Updated: July 1, 2026
Arsenal’s defence of the Premier League title will begin under the lights at Emirates Stadium after the club was handed a home fixture against newly promoted Coventry City to open the 2026/27 campaign.
The champions will kick off the new season on Friday, August 21, with an 8pm UK kick-off. It is currently Arsenal’s only confirmed live television selection, although further fixture changes are expected once broadcasters, domestic cup competitions and UEFA schedules are finalised.
Mikel Arteta’s side enters the season carrying the pressure of defending England’s biggest domestic prize, and the fixture list leaves little room for a slow start. Arsenal face several direct rivals before the end of the year, making the opening months particularly significant.
Fans wanting a look back at the celebrations following Arsenal’s championship-winning season can revisit the club’s 2026 Premier League trophy parade.
The complete fixture schedule has been published by the Premier League, although dates and kick-off times remain subject to change throughout the season.
Strong opening run awaits the champions
Arsenal begin with Coventry City before travelling to Aston Villa one week later. Villa Park has become one of the league’s toughest away grounds in recent seasons, giving Arteta’s squad an early challenge.
The first London derby arrives immediately after the international break when Chelsea travel to Emirates Stadium. Arsenal then continue with away matches against Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion before welcoming Leeds United.
October ends with a difficult trip to Liverpool, meaning Arsenal will already have played several clubs expected to compete near the top of the table before November begins.
November and December could define momentum
The schedule becomes even more demanding as winter approaches. Arsenal host Hull City before travelling to Newcastle United and then welcome Manchester City on Saturday, November 28 in one of the biggest matches before Christmas.
Only four days later, Arsenal travel across London to face Brentford before taking on Tottenham Hotspur away in the season’s first north London derby on Saturday, December 5.
December continues with home matches against Bournemouth and Manchester United before Boxing Day brings a visit to Crystal Palace. Arsenal close the calendar year away at Fulham.
The festive period often tests squad depth, especially for clubs competing in Europe, and this stretch could play a major role in shaping Arsenal’s position entering the second half of the campaign.
A huge test after the New Year
January begins with consecutive home fixtures against Ipswich Town and Brentford before Arsenal travel to Hull City and welcome Newcastle United.
Attention then turns to what may become one of the defining weeks of the season. Arsenal travel to Manchester City on Saturday, January 30, followed by a home meeting with Liverpool on Saturday, February 6.
Facing two title contenders in consecutive league matches is likely to provide one of the clearest indicators of Arsenal’s progress in defending the championship.
February continues with trips to Ipswich Town and Manchester United, while Fulham visit Emirates Stadium between those away fixtures.
Complete Arsenal Premier League fixtures 2026/27
August: Coventry City (H), Aston Villa (A).
September: Chelsea (H), Sunderland (A), Brighton & Hove Albion (A).
October: Leeds United (H), Nottingham Forest (A), Everton (H), Liverpool (A).
November: Hull City (H), Newcastle United (A), Manchester City (H).
December: Brentford (A), Tottenham Hotspur (A), Bournemouth (H), Manchester United (H), Crystal Palace (A), Fulham (A).
January: Ipswich Town (H), Brentford (H), Hull City (A), Newcastle United (H), Manchester City (A).
February: Liverpool (H), Ipswich Town (A), Fulham (H), Manchester United (A).
March: Crystal Palace (H), Chelsea (A), Sunderland (H).
April: Coventry City (A), Aston Villa (H), Bournemouth (A).
May: Tottenham Hotspur (H), Leeds United (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Everton (A), Brighton & Hove Albion (H).
Final month offers another major derby
The return meeting with Tottenham Hotspur headlines Arsenal’s run-in on May 1. The champions then face Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Everton before ending the campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium.
All Premier League fixtures on the final day are expected to kick off simultaneously at 4pm UK time, ensuring every club completes the season under identical conditions.
By that stage, Arsenal could still be competing for another league title, Champions League qualification or other major objectives, making every point during the closing weeks increasingly valuable.
Fixture dates are expected to change
The published calendar should be viewed as the starting framework rather than the final schedule. Television selections regularly move Premier League fixtures, while FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA competitions create additional adjustments throughout the season.
Supporters planning travel should therefore monitor official club announcements before making arrangements, particularly for matches scheduled around European fixtures and the festive period.
Arsenal’s route through the 2026/27 season combines a high-profile opening night, difficult away trips, heavyweight clashes against Manchester City and Liverpool, and two north London derbies that could prove decisive before the campaign reaches its conclusion.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
