Premier League 2025-26: Arsenal's Challenging Start and Key Fixtures to Watch

The 2025-26 Premier League season promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with several top teams vying for the coveted title. Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea are all set to face challenging starts and pivotal fixtures that could determine their fate in the league.

Arsenal's Tricky Start

Arsenal's opening six fixtures are nothing short of daunting. They kick off their campaign with an away match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, a venue that has historically been a tough ground for the Gunners. Following this, they face Leeds United at home before traveling to Anfield to take on Liverpool. Their schedule doesn't get any easier, with home games against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, and an away trip to Newcastle United.

Key Matches:

• Manchester United vs Arsenal (Aug 17)
• Liverpool vs Arsenal (Aug 30)
• Arsenal vs Manchester City (Sept 20)

Liverpool's Title Defense

Liverpool, fresh off their record-equaling 20th league title, will be looking to defend their crown under the guidance of Arne Slot. Their season starts with a home game against Bournemouth, followed by an away match at Newcastle and a home clash against Arsenal. The first Merseyside derby of the season will take place when Everton visit Anfield on the weekend of Sept 20.

Key Matches:

• Liverpool vs Bournemouth (Aug 15)
• Liverpool vs Arsenal (Aug 30)
• Liverpool vs Everton (Sept 20)

Manchester United's Tough Schedule

Manchester United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, face a challenging start to the season. They open their campaign with a home game against Arsenal, followed by away matches at Fulham and Burnley. September brings a trip to Manchester City and a home game against Chelsea.

Key Matches:

• Manchester United vs Arsenal (Aug 17)
• Manchester City vs Manchester United (Sept 13)
• Manchester United vs Chelsea (Sept 20)

Chelsea's Opportunity

Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, have a relatively favorable start to the season. They begin with a home game against Crystal Palace, followed by matches against West Ham, Fulham, and Brentford. This run of fixtures gives Chelsea a great opportunity to build early momentum.

Key Matches:

• Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (Aug 17)
• Chelsea vs West Ham (Aug 23)
• Chelsea vs Fulham (Aug 30)

Tottenham's New Era

Tottenham Hotspur, under new manager Thomas Frank, start their season with a home game against newly promoted Burnley. Their early fixtures are relatively kind, with Manchester City being the only Big Six side they face before November.

Key Matches:

• Tottenham vs Burnley (Aug 16)
• Manchester City vs Tottenham (Aug 23)

Key Fixtures to Watch

• Manchester United vs Arsenal (Aug 17)
• Liverpool vs Arsenal (Aug 30)
• Manchester City vs Manchester United (Sept 13)
• Arsenal vs Manchester City (Sept 20)
• Liverpool vs Everton (Sept 20)

The Premier League 2025-26 season is set to be a thrilling ride, with numerous high-stakes matches that could shape the title race. Will Arsenal finally break their title drought? Can Liverpool defend their crown? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the excitement is just beginning.