The English Premier League (EPL) is back, and with it comes months of drama, goals and Million-dollar stakes as 20 clubs chase glory, Europe, and survival.
After a long break, the 2026/27 season will kick off this weekend with new managers, record signings, departures and fresh legs ready to light up stadiums from Friday night to Monday.
The season opener is set for Friday night, when Arsenal welcome newly-promoted Coventry City to the Emirates Stadium, as the reigning champions look to defend their crown and start the campaign with 3 points.
Arsenal return as champions for the first time in 22 years and will be under pressure to prove last season wasn’t a one-off. The Gunners won last season's Premier League title with 85 points, finishing seven points ahead of second-placed Man City.
Under Michael Carrick confirmed as permanent head coach following an impressive revival last season, Manchester United travel to face Hull City for the early kick-off on Saturday. Everton vs Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town vs Sunderland, Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United all take to the pitch, while Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur close the day's fixtures.
On Sunday, Brighton & Hove Albion face-off with Aston Villa, Manchester City's new manager will be put to test at Etihad when they welcome AFC Bournemouth, followed by a blockbuster fixture. Liverpool, who recently replaced the sacked Arne Slot with ex-Cherries boss Andoni Iraola, will be away at Newcastle.
Xabi Alonso’s first test as Chelsea head coach is away at managerless London outfit, Fulham on Monday 24 August.
Heading into the new top-flight season, nine clubs have new permanent managers, an unprecedented number at the start of an English top-flight campaign.
Enzo Maresca takes over at Manchester City following the departure of Pep Guardiola after 10 record-breaking years in charge. Andoni Iraola has to impress at Liverpool as well, while Chelsea is looking for a miracle under Xabi Alonso after a dismay performance last season. Newcastle is another big club that tapped Matthias Jaissle to steer the club.
Hello, again, to Frank Lampard, a Premier League great for Chelsea who is now manager of Coventry. The Sky Blues' rise is one of English football's feel-good stories and they are back as one of three promoted teams, along with Ipswich and Hull.
England is in a league of its own when it comes to spending power and Premier League clubs' outlay on new players in this transfer window is approaching $3 billion already. The biggest signings so far have all been midfielders. Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for $156 million, Elliot Anderson to Man City for $155 million, Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for $133 million and Guimaraes to Arsenal for $100 million. The window is open for two more weeks.
EPL Fixtures Game Week 1:
Friday
Arsenal vs Coventry
Saturday
Hull City vs Manchester United
Everton vs Crystal Palace
Ipswich Town vs Sunderland
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspurs
Sunday
Brighton vs Aston Villa
Man City vs AFC Bournemouth
Newcastle vs Liverpool
Monday
Fulham vs Chelsea
