As the 2025/26 football season gets underway, anticipation is high among Arsenal fans in the UK and beyond. Mikel Arteta’s side are set for another campaign full of drama, with the fixture list throwing down a series of early challenges and blockbuster matchups. For those following the Gunners’ progress, the coming months will shape the club’s ambitions on domestic and European fronts. With a team blending youth and experience and bolstered by new signings, Arsenal will be eager to prove their credentials from day one.
Arsenal’s August: A Relentless Opening Salvo
Arsenal’s Premier League campaign kicks off on Sunday, 17 August, with a tough away trip to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Dubbed one of English football’s classic rivalries, this opening fixture will test the squad’s mettle. The match is scheduled for a 4:30pm BST kick-off, drawing immense attention from UK broadcasters and fans alike.
Following this, the Gunners return to North London to host newly-promoted Leeds United on Saturday, 23 August. This game at Emirates Stadium provides an opportunity to capitalise on home support, but Leeds’ resilience and energy guarantee no easy points. Arsenal’s August ends with a daunting match at Anfield against champions Liverpool on Saturday, 30 August. Conquering Liverpool away is a challenge that historically set the tone for Arsenal’s season and gives a hint of their form against top opposition.
September’s Blockbuster Tests
The pace does not let up in September, with Arsenal welcoming Nottingham Forest to the Emirates on the 13th. Forest’s recent improvements in the league suggest a challenging contest. On 20 September, the Gunners faced reigning champions Manchester City at home in what many see as an early gauge of Arsenal’s title ambitions. September wraps up away at Newcastle United on the 27th. With Newcastle gunning for European qualification, Arsenal must be at their sharpest to secure points at St James’ Park.
Autumn and Winter: Derbies and Decisive Clashes
October and November bring more high-stakes fixtures. After hosting West Ham United and Crystal Palace, Arsenal’s attention will turn to the North London Derby, with Tottenham arriving at Emirates Stadium on 22 November. These matches often define seasons and Arsenal fans will be keen for bragging rights in one of England’s fiercest rivalries.
Further into winter, Arsenal will travel to Chelsea and Everton before the festive run-in — a period often described as make-or-break for clubs with title hopes. Over Christmas, fixtures against Brighton, Aston Villa, and Liverpool stand out, with squad depth and rotation coming into sharp focus.
Key Spring Encounters
Arsenal’s form in the new year will be tested by games against established rivals. Liverpool and Manchester United both visit the Emirates between January and February. The return fixtures of the North London and London derbies sprinkle added intensity through the early spring. Notable away games at Manchester City, Wolves, Tottenham, and West Ham United can have a big say in the title and top-four races in the closing stages of the season.
The Run-In: May’s Title Race Drama
The Premier League season concludes in May with Arsenal’s final home game against Burnley on the 17th. The campaign then ends with a dramatic trip to Crystal Palace on 24 May — a fixture that could determine European qualification or even the title, depending on how the season unfolds.
Beyond the league, Arsenal’s calendar brims with additional commitments. The Gunners will enter the FA Cup and EFL Cup in the third rounds, with draws set for late autumn.
With both league and continental aspirations, managing squad rotation and travel will be vital for Arteta and his staff.
Amid a gruelling schedule, squad depth has never been more important. After summer recruitment aimed at bolstering midfield and attacking options, Arsenal appear better equipped to handle fixture congestion.
Expert Insight: What the Fixtures Mean
UK pundits have described Arsenal’s opening sequence as “the toughest in the top flight,” with early games against several title contenders. “It’s a baptism of fire,” remarked one BBC Sport columnist, highlighting how these early fixtures will reveal whether Arsenal can stay with Manchester City and Liverpool. The congested winter period and the away fixture at Manchester City in April stand out as other potential season-defining moments.
Fan Perspective
Supporters are buzzing with excitement and cautious optimism. Early ticket demand for games against Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester City exceeds previous years. The Emirates atmosphere, widely regarded as one of the best in the league, could be a vital factor in building early momentum, especially for home matches in September and November.
Looking Ahead: Hopes and Expectations
With Premier League broadcasters ensuring maximum coverage and several Arsenal matches already picked for live television, every goal and every point is set to be dissected by pundits and fans across the country. Mikel Arteta will hope that a strong start, effective injury management, and the integration of new signings will lead to a memorable campaign.
As the 2025/26 season unfolds, Arsenal’s fixture list points to relentless challenges but also immense opportunity. If the Gunners can navigate their demanding early months and maintain consistency, they could well feature in the title race right until the final whistle in May.
Read more: childcare