Arsenal to begin Premier League title defence against promoted Coventry

The first match of the 2026-27 Premier League season sees the reigning top-flight champions face the second-tier Championship winners.Arsenal will kick off their Premier League title defence against promoted Coventry City on August 21.The Premier League fixtures for the 2026-27 campaign were released on Friday, with the Gunners’ home game against Frank Lampard’s Coventry among the highlights in the opening round of matches.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3World Cup Day 9: USA, Brazil and Morocco return to actionlist 2 of 3Luis Romo strikes as Mexico become first team to reach World Cup knockoutslist 3 of 3Bouaddi: Morocco’s teenage World Cup star who could have played for Franceend of listCoventry are back in the top flight for the first time in 25 years after winning the Championship last season.Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League game as Liverpool manager will be at Newcastle United on August 23. Former Bournemouth boss Iraola’s Anfield debut is set for the weekend of August 29 against Nottingham Forest.Manchester City start life after Pep Guardiola at home to Bournemouth on August 23.City are expected to appoint former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca to replace Guardiola, who stepped down at the end of the season after a decade in charge.New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso begins his reign with a west London derby at Fulham on August 24.Hull City, who won promotion via the Championship playoffs, begin their first Premier League season since 2017 with a home fixture against Manchester United on August 22.Elsewhere on the first weekend, Europa League winners Aston Villa travel to Brighton & Hove Albion.Mikel Arteta guided Arsenal to the Premier League title last season, ending a 22-year drought [Matthew Childs/Action Images via Reuters]Arsenal, champions for the first time since 2004, face a testing period after they host Coventry.Mikel Arteta’s side head to Villa for their first away league game of the season, then meet Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on September 5.