The 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have dropped this morning, with several fixtures of special importance to Irish fans.
Though the World Cup may be occupying the minds of all football fans, but we are somehow only nine weeks away from the new Premier League season getting underway.
It could be a fascinating campaign.
For the first time in 22 years, Arsenal enter a new season as defending champions, and they get the season underway against Coventry on Friday, August 21st.
Opening game: Arsenal v Coventry, Friday, August 21st, 8pm (live on Sky Sports)
Meanwhile, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Spurs all enter the new season with head coaches taking their first full campaign in charge.
It's set to be an intriguing Premier League season, and we've picked out the five fixtures you won't want to miss in 2026-27.
The 5 Premier League fixtures Irish fans should know
Note: All fixtures are subject to change due to TV broadcasting rights
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Manchester United v Liverpool
Anfield: Saturday 21st November
Old Trafford: Saturday 23rd January
Last season was a fascinating one for both of England's biggest clubs. After a stuttering start under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United were rejuvenated in the second half of the season under Michael Carrick and ultimately stormed to a 3rd-placed finish. Defending champions Liverpool, by contrast, stumbled through Arne Slot's second season, with the Dutchman eventually sacked after a 5th-placed finish.
United also did the double over Liverpool for the first time in a decade, and the new man in charge at Anfield, Andoni Iraola, will be hoping to mastermind a perfect revenge act.
The two most successful clubs in English history face off on November 21st and January 23rd.
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Brentford v Chelsea
Gtech Community Stadium: Saturday 19th September
Stamford Bridge: Sunday 30th May
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Brentford's Irish contingent has been bolstered with the arrival of Damien Duff as assistant head coach to Keith Andrews. With captain Nathan Collins and Caoimhín Kelleher also on the books, Brentford are the new Burnley with their Irish contingent.
The game most Bees fans will want to win is the west-London showdown against Chelsea. A draw against the Blues catapulted their 2025-26 campaign, and they will hope for the same (or even better)when they meet for the first time on September 19th.
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The game at Stamford Bridge will take place on the final day of the season.
Arsenal v Manchester City
Emirates Stadium: Saturday 28th November
Etihad Stadium: Saturday 30th January
Many unknowns surround Manchester City, who enter a season without Pep Guardiola at the helm for the first time since 2015.
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The legendary manager could not prevent Arsenal from finally claiming the title last season, but City put up an almighty fight. Even if the Citizens are somewhat faltering, this will still be the biggest game of the season when it lands on November 28th.
The biggest Christmas fixture
Saturday 19th December: Arsenal v Manchester United / Liverpool v Spurs
There's always at least one tantalising fixture around the festive period, and the last gameweek before Christmas time has two to boot.
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Arsenal host Manchester United, while Spurs travel to Liverpool, a double-up that will surely see a mouth-watering festive Super Sunday.
Ipswich's opening game
Saturday 22nd August: Ipswich v Sunderland (3pm)
Newly-promoted Ipswich, like Brentford, boast a huge Irish contingent. Under the stewardship of Fermanagh's Kieran McKenna, the squad contains Ireland internationals aplenty in captain Dara O'Shea, Kasey McAteer, Jack Taylor, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Sammie Szmodics.
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Ogbene and Szmodics may depart having spent last season on loan, but Irish fans will be keeping a close eye on the Tractor Boys regardless. They kick off against Sunderland at home.