After a long and busy summer of World Cup action, managerial changes and signings it is almost time for the Premier League to return.
Can Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side defend their title? How will Coventry, Hull and Ipswich fare on their return to the top flight?
And who are the new faces to keep an eye on? Here’s five big games to keep an eye on before the end of the transfer window…
Arsenal vs Coventry City (Friday 21 August, 20:00 BST)
Reigning Premier League champions Arsenal kick off the 2026–27 campaign at the Emirates against newly promoted Coventry City, who return to the top flight after winning the Championship. Mikel Arteta’s titleholders remain the benchmark for stability, retaining their title-winning core while adding depth in summer recruitment.
For the Sky Blues, this opening fixture represents an immediate baptism of fire. Coventry must adjust to top-tier intensity against the division’s most formidable side. An explosive Friday night opener, this clash tests Coventry’s top-flight survival credentials while offering Arsenal a chance to set a dominant early marker.
Hull City vs Manchester United (Saturday 22 August, 12:30 BST)
Championship play-off winners Hull City celebrate their Premier League return with a blockbuster Saturday curtain-raiser against Manchester United. Michael Carrick’s Red Devils enter the campaign under intense scrutiny to deliver consistent results after a busy window of squad refinement.
Hull, back in the big time after navigating a grueling play-off campaign, will rely on electric home support to rattle their illustrious visitors. This fixture offers United a tricky early test of momentum, while giving the newly promoted Tigers a prime opportunity to score a memorable opening-day upset on home turf.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool (Sunday 23 August, 16:30 BST)
St. James’ Park hosts an opening-weekend marquee fixture between two heavyweights entering fresh eras under new leadership. Matthias Jaissle is expected to be in the Newcastle dugout after the departure of Eddie Howe, bolstered by new additions such as goalkeeper Lukas Horníček but having seen several key players leave.
Opposite him stands Andoni Iraola, making his competitive Liverpool debut after succeeding Arne Slot at Anfield. Always a must-watch, this game will also be poignant as both clubs mark the recent death of legendary figure Kevin Keegan.
Fulham vs Chelsea (Monday 24 August, 20:00 BST)
A fiery Monday night West London derby at Craven Cottage sees both clubs opening their campaign under newly appointed Spanish head coaches. Álvaro Arbeloa takes charge of Fulham, seeking to maintain top-flight momentum following key arrivals like forward Gonzalo García.
Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso steps into the Chelsea hotseat, supported by high-profile summer signings including centre-back Maxence Lacroix and most impressively of all, record signing £117m man Morgan Rogers. Local pride and early momentum are on the line as two former Real Madrid teammates clash on the touchline, making this derby an unmissable showdown on opening weekend.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal (Monday 31 August, 20:00 BST)
August closes with a titanic Monday night duel at Villa Park as Unai Emery’s Aston Villa host reigning champions Arsenal. Villa have enjoyed an up-and-down summer window, integrating marquee additions such as Alejandro Garnacho on loan and midfielder João Gomes but also losing Rogers.
Facing his former club, Emery will look to exploit home advantage and disrupt Arsenal’s title defence before the international break. With both teams harbouring serious top-four and title ambitions, this high-octane encounter serves as the first major litmus test for the Gunners’ crown in the 2026–27 season.
