Premier League Tough Starts: The Sides with the Hardest Early Fixtures in 2025/26

The fixture list for the 2025–26 Premier League campaign has officially been released, prompting fans of all 20 clubs to scan eagerly for key clashes that could define their upcoming seasons.

A strong start to the season can be crucial for any club aiming to hit their targets—whether it’s mounting a title challenge, securing European qualification, or simply steering clear of relegation danger. Unfortunately, not every team enjoys a gentle beginning, and some have been handed particularly testing opening schedules.

Below are seven clubs likely to face a stern examination in the early stages of the new season.

Bournemouth

Starting the new campaign with an away trip to the reigning champions is far from ideal.

Bournemouth begin their season with a daunting visit to Anfield to take on Liverpool. The Cherries then face Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur to close out August—both fixtures carrying their own challenges.

September offers no respite, with encounters lined up against Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Leeds United. By the time these six fixtures are concluded, Bournemouth should have a clearer picture of whether they can target mid-table safety or something greater.

Manchester City

Manchester City are scheduled to meet three of the so-called ‘Big Six’ within their opening six matches, meaning Pep Guardiola’s restructured side must hit the ground running.

City face Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend before providing the first major test of Tottenham Hotspur’s new chapter under Thomas Frank. Brighton wrap up City’s August schedule.

September brings even greater intensity. A home Manchester derby against United is swiftly followed by a high-stakes clash with Arsenal. While it’s too early to call these games title deciders, Guardiola will be determined not to fall behind early as they pursue domestic glory.

Newcastle United

Newcastle have cemented themselves as serious top-four contenders in recent seasons, and they will be expected to prove their credentials from the get-go in the 2025–26 campaign.

The Magpies begin with a difficult tie against fellow European hopefuls Aston Villa, followed by a match-up with reigning champions Liverpool. Even their closing game of August against newly promoted Leeds United may pose a challenge.

Although September features more manageable opponents in Wolves and Bournemouth, Newcastle round off the month with a high-profile clash against Arsenal. A misstep or two early on could place significant pressure on Eddie Howe’s men.

Brentford

With Thomas Frank departing and the potential exit of at least one high-profile player, Brentford are entering a transitional period. However, their opening fixtures leave little room for adaptation.

The Bees kick off against Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa—both teams harbouring Champions League ambitions. Sunderland, back in the Premier League, provide an intriguing test, though their unknowns are paired with the certainty of tougher tasks ahead.

September and October present a brutal stretch. Brentford face both Chelsea and Fulham in West London derbies, then host Manchester United and Manchester City at the Gtech Community Stadium—a stern challenge by any measure.

Burnley

Burnley’s return to the Premier League could scarcely have been scripted tougher.

They begin their journey with a revitalised Tottenham Hotspur side before facing a vital early-season encounter with fellow newcomers Sunderland. Given both sides will likely battle relegation, this clash could prove pivotal.

Should the Clarets fail to take points from that fixture, things may quickly spiral. Their next four opponents—Manchester United, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa—all possess the firepower to punish any weaknesses, meaning Burnley’s rough start could easily extend into October.

Manchester United

Although Ruben Amorim received a degree of leniency last season—despite heavy criticism—there will be no such forgiveness if results falter early in the 2025–26 season.

Unfortunately for United, the campaign opens with a heavyweight clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford. While matches against Fulham and Burnley appear more navigable, the following months raise serious concerns.

The Manchester derby at the Etihad kicks off September, succeeded by tough fixtures against Chelsea and Brentford. Then, in mid-October, United travel to Anfield for a showdown with Liverpool. If the Red Devils are to build momentum, they must overcome one of the most challenging early stretches in the league.

Arsenal

Arguably no team has a more punishing start to the 2025–26 season than Arsenal, who must face four of last season’s top seven within their first six games.

The Gunners start away to a Manchester United side desperate to bounce back after a torrid previous campaign. Although Arsenal will fancy their chances based on recent form, this fixture could go either way.

Next up are newly promoted Leeds United, who are unlikely to be mere bystanders. From there, things intensify rapidly—Arsenal travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool before entering a brutal September schedule that includes Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Newcastle United. All three are fully capable of competing with the Premier League’s best, leaving Mikel Arteta’s squad with no margin for error.

Conclusion

These clubs are bracing for rocky starts, with each facing early fixtures that could heavily influence their momentum and season objectives. For some, it’s an early test of title ambitions; for others, an urgent need to avoid being dragged into trouble. One thing is certain—there will be no shortage of drama in the opening weeks of the Premier League season.