Premier League Matchweek 1: Fixtures & Referees for the 2025/26 Season Opener

While the Champions League drama unfolds, the 2025/26 English Premier League is set to kick off this weekend, promising fresh rivalries, high-octane football, and the inevitable debates over refereeing calls.

Defending champions Liverpool will open the season under the iconic Anfield lights on Friday, August 15, hosting Bournemouth in what is expected to be a fiery and competitive curtain-raiser.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has confirmed the match officials for the opening round, with some of the league’s most seasoned referees and emerging names taking centre stage.

Anthony Taylor will oversee the opening fixture on Merseyside, supported by assistant referees Gary Beswick and Craig Taylor. VAR duties will be handled by Michael Oliver, with Thomas Bramall as his assistant. Saturday’s early kick-off sees Aston Villa face Newcastle United, with Craig Pawson in charge. Other fixtures on the day include:

Premier League Matchweek 1 Fixtures and Referee Appointments

Friday, August 15

• Liverpool vs Bournemouth — Referee: Anthony Taylor; Assistants: Gary Beswick, Craig Taylor; VAR: Michael Oliver; AVAR: Thomas Bramall

Saturday, August 16

• Aston Villa vs Newcastle United — Craig Pawson
• Brighton vs Fulham — Sam Barrott
• Sunderland vs West Ham — Robert Jones
• Tottenham vs Burnley — Michael Oliver
• Wolves vs Manchester City (Evening) — Jarred Gillett

Sunday, August 17

• Manchester United vs Arsenal — Simon Hooper (VAR: Paul Tierney)
• Chelsea vs Crystal Palace — [Referee details not listed]
• Nottingham Forest vs Brentford — [Referee details not listed]

Monday, August 18

• Leeds United vs Everton — Chris Kavanagh

Sunday’s headline clash is a heavyweight battle between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford, refereed by Simon Hooper, with Paul Tierney overseeing VAR. Elsewhere, Chelsea take on Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, and Nottingham Forest host Brentford.

The round wraps up on Monday night with Leeds United welcoming Everton to Elland Road, where Chris Kavanagh will be the man in the middle. With both domestic and European football returning in full swing, fans can expect a thrilling start to the season as clubs chase early momentum and European dreams.

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