Context:

The 2025-26 Premier League fixtures are set to be released, marking the official countdown to the new season, with Liverpool eager to defend their title. The upcoming season will see Sunderland, Leeds, and Burnley return to the top flight after successful promotions, while Everton will debut at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The season runs from 16 August 2025 to 24 May 2026, with 33 weekends and five midweek rounds of fixtures, and it will be framed by two World Cup tournaments. Arsenal, Manchester City, and several other top clubs are aiming to challenge Liverpool for the title, while Newcastle, Tottenham, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace will compete in European tournaments. The schedule aims to accommodate player rest and avoid congested fixtures, especially during the holiday season, despite some clubs facing a tight turnaround due to the Club World Cup commitments.

Dive Deeper:

• The 2025-26 Premier League fixtures will be announced on 18 June, allowing fans to see their team's schedule for the new season, which starts on 16 August and ends on 24 May 2026, encompassing 33 weekends and five midweek rounds.

• Liverpool, having won the 2024-25 title, will defend their championship, with Arsenal, who finished second three times in a row, and Manchester City, aiming to return to title contention after a trophyless year, as key challengers.

• Sunderland makes a comeback to the Premier League after a long absence, alongside Leeds and Burnley, who were promoted, with all three aiming to avoid immediate relegation as seen with last season's promoted teams.

• This season is particularly notable for Everton, who will play their first matches at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, following their departure from Goodison Park, a significant event in the club's history.

• The Premier League season is bookended by the inaugural Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding complexity to the schedule, with clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea potentially having a shorter offseason if they reach the Club World Cup final.

• Top clubs such as Newcastle, Tottenham, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace are set to compete in European competitions, testing their squad depth and management of a congested fixture list.

• Efforts have been made to ensure player rest during the festive season, with the schedule avoiding back-to-back matches within 60 hours and no games on Christmas Eve, although some clubs face a tighter schedule due to international commitments.