Champions Arsenal open the 2026-27 season against promoted Coventry
Fellow newbies Ipswich take on Sunderland, while Hull host Manchester United
Local rivals Fulham and Chelsea conclude the round on Monday at Craven Cottage
The 2026-27 Premier League kicks off on Friday when champions Arsenal host promoted Coventry.
It is a packed schedule, with games also on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, concluding with a London derby at Craven Cottage.
Arsenal vs Coventry - Friday August 21 (8pm)
Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence against Coventry, who play their first top-flight game since 2001.
The Sky Blues' season is likely to hinge on their home form but they can give a good account of themselves at the Emirates, albeit the Gunners look likely to control from start to finish.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Coventry (23/4 with LiveScore Bet)
Hull vs Manchester United - Saturday August 22 (12.30pm)
Last season's Championship play-off winners Hull have struggled to attract new players but have the energy to unsettle Manchester United.
The Red Devils' summer business still looks to be concluded and they could be made to work hard for an opening victory.
Prediction: Hull 1-2 Manchester United (7/1 with LiveScore Bet)
Everton vs Crystal Palace - Saturday August 22 (3pm)
Everton won this fixture 2-1 last season and the same outcome is forecast.
The Toffees are unbeaten in 11 games against the Eagles, who have a new manager in charge and are still searching for Maxence Lacroix's replacement.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace (15/2 with LiveScore Bet)
Ipswich vs Sunderland - Saturday August 22 (3pm)
It has been another summer squad overhaul at Portman Road, with Ipswich also appointing a new manager in Gary O'Neil.
They look stronger than when they last came up in 2024, but despite not doing much business, Sunderland look settled, and Regis Le Bris always has a plan.
Prediction: Ipswich 0-1 Sunderland (15/2 with LiveScore Bet)
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds - Saturday August 22 (3pm)
Both teams won 3-1 at home when they met last season but this could end in a draw.
New Forest coach Oliver Glasner will have been working hard to impose his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation on his side, but his opposite number, Daniel Farke, has also enjoyed success with that shape.
This pair could cancel each other out, but these sides are rarely involved in dull games.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Leeds (11/1 with LiveScore Bet)
Brentford vs Tottenham - Saturday August 22 (5.30pm)
Of the five Premier League meetings between this pair at the Brentford Community Stadium, four have ended in draws, and Brentford and Tottenham could cancel each other out.
Spurs have spent big but are still awaiting attacking reinforcements, suggesting this well-balanced Bees side can get something from this game.
Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Tottenham (11/2 with LiveScore Bet)
Brighton vs Aston Villa - Sunday August 23 (2pm)
Both of these clubs have European football to look forward to this season, but regardless of playing on Thursday, Brighton could still have too much for Aston Villa.
They have had another decent summer of incomings and outgoings, while Villa have lost some key individuals and, like last year, it looks like they will be busy with their transfer business until late in the window.
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Aston Villa (15/2 with LiveScore Bet)
Manchester City vs Bournemouth - Sunday August 23 (2pm)
A summer of change means it may take time for Manchester City to settle into the new season, as demonstrated by last Sunday's disjointed Community Shield display.
Bournemouth confirmed Marco Rose as Andoni Iraola's replacement early in the spring and the German's side have been scoring goals for fun in pre-season.
Expect them to make a fast start at the Etihad and potentially get something.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Bournemouth (11/1 with LiveScore Bet)
Newcastle vs Liverpool - Sunday August 23 (4.30pm)
Both Newcastle and Liverpool have new head coaches, with Matthias Jaissle and Iraola in charge for the first time.
The Magpies are still putting their squad together, while the Reds lack defenders.
Liverpool won both of last season's meetings by an aggregate score of 7-3 and can repeat their 3-2 win at St James' Park in August 2025.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool (14/1 with LiveScore Bet)
Fulham vs Chelsea - Monday August 24 (8pm)
The final match of gameweek 1 features two managers who coached Real Madrid last season, as Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham host Xabi Alonso's Chelsea.
Both take charge of their first Premier League games and the Cottagers will be without Joachim Andersen, who is still suspended following his red card against Bournemouth in May.
Chelsea could start both Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers and while another summer overhaul means the Blues may take time to settle into this game, they can make a winning start.
Prediction: Fulham 0-2 Chelsea (9/1 with LiveScore Bet)
