After two years in the Championship, 190 points, one play-off final defeat, one Championship trophy and an absolutely massive parade, Leeds Unted finally know when they will be kicking off life back in the Premier League. With the 2025–26 fixture list now confirmed, we’ve taken a deep dive into the road ahead — the opportunities, the danger zones, and the crucial run-in.
Leeds kick off their season on 18th August at home to Everton, a potentially favourable start given Everton’s form in recent seasons and a big chance to lay down an early marker. But the tone quickly shifts with a daunting away trip to Arsenal on 23rd August. Mikel Arteta’s side finished second last season and were early contenders, they will be expected to mount another title challenge, making this Leeds’ first real test at the elite level.
A week later, on 30th August, Leeds welcome Newcastle United to Elland Road. Newcastle, having qualified for the Champions League with a top-five finish last season, represent another major challenge early in the campaign. However, playing them early in the season and at home may give Leeds a fighting chance, particularly if Elland Road is in full voice.
September offers more promising fixtures, with away days at Fulham and Wolves — the latter having finished 16th last season — before a home game against Bournemouth. These matches present a real chance to build momentum and secure points before the calendar turns more hostile.
October features three matches that Leeds should view positively: a home fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, which could go either way given Spurs form last season, a trip to Burnley, and another home game against lacklustre West Ham United. Burnley, another promoted side, will likely be among the relegation battlers, and Leeds must capitalise on such six-pointers.
November begins with a visit to Brighton, followed by games against Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. The month concludes with a difficult trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City which starts off a difficult run into December, it could be important for Leeds to get some points on the board early on in December with Forrest unlikely to repeat last seasons performance and distracted by European football.
An unforgiving run starting with City then sees back-to-back home games against Chelsea and Liverpool at the start of December followed by a trip to Brentford, a visit from Crystal Palace, and away days at Sunderland and Liverpool. The return trip to Anfield on 30th December means facing Arne Slot’s title winning side twice in the space of three weeks. This is Leeds’ toughest spell by far and will demand both tactical discipline and a depth of squad that has been lacking over the previous two seasons.
January begins with a blockbuster clash at home to Manchester United, ironically on 3rd January. Remember that date? From there, it’s back on the road to Newcastle and Fulham, before finishing the month with home games against Everton and Arsenal. It’s a demanding start to the year, but with three fixtures at Elland Road, Leeds have the chance to control their own destiny.
February provides a more balanced test. Leeds begin with a potentially winnable home match against Nottingham Forest, followed by away games at Chelsea and Aston Villa, and finish the month by welcoming Manchester City to West Yorkshire. March begins with Sunderland visiting Elland Road, followed by a trip to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace, and a home clash with Brentford. These are fixtures Leeds must look to win.
April is slightly more mixed. The opening away match against Manchester United headlines the month, with visits to Wolves and Bournemouth offering contrasting challenges. By now, the survival picture will be clearer, and these fixtures could carry enormous weight with potential to pickup points against poor opposition, plus Wolves and Bournemouth.
May is all about fine margins. Leeds begin the final month with a home game against Burnley — a massive fixture if either side is still in danger. That’s followed by a tough trip to Tottenham Hotspur and a return to Elland Road for Brighton. On the final day, Leeds travel to face West Ham United at the London Stadium. Depending on how the season unfolds, that fixture could decide everything.
Leeds fans will relish the return of nights under the Elland Road lights and the chance to face the Premier League elite once again. The question now is whether this team, rebuilt and battle-tested, can find its feet quickly enough to stay there.