talksport.com

Premier League opening day fixtures revealed as Arsenal begin against Coventry

Coventry's first game back in the Premier League for 25 years sees them travel to champions Arsenal.

All 380 games for the 2026/27 have been released and also sees newly-promoted Hull hosting Michael Carrick's Manchester United.

Mikel Arteta with the Premier League trophy

3

Mikel Arteta's champions face Coventry on the first day of the new seasonCredit: Getty

Liverpool, under new manager Andoni Iraola, travel to Newcastle with a fit again Alexander Isak, who swapped the north east for the north west in a £125m transfer.

Tottenham travel to Brentford and feel they have the right manager in charge in Roberto De Zerbi who guided them to safety on the final day of the 2025/26 season.

When does the season begin?

Arsenal, winners last season, begin on Friday 21 August, with the final day taking place on 5 June, a week before the Champions League final.

Who do the promoted clubs play?

Ipswich are back in the big time having last played against West Ham in 2025 and losing 3-1. Their first home game is against Sunderland but fans are still waiting to see who will be in charge following Kieran McKenna's exit.

Read more on football

Hull, who were beaten by Tottenham 7-1 in their last Premier League game in 2017, won't have it easier against a revitalised United side led by Carrick who was given the manager's role having guided them to third place last season.

It has been a long time coming for Coventry whose last Premier League game was in May 2001. A trip to Arsenal first will delight manager Frank Lampard who will relish the test of playing the champions.

Boxing Day is back!

The Premier League addressed the packed festive schedule and over Christmas and New Year period, no two match rounds will take place within 60 hours of each other.

Fans will be delighted to know that the traditional Boxing Day schedule will return to its usual slot on 26 December.

Just one Premier League fixture took place on Boxing Day last season sparking major backlash from fans.

But there will be no such controversy this time around with multiple games expected to be televised on the day, pending broadcasting picks.

Opening day fixtures

Friday 21 AugustArsenal v Coventry City: 8am

Saturday 22 AugustHull vs Man United: 12:30

Everton vs Crystal Palace: 3pm

Ipswich vs Sunderland: 3pm

Nottingham Forest v Leeds United: 3pm

Brentford vs Tottenham: 5:30pm

Sunday 23 AugustBrighton vs Aston Villa: 2pm

Man City vs Bournemouth: 2pm

Newcastle vs Liverpool: 4:30pm

Monday 24 AugustFulham vs Chelsea: 8pm

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard celebrates with the trophy Coventry City v Wrexham

3

Lampard's Coventry go to Arsenal on the opening day and he host former club Chelsea in DecemberCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

Sergej Jakirovic celebrates with the Championship play-off trophy

3

Hull City celebrate their return to the top tier by hosting Man United on the first Saturday game of the season, which is live on talkSPORTCredit: Getty

Arsenal face a festive trip to the the scene of their title celebrations when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Newcastle United host Manchester City, Nottingham Forest travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United and Hull entertain Liverpool.

Elsewhere, Tottenham take on Bournemouth, Frank Lampard faces an emotional reunion with former club Chelsea at the CBS Arena and Aston Villa host Leeds.

Opening weekend live on talkSPORT

talkSPORT will be across all of the opening weekend's action with two games to be broadcast live on the station.

Our dedicated team will be at the Emirates as Arsenal kick off their title defence against Coventry.

Likewise, fans can catch all of the action from the MKM Stadium when newly-promoted Hull host Manchester United at Saturday lunchtime.

Every club's fixtures for the 2026/27 season are on talkSPORT's dedicated page.

Read full news in source page