Premier League opening weekend fixtures and SAST kick-off times

The 2026/27 Premier League season begins on Friday, 21 August 2026, when Arsenal host Coventry City.

The opening round continues across the weekend before Fulham and Chelsea complete the fixtures on Monday night.

Here is the full opening weekend schedule in South African Standard Time.

Friday, 21 August

Arsenal begin the new season at home against Coventry City.

• Arsenal vs Coventry City: 20:00 SAST

Saturday, 22 August

Manchester United start their campaign away to Hull City in Saturday’s early kick-off.

The afternoon fixtures include Everton against Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town against Sunderland and Nottingham Forest against Leeds United.

• Hull City vs Manchester United: 12:30 SAST
• Everton vs Crystal Palace: 15:00 SAST
• Ipswich Town vs Sunderland: 15:00 SAST
• Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: 15:00 SAST
• Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur: 17:30 SAST

Sunday, 23 August

Sunday begins with two matches at 14:00 before Newcastle United host Liverpool in the late fixture.

• Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa: 14:00 SAST
• Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth: 14:00 SAST
• Newcastle United vs Liverpool: 16:30 SAST

Monday, 24 August

The opening round ends with a London match between Fulham and Chelsea.

• Fulham vs Chelsea: 20:00 SAST

The complete match schedule is available through the official Premier League website.

Which clubs have won the most English league titles?

Manchester United and Liverpool share the record for the most English top-flight league titles, with 20 each.

The leading clubs are:

• Manchester United: 20 titles
• Liverpool: 20 titles
• Arsenal: 14 titles
• Manchester City: 10 titles

Which club has won the most Premier League titles?

Manchester United hold the record for the most titles won since the Premier League era began in 1992.

• Manchester United: 13 titles
• Manchester City: 10 titles
• Chelsea: 5 titles
• Arsenal: 4 titles
• Liverpool: 2 titles

Ryan Giggs holds the individual player record with 13 Premier League winners’ medals, all earned with Manchester United.

All-time Premier League records

Alan Shearer is the competition’s leading goalscorer with 260 goals.

Other major records include:

• Most appearances: Gareth Barry, 653
• Most assists: Ryan Giggs, 162
• Unbeaten season: Arsenal recorded 26 wins and 12 draws in 2003/04
• Highest points total: Manchester City earned 100 points in 2017/18

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