The 2026/27 Premier League season gets underway this Saturday and the fixture list has wasted no time throwing up genuine blockbusters. From London derbies to the first Merseyside test on the road, there is no easing in here. This is five games you need to watch.
1. Newcastle United vs Liverpool — St James' Park
The pick of the opening weekend without question. Newcastle have been the story of the summer: a title-winning squad rebuilt around Alexander Isak, who signed a new deal until 2029, and a midfield reinforced by two top-drawer additions. Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive with questions around their defensive depth after selling a key centre-back and failing to replace him in time.
Isak versus Liverpool's backline is the matchup to watch. He tore them apart twice last season and they have no obvious answer to his movement. If Newcastle win this, they will be the immediate early-season title contenders alongside Arsenal and City.
2. Arsenal vs Wolves — Emirates Stadium
Arsenal open their Premier League campaign at home for the first time in three years and Mikel Arteta will expect a statement performance. Wolves, who survived by the skin of their teeth last May, pose little threat on paper — but Arsenal have a history of slow starts and the crowd will be edgy if the first 20 minutes aren't convincing.
Watch Bukayo Saka: his first 90 minutes of the season often sets the tone for everything that follows. A dominant Saka usually means a dominant Arsenal.
3. Brentford vs Tottenham — Gtech Community Stadium
This is the kind of fixture that Spurs habitually mess up. Brentford under Thomas Frank play with aggression and intensity from the first whistle, and Spurs — whoever is managing them — traditionally need a few games to find their rhythm. Tottenham came into the summer with expectations of a top-six finish, but a shaky pre-season has raised familiar doubts.
Brentford's front three could cause real problems early on if Spurs don't get their defensive line right from the start. This one could be a banana skin of an opening.
4. Manchester City vs Bournemouth — Etihad Stadium
City look to bounce back from a difficult end to last season and begin what Pep Guardiola has hinted may be his final year in charge. The squad has been refreshed with two key additions and there is a renewed sense of purpose at the Etihad. Bournemouth, though, are no pushover — they held City at home last term and will look to frustrate from the first whistle.
Erling Haaland's form in opening-weekend fixtures has been extraordinary. In three Premier League openers, he's scored five goals. Bournemouth's defence will need to be at their best.
5. Chelsea vs Everton — Stamford Bridge
Chelsea's summer has been enormous — nearly £200m spent on bringing in quality across every area of the pitch. Enzo Maresca's second season begins with serious expectation and a home game against a rebuilding Everton side gives them the platform to start fast. This is the opener where Chelsea can send a message to the rest of the league.
Watch the new signings gel. If Chelsea's front line clicks from day one, the title conversation will quickly expand to five clubs.
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