( Sports Correspondent Imran Sohail )
Premier League 2025-26 Season Kicks Off With Fixture Overhaul and High-Profile Openers
June 18, 2025 – The Premier League has officially released the fixture list for the 2025-26 season, and one of the biggest changes is the removal of the traditional Boxing Day matchday—a shift aimed at easing the congested festive calendar and reducing player fatigue.
🎄 No Boxing Day Football? Here’s What’s Changing
For the first time in Premier League history, no matches are scheduled on December 26. While this could change depending on broadcast decisions closer to the holiday period, no team will play twice within 48 hours, a long-standing issue during the busy Christmas and New Year period.
In a statement, the Premier League confirmed:
“In keeping with our commitment to providing a greater rest period over the Christmas and New Year period, no club will be requested to play less than 48 hours between match rounds 18 and 19 (December 27 and December 30).”
Each club will host at least one home match between December 27 and January 3, with travel distance minimized during this time to prioritize recovery.
🏟️ Big Opening Weekend Matches
The new season kicks off on Friday, August 15, with defending champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield in a primetime 8:00 PM kickoff.
Here are the key televised matches for the opening weekend:
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Friday, Aug 15: Liverpool vs Bournemouth – 8:00 PM
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Saturday, Aug 16: Aston Villa vs Newcastle United – 12:30 PM
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Saturday, Aug 16: Wolves vs Manchester City – 5:30 PM
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Sunday, Aug 17: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace – 2:00 PM
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Sunday, Aug 17: Manchester United vs Arsenal – 4:30 PM
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Monday, Aug 18: Leeds United vs Everton – 8:00 PM
🔥 Arsenal’s Tough Start
Arsenal face one of the most difficult opening runs in recent memory. Mikel Arteta’s squad will:
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Travel to Old Trafford, Anfield, and St. James’ Park
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Host Manchester City early in the campaign
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Meet rising side Nottingham Forest
Their first match—a high-profile away fixture against Manchester United—will be a Sunday afternoon televised clash at 4:30 PM on August 17.
📍 Other Highlights of the New Season
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Thomas Frank’s first Premier League game as Spurs boss will be at home against newly-promoted Burnley.
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The Premier League Tyne-Wear derby returns for the first time since 2016, with Newcastle vs Sunderland scheduled for mid-December at the Stadium of Light.
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Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium will host its first top-flight game on August 23 against Brighton & Hove Albion at 3:00 PM.
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📅 What’s Next
With broadcasters yet to finalize TV schedules for the festive period, some December 27 matches may shift to Boxing Day. However, the Premier League’s new approach prioritizes player well-being, signaling a positive step toward balancing entertainment and athlete health.
Fans can now start planning for what promises to be an exciting and refreshed Premier League season—one with blockbuster fixtures, new stadiums, and major managerial debuts.
