Premier League fixtures 2025/26: The six weekends that could decide the title race

The Premier League fixtures have been released for the 2025/26 campaign and Liverpool will be able to lay down an early marker with a Friday night test against Bournemouth.

But the title race should be more captivating than last term after the Reds ran away with it in the end.

This time, Manchester City, Arsenal and perhaps Chelsea, Newcastle and more will fancy their chances at keeping pace with Arne Slot’s side.

Here we take a look at six defining weekends of the season and why they matter to the outcome of the title race:

The first weekend of the season offers the chance of a marker for any title hopefuls, here’s how it shapes up:

Fans won’t have to wait long until a key test for the Reds when they host Arsenal in the third weekend of the campaign at Anfield, which could serve as an early setback for either side.

While Nottingham Forest might not contend for the title and will have a European campaign to look forward to, they still have a formidable home record, so watch out for the festive period, with the round of games pencilled in for 27 December. Man City will travel to the City Ground in what promises to be a crucial game in the title race.

Every derby is massive, but Everton’s first Merseyside derby against Liverpool at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium against Liverpool on 18 April could be massive in terms of the title race. The Toffees would love to land a telling blow with just weeks remaining in the campaign.

And look out for the round of games on 9 May, with Liverpool hosting Chelsea. Both clubs could be in the title race and, of course, the Champions League, making it a fascinating fixture to circle even this far out.

Finally, of course, should the title race last until the 38th round of fixtures, the final weekend of the season could serve as a decider, with the reigning champions at home once again.

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