EPL: Arsenal, Manchester U, other top teams face upsets

Premier League champions Arsenal will begin their defence of the 2026–27 title with a home clash against newly promoted Coventry City when the new season kicks off on August 21.

The fixture, announced on Friday, will see Coventry return to the English top flight for the first time in 25 years, facing an immediate test against Mikel Arteta’s side. Arsenal enter the campaign as defending champions after ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League crown last season.

Another newly promoted side, Hull City, will host Manchester United in one of the opening-round fixtures, while Ipswich Town, also back in the Premier League, welcome Sunderland.

Manchester City will start a new era without long-serving manager Pep Guardiola when they take on Bournemouth at home in their season opener.

At St. James’ Park, Newcastle United will host Liverpool, who begin life under new manager Andoni Iraola.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will launch their campaign under new head coach Xabi Alonso with a London derby away to Fulham.

One of the standout fixtures of the early season, the Manchester derby between City and United, has been scheduled for September 12.

The release of the fixture list marks the countdown to another highly anticipated Premier League season, with several clubs entering new managerial eras and three promoted teams seeking to establish themselves in the top flight.