Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta with the Premier League trophy

AFP | London

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Arsenal will begin their Premier League title defence against promoted Coventry on August 21, with the 2026–27 fixtures released yesterday. Coventry, managed by Frank Lampard, return to the top flight for the first time in 25 years after winning the Championship last season.

The opening weekend also sees Manchester City start life after Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth on August 23, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca expected to replace him. Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola begins at Newcastle on the same day before his Anfield debut against Nottingham Forest on August 29. Chelsea, led by Xabi Alonso, open away at Fulham on August 24. Hull host Manchester United on August 22, Ipswich meet Sunderland, Aston Villa travel to Brighton, Brentford face Tottenham, Everton host Crystal Palace and Leeds visit Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal, champions for the first time since 2004, face a testing start after Villa away, Chelsea at home on September 5, followed by trips to Sunderland and Brighton. The first Manchester derby of the post-Guardiola era arrives on September 12.

Liverpool host Manchester United on November 21, while City meet Arsenal on November 28 at the Emirates, the same date as the Merseyside derby at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium. The north London derby follows on December 5, while Boxing Day sees Lampard's Coventry face Chelsea.

The season ends on May 30, with Arsenal at home to Brighton, City at Sunderland, Liverpool hosting Bournemouth, Chelsea at home to Brentford and Manchester United at home to Fulham. The campaign begins later than usual due to the World Cup, which finishes just over a month before the Premier League starts.