Sky Sports has confirmed its selection of live Premier League fixtures for the opening two months of the 2026/27 season, with a London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea and the Manchester derby at Old Trafford among the standout clashes. Defending champions Arsenal host Chelsea on Sunday September 6, while Manchester United welcome Manchester City a week later as the early-season schedule delivers a series of blockbuster encounters.
Blockbuster London derby and Manchester showdown
The Gunners, fresh from their title triumph, will face a Chelsea side embarking on a new era under Xabi Alonso in a Super Sunday double-header on September 6. Earlier that day, Everton host Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium (2pm) before the Emirates spotlight falls on the capital clash (4.30pm). Arsenal against Chelsea is always a feisty affair, and with both clubs aiming to set an early marker, this promises to be a pivotal early test.
Just seven days later, the Manchester derby takes centre stage. United lock horns with City at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday September 13 (4.30pm). With City looking to reclaim the title and United keen to mount a serious challenge, the fixture carries huge significance even at this embryonic stage of the campaign. The match completes a mouthwatering weekend that also includes Leeds United against Newcastle United on Monday Night Football.
Other standout storylines
The opening night itself offers a cracking curtain-raiser as Arsenal host newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday August 21 (8pm). It'll be a baptism of fire for Frank Lampard's side on their return to the top flight. The following evening, Brentford welcome Tottenham Hotspur (5.30pm) before a Super Sunday on August 23 featuring Brighton vs Aston Villa and Manchester City against Bournemouth.
One of the most intriguing subplots is the reunion between Tottenham's £100m summer signing Sandro Tonali and his former club Newcastle United on Saturday August 29 (5.30pm). The Italian midfielder's move was one of the window's biggest deals, and all eyes will be on how he fares against the Magpies. Meanwhile, Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola returns to Bournemouth for the first time since swapping the south coast for Anfield when the Reds travel to the Vitality Stadium on Sunday September 20 (2pm).
Chelsea's Xabi Alonso gets his first taste of a home Premier League match when Brighton visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday August 30 (2pm), part of a bumper Super Sunday that also includes Manchester United vs Ipswich Town (4.30pm). Europa League winners Aston Villa then host Arsenal under the lights on Monday Night Football (August 31, 8pm).
How to watch
All these matches will be broadcast exclusively live on Sky Sports in the UK. Existing customers can stream via the Sky Go app, while non-subscribers can gain access with a NOW Sports membership, which offers monthly or daily passes without a contract. For viewers outside the UK, please check local listings as broadcast rights vary by territory.
Key Takeaways
- The Premier League's early-season schedule is packed with high-profile clashes, including Arsenal vs Chelsea and the Manchester derby, both live on Sky Sports.
- New signings like Sandro Tonali will face immediate tests against their former clubs, adding extra spice to the fixtures.
- Xabi Alonso's first home game as Chelsea manager and Andoni Iraola's return to Bournemouth are compelling narrative hooks.
- Sky Sports will show 24 live matches across August and September, featuring all the traditional "big six" clubs multiple times.
- Fans can stream every game via NOW or Sky Go, ensuring they don't miss a moment of the action.
Quick Facts
First live game: Arsenal vs Coventry City – Friday August 21, 8pm
Biggest derby: Manchester United vs Manchester City – Sunday September 13, 4.30pm
Most-watched manager storyline: Andoni Iraola's Liverpool face Bournemouth – Sunday September 20, 2pm
Tonali reunion: Tottenham vs Newcastle – Saturday August 29, 5.30pm
Alonso's home bow: Chelsea vs Brighton – Sunday August 30, 2pm
Total live games in Aug/Sep: 24 (all on Sky Sports)