Premier League 2025-26: The Must-Watch Blockbuster Clashes That Will Define the Season

Excitement is mounting for the upcoming 2025–26 Premier League campaign after Wednesday's fixture announcement. Three fresh faces enter the competition - Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds United - eager to establish themselves in what's widely regarded as the globe's most challenging league.

While circumstances evolve, certain traditions endure. Supporters are already highlighting the unmissable matchups that the league delivers annually. With fresh narratives, coaching appointments and transfer activity introducing new dynamics, here are seven of the most thrilling Premier League encounters to anticipate this upcoming campaign.

View the complete Premier League fixture schedule here as well.

North London Derby: Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur

This intense Premier League rivalry returns with a fresh twist. Ange Postecoglou has departed following Europa League success and a disappointing 17th-place league campaign. Thomas Frank steps in, having previously troubled Mikel Arteta's Arsenal during his Brentford tenure. However, the north London clash presents an entirely different challenge.

Arsenal's home record against Spurs at Emirates Stadium remains unblemished since 2010. At their rival's ground, they've claimed victory in the previous three encounters. Tottenham's last derby triumph dates back to 2022, a streak Frank aims to break from the sideline.

Liverpool vs. Manchester United

England's most decorated clubs face off in what has become a lopsided affair recently. United have managed just one victory in their previous 10 league encounters against Liverpool, a shocking statistic that reflects both teams' current positions. While Ruben Amorim secured a draw in his debut match, supporters will celebrate if he can end a five-game winless streak.

Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur

European champions, both clubs will claim that title.

This already passionate London rivalry gains additional intrigue as the current Europa League and Conference League holders clash. Frank must address Spurs' struggles against both Arsenal and Chelsea. The Blues have dominated their last four encounters, and extending further back, Chelsea have triumphed in nine of their previous 11 meetings across all competitions.

Maresca experienced the significance of these fixtures during his inaugural Chelsea season. This campaign, he'll seek to make his mark.

Arsenal vs. Manchester City

Which side will face disappointment? Will either experience a setback? Essential Premier League viewing awaits.

Following their battle for the last two championship titles, Arsenal have begun establishing momentum against Pep Guardiola's powerhouse. The Gunners haven't suffered defeat to City since April 26, 2023, a match that launched the Citizens toward glory. Subsequently, Arsenal have won both home fixtures and drawn both away encounters. Previous seasons' meetings delivered tension, thrills and heated exchanges. This year, Guardiola seeks improved outcomes.

City hopes Rodri remains healthy for their initial meeting this season. His September 2024 ACL injury disrupted their title pursuit. They ultimately salvaged a draw, Erling Haaland clashed with Gabriel Jesus and Arteta, but their campaign entered decline. In the return match, Arsenal dominated Guardiola's squad 5–1, with Myles Lewis-Skelly mimicking the Norwegian's celebration after scoring.

Arsenal likely expects home victories against City now, yet they haven't won away since 2015. Such a result could propel Arsenal toward the title.

Newcastle United vs. Sunderland

Celebrate, Sunderland supporters. Your Premier League return is confirmed. With it comes the Tyne–Wear derby's revival.

The Magpies prevailed when these sides last met in January 2024's FA Cup, but this Sunderland squad will be energized by their top-flight return. Their next encounter marks the 158th meeting between these North East England neighbors. The overall record remains remarkably balanced. Newcastle leads with 54 victories, Sunderland has 53 wins, with 50 matches ending level.

Newcastle enters both games as favorites, though Sunderland aims to avoid relegation battles.

Merseyside Derby: Liverpool vs. Everton

Stadium

Goodison Park witnessed one final memorable Merseyside derby moment last season when James Tarkowski netted a late equalizer. The subsequent altercation between Abdoulaye Doucouré and Curtis Jones created an unforgettable farewell at the historic venue.

This season, Everton aims to inaugurate their new home against their fierce rivals, who will certainly view both encounters as crucial victories.

Manchester Derby: Man Utd vs. Man City

An irresistible force encounters a highly vulnerable target.

At least that's the recent perception on paper. The Manchester derby remains among the most unpredictable and compelling annual fixtures. Last season, following Erik ten Hag's dismissal, Ruben Amorim maintained an unbeaten record against the Citizens. He secured his first derby victory in December and kept their neighbors scoreless at Old Trafford. A superior start compared to his predecessor in derbies, though Ten Hag boasts the FA Cup triumph.

Guardiola's squad expects to compete across all competitions again, but attention focuses on Amorim after Europa League final disappointment. Significant roster changes are anticipated with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho potentially departing. Additionally, striker acquisition discussions continue.

Liverpool vs. Manchester City

Stadium

Recall when everyone anticipated Liverpool's decline under Arne Slot? Liverpool versus City wouldn't maintain its excitement, would it? How dramatically those predictions have failed.

This matchup remains among the finest spectacles for neutral observers worldwide. Not forgetting the numerous Arsenal fans who watch recent years hoping both teams drop points. Florian Wirtz's expected Merseyside arrival should intensify matters, considering City pursued the German's services this summer too.