The 2025/26 Premier League fixture list is officially out, with several mouthwatering clashes in the opening weeks. Most teams face tough starts, especially in their first five games. That includes promoted sides like Leeds and regulars like Manchester United and Arsenal. In this article, we rank the top five fixture difficulty ratings from the first five games of the new season.
1. Arsenal
Arsenal face one of their toughest Premier League starts in years. The fixture list offers them no favors. This is a “do or die” season where they must win major silverware. It would mark a milestone for the project built over the last five years. They’ll face three of the traditional big six, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City. Nottingham Forest, who finished in the European spots last season, also await the Gunners. Their easiest game is Leeds United at home, a match they’re expected to win comfortably as title challengers.
2. Burnley
Burnley have the toughest fixtures among promoted teams this season. They face three traditional big six sides: Tottenham, Manchester United, and Liverpool. They’ll also play a strong Nottingham Forest team that finished in the European spots last season. Their easiest fixture is against Sunderland, though it won’t be simple. Both teams are evenly matched, with Burnley possibly just slightly stronger.
3. Manchester United
It’s not the kind of fixture list Reuben Amorim or any Manchester United fan would have wanted. They massively underperformed last season and remain in a transition period. In the first five games, they face three of the traditional big six; Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea, and a dangerous Fulham side. That Fulham game could go either way. Like Arsenal facing Leeds, United will play promoted Burnley as their easiest fixture in the opening five matches.
4.Leeds United
2024/25 EFL champions Leeds United return to the Premier League with a tough opening schedule. Their first five games include Everton, Arsenal, Newcastle, Fulham, and Wolves. Three of those teams finished last season in the top half; two ended in the bottom half. Leeds will need plenty of luck to survive this run. They’ve just been promoted and may lack the quality to compete with teams of this level.
5. West Ham
Graham Potter’s men face a tough start to the season. Their opening fixtures include Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace. West Ham have quality players but remain unpredictable, making them likely to struggle in these games. Their best chance is the opener against Sunderland. A win there could boost confidence and build momentum before the four difficult fixtures that follow.