The highly anticipated 2025-26 English Premier League season begins this weekend with an exciting lineup of matches. Reigning champions Liverpool will kick off the season by hosting Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday, Aug. 15, setting the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating year.

The first weekend of action will feature five games on Saturday, Aug. 16, starting with Aston Villa taking on Newcastle United and concluding with Wolverhampton Wanderers facing Manchester City.

Advertisement

On Sunday, three more games are scheduled, including an exciting matchup between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. Under the management of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has focused on strengthening its midfield during the summer transfer window. Notable signings like Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP are expected to have a significant impact on the Gunners’ campaign towards the league title.

The opening weekend will conclude with Leeds United facing Everton on Monday, Aug. 18. Here is the full slate of games for the opening weekend of the 2025-26 Premier League season:

Premier League 2025: Meet the 20 teams for EPL’s brand new season

English Premier League opening weekend schedule

(All times Eastern)

Advertisement

Friday, Aug. 15:

Liverpool vs. AFC Bournemouth at 3 p.m. on USA Network

Saturday, Aug. 16:

Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United at 7:30 a.m. on USA Network

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Fulham at 10 a.m. on USA Network

Sunderland vs. West Ham United at 10 a.m. on Peacock

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley at 10 a.m. on Peacock

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester City at 12:30 p.m. on NBC and Peacock

Sunday, Aug. 17:

Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace at 9 a.m. on USA Network

Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford at 9 a.m. on Peacock

Manchester United vs. Arsenal at 11:30 a.m. on NBC and Peacock

Monday, Aug. 18:

Leeds United vs. Everton at 3 p.m. on USA Network

USA TODAY Sports’ 48-page special edition commemorates 30 years of Major League Soccer, from its best players to key milestones and championship dynasties to what exciting steps are next with the World Cup ahead. Order your copy today!

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025-26 English Premier League opening weekend schedule and how to watch