Arsenal Open 2026-27 PL Defence vs Coventry
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- Arsenal open their Premier League title defence at home to newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday, Aug. 21, in the first match of the 2026-27 season — their first league game since lifting the trophy on the final day of last season at Selhurst Park.
- Liverpool, under new manager Andoni Iraola, begin at Newcastle on the opening weekend; Iraola returns to former club Bournemouth on Sept. 19, with Liverpool hosting the Cherries on the final day of the season.
- Chelsea's new boss Xabi Alonso starts against west London rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage, while Manchester City host Bournemouth under new manager Marco Rose in their first league match since Pep Guardiola's exit.
- Hull City begin their first Premier League season hosting Manchester United, having won the Championship playoff final "amid the Spygate scandal," and Ipswich Town host Sunderland in their first game back in the top flight.
- Arsenal don't face Manchester City until the end of November — a break from last season's early showdown — with the first north London derby at Tottenham in early December and the reverse at the Emirates on May 1.
- The first Manchester derby is scheduled for Sept. 12 at the Etihad, with Old Trafford hosting the return in late March; the first Merseyside derby is played at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium toward the end of November.
Why it matters: Arsenal's title defence starts against a promoted side, but they don't meet Manchester City until late November — a scheduling change from last season's early blockbuster. Three of the league's biggest clubs (Liverpool, Chelsea, City) open under new managers, making the opening weekend an immediate test for Iraola, Alonso, and Rose.
