AFCON 2025
The release of the 2026/27 Premier League fixtures has already given fans plenty to look forward to, with several heavyweight clashes scattered throughout the campaign.
From title-defining encounters to historic rivalries that have shaped English football for decades, the quest for who will be crowned the league champions after 38 games has already begun.
Here are the five standout matches every football fan should mark on their calendar.
1. Manchester United vs Manchester City
12 September 2026 | Old Trafford
Few fixtures generate as much anticipation as the Manchester Derby. The rivalry between the two sides has intensified over the last decade, and this season will be different.
With the absence of Pep Guardiola who many believe have transformed Manchester City and positioned them as a top Premier League team, and with the recent success of Manchester United under Michael Carrick last season; many see this fixture as very important.
With local pride at stake and potentially crucial points in the title race on the line, Old Trafford is expected to be the stage for another unforgettable battle between two of England’s biggest clubs.
2. Liverpool vs Manchester City
10 October 2026 | Anfield
When Liverpool and Manchester City meet, it is often a clash between two of the Premier League’s strongest sides.
Their recent meetings have produced some of the highest-quality football seen in England, with both clubs setting remarkable standards in the modern era.
Liverpool were a shadow of themselves, having parted ways with their manager Arne Slot, the whole world will be looking forward to seeing if both teams can still pull out the intensity we have always known the encounter to be.
3. Arsenal vs Manchester City
28 November 2026 | Emirates Stadium
This fixture has developed into one of the league’s defining matchups in recent seasons.
Arsenal’s emergence as consistent title challengers has transformed meetings with Manchester City into important encounters that could shape the championship race.
After finishing second for two seasons, Arsenal has finally gotten their hands on the Premier League trophy, now, the question is will they be able to defend it?
By late November, both teams will have established their ambitions for the season, making this encounter at the Emirates a potentially decisive battle in the quest for Premier League glory.
4. Liverpool vs Manchester United
21 November 2026 | Anfield
No rivalry in English football carries more history and prestige than Liverpool against Manchester United.
Between them, the two clubs boast an unrivalled collection of domestic and European honours, while generations of supporters view this fixture as the biggest game on the calendar.
Form often goes out the window when these sides meet, with emotion, intensity and fierce competition usually taking centre stage.
Manchester United surprisingly had their way against Liverpool last season, can they replicate the impressive show again when they meet this season?
5. Chelsea vs Manchester United
31 October 2026 | Stamford Bridge
One of the Premier League’s modern rivalries returns when Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
Over the years, meetings between the two clubs have produced memorable title races, dramatic cup finals and iconic moments involving some of the league’s greatest players.
With both clubs aiming to establish themselves among the league’s elite once again, this fixture could have significant implications in the race for Champions League qualification and potentially much more.
Nigerians will arguably be more interested in these two fixtures more, as they both share a number of followers in Nigeria.
Several other fixtures could also have a major impact on the season, including Arsenal vs Liverpool, Chelsea vs Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal and Manchester City vs Liverpool later in the campaign.
