The official release of the 2025/26 Premier League fixtures is scheduled for Wednesday morning, but a leaked set has emerged on social media that has left fans sceptical
12:57, 17 Jun 2025Updated 12:58, 17 Jun 2025
Former player Alan Hansen stands by the Premier League trophy during the prize ceremony at the end of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 25, 2025. Liverpool equalises 1 - 1 against Crystal Palace. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
A supposed list of the upcoming Premier League fixtures has been doing the rounds on social media, but it's not all it's cracked up to be.
The official reveal of next season's matches is set for Wednesday morning at 9am, when fans will find out who the likes of champions Liverpool, plus likely title challengers Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea will play and when in the 2025/26 campaign. Yet, as per usual during this time of eager anticipation among supporters, the internet is awash with early fixture leaks.
One particular batch has caught a lot of eyes. At first look, they seem pretty legit, sporting the usual font and format typically seen when the fixtures are officially announced. But, dig a bit deeper and several inconsistencies start to pop up.
Among the most obvious are a handful of clerical blunders that could easily slip by if you're just having a quick gander at the opening weekend games or your team's full roster.
For example, Leicester City are on the list, despite being sent down last season. West Ham are lined up to face them on the final day, even though the Foxes are gearing up for a season in the Championship, reports the Express.
Liverpool lift the Premier League trophy
Liverpool are the reigning Premier League champions and the team to beat next season(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Another cock-up sees Nottingham Forest down to play two matches on December 30 - they're meant to host Everton but also head to Anfield to take on Liverpool. On top of that, Liverpool are slated to play Nottingham Forest three times in total.
These multiple mistakes have left fans doubting the authenticity of the leaked fixtures.
A leaked document hinted that the season's opening match on 15 August would have seen newly promoted Leeds United host Arsenal at Elland Road. The first weekend's standout fixture was set to be Newcastle United versus Manchester City.
The first major showdown between current champions Liverpool and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City was reportedly scheduled for 27 September. The much-anticipated Manchester derby was marked down for 29 November, while Aston Villa were slated to welcome Arsenal on the season's final day, 24 May.
Despite the discrepancies in the leaked fixtures, the start and end dates coincide with those officially given by the Premier League. The new season is due to kick off on the weekend of 16 August and wrap up on 24 May, 2026, spanning 33 weekends and five midweek rounds of matches.
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Players will get a break of 83 days after the 2024/25 season ends, excluding those taking part in the Club World Cup. Player welfare seems to have been a key consideration when planning matches during the hectic festive period, with no two rounds happening within 60 hours of each other, addressing worries over fixture pile-up.
The season's conclusion date of 24 May, 2026 falls in a World Cup year, ensuring the Premier League finishes before players are summoned for the tournament in North America.