Arsenal fans are gearing up for what promises to be a rollercoaster 2025/26 Premier League season, with the full fixture list now released and a notoriously tough start on the cards. The Gunners will kick off their campaign with a high-stakes trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 4:30 PM BST, a fixture that sets the tone for what could be a decisive season for Mikel Arteta's side as they aim to end a 22-year title drought.
This opening clash at Old Trafford is especially significant given Arsenal's historical struggles there, having secured only two league wins at Manchester United in the last 18 years. However, the Red Devils enter the season with a refreshed squad, boosted by the signing of forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite finishing a disappointing 15th last term under new head coach Ruben Amorim. The battle between these two clubs on opening weekend is already generating plenty of buzz, with Sky Sports set to broadcast the match live.
Arsenal's opening run is brutal, to say the least. Following their Old Trafford visit, they will host newly promoted Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on August 23 before traveling to Anfield to face reigning champions Liverpool on August 30. These opening three fixtures alone pit Arsenal against two of the Premier League's most formidable sides and a hungry Leeds team eager to prove themselves after promotion.
The challenges do not relent come September. After the first international break, Arsenal face back-to-back home games against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City on September 13 and 20, respectively. Both matches will be pivotal, especially the Manchester City clash, given City’s status as recent champions and Arsenal's perennial rivals in the title race. The month concludes with a tough away trip to Newcastle United on September 27, rounding out a demanding first two months of the campaign.
October and November will see Arsenal embroiled in several London derbies, including matches against West Ham United, Fulham, and Crystal Palace. The first north London derby of the season is scheduled for November 22, when Tottenham Hotspur visits the Emirates Stadium. This fixture is always a highlight of the calendar and will be crucial for Arsenal’s momentum.
December is jam-packed for Arsenal, with six Premier League fixtures, including two matches against Aston Villa, one away on December 6 and the other at home on December 30, and a landmark first visit to Everton's new stadium on December 20. The festive period also features home games against Brighton & Hove Albion on December 27, ensuring the Gunners remain busy during this critical phase of the season.
As 2026 dawns, Arsenal will travel to Bournemouth on January 3 before hosting Liverpool at the Emirates on January 7, marking the return leg of their earlier Anfield encounter. The month also includes trips to Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, sandwiching a home clash with Manchester United on January 24. This sequence of fixtures offers Arsenal a chance to solidify their standing in the league.
February promises more London derby drama, with away games at Brentford on February 11 and Tottenham Hotspur on February 21, followed by a home match against Chelsea on February 28. These encounters are often fiercely contested and could be decisive in the title race and top-four battle.
Arsenal will not leave London for the final month of the season, hosting Fulham on May 2 and then traveling to West Ham United on May 9. Their final home game is against Burnley on May 17, with the season concluding at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace on May 24.
The Premier League has cautioned fans that due to the record number of nine English clubs competing in UEFA competitions next season, including Arsenal, fixtures may be rescheduled at relatively short notice, especially if teams progress to the knockout stages. This increased likelihood of fixture changes means supporters will need to stay vigilant as the season unfolds.
Adding to the complexity, the African Cup of Nations will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, potentially impacting team selections for several match weeks. Moreover, the 2026 World Cup kicks off just 18 days after the Premier League season ends, leaving players with little rest before heading to the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Broadcasting for the 2025/26 season will see a significant expansion, with Sky Sports increasing its Premier League coverage from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live, and TNT Sports covering 52 matches. Notably, 80 percent of all televised Premier League games will be on Sky Sports, offering fans unprecedented access to the action. The new broadcasting deal also means that all matches outside the traditional Saturday 3 PM blackout will be shown live, a first for the league.
Mikel Arteta and his squad will be keenly aware that their opening fixtures represent one of the toughest starts in the league, facing several top-seven finishers from last season right out of the gate. Arsenal's journey to finally clinch the Premier League title will require navigating this challenging schedule while managing the demands of European competition and potential fixture congestion.
As the countdown to August begins, Arsenal supporters will be hoping their team can rise to the occasion, turning this daunting fixture list into a platform for success. With high-stakes matches against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City early on, the Gunners have the opportunity to make a statement from the outset and set the tone for a memorable season.
