to have been prioritised during the notoriously busy festive period.
No two rounds occur within 60 hours of each other, honouring commitments made to clubs to alleviate the packed Christmas and New Year schedule.
The season's end date of May 24, 2026, falls in a World Cup year, ensuring the Premier League season wraps up before the call-up period for the tournament commences in North America.