Liverpool's quest to build a new dynasty under Arne Slot

After a dominant season under manager Arne Slot, defending Premier League champions Liverpool will be hoping to ride their wave of success right into the new campaign, as the Merseysiders look to build a new legacy - having now equalled Manchester United's 20 top-flight titles.

The Reds kick off their 2025/26 season against Bournemouth at Anfield, before a trip to Tyneside where an impressive Newcastle team will aim to be a stumbling block for them.

Liverpool will face another stern test against last season's runners-up Arsenal the following week, providing the champions with a tough start.

Manchester United attempt to rise from the ashes

After a disastrous season, which saw the Red Devils finish down in 15th position, all eyes will be on Old Trafford on 17 August when old title rivals Arsenal pay the Theatre of Dreams a visit.

Manager Ruben Amorim struggled to cope with the slew of problems both on and off the field at United last term, and will need to find some inspiration, and savvy transfers, to get the sleeping giant's eyes open in time for the Gunners' arrival.

Fulham will host United for their first away game of the season on 23 August, before recently-promoted Burnley return to Old Trafford seven days later.

Mikel Arteta determined to prove Arsenal are not fighting for second place

Arsenal have now placed second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons. Even though it's an impressive feat, boss Mikel Arteta has cut a frustrated figure on the side-lines as he continues to dream of bringing the league title back to north London.

Arteta's charges will have to find their form pretty soon when the new campaign gets going, as they will face a wounded Manchester United in their opener, before hosting newly-promoted Leeds, and then travelling to champions Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola not done winning league titles at Man City

Manchester City have won six league titles under Pep Guardiola, the last of which came in 2023/24, but they suffered a significant slump this past season, finishing third, a full 13 points below Liverpool.

Despite the massive success Guardiola has enjoyed at Etihad Stadium, the Spanish tactician remains determined to bounce back and bring a seventh Premier League trophy to the Sky Blues.

City travel to Wolves on the opening weekend, before hosting Tottenham. Brighton will then welcome them to the south coast of England on 30 August.

A new power is rising at Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery repeatedly attempted to lower expectations last season, as his side once again showed they are real top-six contenders now - after finishing in the top seven in three successive campaigns.

Villa will host another club on the rise in their league opener as they host Newcastle on 16 August.

Emery's charges will not face any of the top sides early on, but will instead travel to Brentford before playing at home against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.

Newcastle to establish themselves as one of the big hitters

Eddie Howe has helped transform Newcastle into a formidable outfit since taking over in 2021, and will eye a top-four finish in the upcoming season.

Newcastle managed a top-four appearance in 2023, dropped to seventh in 2024, and claimed fifth in the most recent campaign.

The Magpies are away at Aston Villa on opening weekend before hosting defending champions Liverpool a week later. Leeds will host Newcastle on 30 August.

Thomas Frank aims to build something new at Tottenham

Tottenham are looking to find some solid ground after a strange season under manager Ange Postecoglou. The north London club ended their trophy drought with a UEFA Europa League triumph in 2024/25, but meanwhile endured one of their worst league campaigns, finishing in 17th position.

The league performance led to Postecoglou's dismissal, and now new boss Thomas Frank will be hoping to steady the ship.

Spurs are at home against Burnley on 16 August, before a trip to Manchester City the following week. Bournemouth will pay Spurs a visit thereafter.

Leeds United's battle to maintain Premier League status

Daniel Farke has an exciting challenge ahead of him as he aims to keep Leeds United in the Premier League following their promotion from the Championship.

The Whites won the EFL Championship, ending the season level on 100 points with second-placed Burnley, and will hope the good feeling spills into their Premier League season.

Leeds will not have an easy start as they will face Arsenal away and Newcastle at home, after an opening-day clash with Everton.

Nottingham Forest measuring up to the top-flight's elite

The 2023/24 season was a nervy time for Forest as Nuno Espirito Santo came in halfway through to lead them to Premier League survival by only six points.

However, they were the big surprise package of the 2024/25 campaign as they clinched an impressive seventh position - just one point behind Aston Villa in sixth.

Now Forest will be aiming to prove that they deserve to be among the top-six contenders after a breakout campaign.

They have a relatively easier start to the new season, with games against Brentford, Crystal Palace, and West Ham to kick things off.

Brighton quietly gathering momentum

Brighton have flown somewhat under the radar these past few years, but have always achieved admirable success on the pitch, highlighted by a sixth-place finish in 2023.

Last season the Seagulls managed 61 points to claim eighth place, and might be pushing for a highly-coveted sixth-place finish this time around.

Brighton will be at home against Fulham on 16 August, will travel to Everton a week later, and then host Manchester City to cap off their opening three Premier League fixtures.

Matchweek 1

Friday 15 August

20:00 Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth

Saturday 16 August

12:30 Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Brighton v Fulham
Nottingham Forest v Brentford
Sunderland v West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley
17:30 Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City

Sunday 17 August

14:00 Chelsea v Crystal Palace
16:30 Manchester United v Arsenal

Monday 18 August

20:00 Leeds United v Everton

Helman Mkhalele names Bafana squad for Chan qualifiers