Liverpool face Bournemouth in Premier League opener Man United host Arsenal

LONDON – Liverpool will kick off their English Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on Friday, Aug 15 while Arsenal head to Manchester United in a blockbuster clash on the opening weekend.

Arne Slot’s champions have the chance to secure the first points of the new season at Anfield as they launch the 2025-26 campaign, bidding for a record 21st English top-flight crown.

After the Bournemouth game, Liverpool have tricky fixtures at Newcastle United and at home to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, runners-up for the past three seasons.

Thomas Frank’s first match as Tottenham Hotspur boss will come on Aug 16 at home against newly promoted Burnley, while Sunderland make their return to the Premier League against West Ham.

The third newcomers, Leeds United, play Everton on Monday, Aug 18.

Manchester City, who ended last season empty-handed, will be desperate to get off to a winning start against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

Everton fans will have to wait until the second round of fixtures for their first league game at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, when they will face Brighton Hove Albion.

Liverpool dominated the Premier League last season, romping to a record-equalling 20th title with four games to spare in Slot’s first season in charge.

They have already strengthened their squad.

Liverpool have agreed a club-record deal, reportedly worth up to £116 million (S$200.7 million),to sign Florian Wirtz along with his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong.

A deal for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is understood to be well-advanced.

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, who will be desperate to hit the ground running after a terrible season, have been handed a tough test with a home game against Arsenal on Aug 17.

United finished 15th in the league, their lowest position since they were relegated in the 1973-74 season,