Manchester City will begin their 2025–26 Premier League season with an away clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the weekend of August 16/17. After a trophyless campaign last term, Pep Guardiola’s side will be eager to bounce back quickly as they attempt to reclaim domestic dominance.
The new season starts just 83 days after the previous campaign ended, giving City a quick turnaround — especially with their current involvement in the Club World Cup in the United States. The opening few months of the campaign present key challenges, including the first Manchester derby against United on September 13 and a showdown with Arsenal a week later.
City’s first encounter with reigning champions Liverpool is scheduled for November 8 at the Etihad, while the return fixture at Anfield takes place on February 7. Their opening three games include tough tests against Tottenham Hotspur at home and a trip to Brighton, both before mid-September.
Guardiola recently recommitted his future to the club by signing a new contract and has made clear his desire to work with a smaller squad in the upcoming season. He emphasised the emotional strain of leaving players unused and insists the new campaign cannot repeat the injuries and selection issues that plagued City last term.
The manager said: “I don’t want a big squad. I will stay only if we work with a smaller one. I can’t keep players in the freezer every week. I said to the club: if you want me to continue, reduce the numbers.”
There have also been some key changes at the Etihad. Kevin De Bruyne has departed after a decade of service, while new signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders have arrived to add depth and creativity to the midfield.
Below is Manchester City’s full 2025–26 Premier League fixture list:
August
- 16 – Wolves (A)
- 23 – Tottenham (H)
- 30 – Brighton (A)
September
- 13 – Man United (H)
- 20 – Arsenal (A)
- 27 – Burnley (H)
October
- 4 – Brentford (A)
- 18 – Everton (H)
- 25 – Aston Villa (A)
November
- 1 – Bournemouth (H)
- 8 – Liverpool (H)
- 22 – Newcastle (A)
- 29 – Leeds (H)
December
- 3 – Fulham (A)
- 6 – Sunderland (H)
- 13 – Crystal Palace (A)
- 20 – West Ham (H)
- 27 – Nottingham Forest (A)
- 30 – Sunderland (A)
January
- 3 – Chelsea (H)
- 7 – Brighton (H)
- 17 – Man United (A)
- 24 – Wolves (H)
- 31 – Tottenham (A)
February
- 7 – Liverpool (A)
- 11 – Fulham (H)
- 21 – Newcastle (H)
- 28 – Leeds (A)
March
- 4 – Nottingham Forest (H)
- 14 – West Ham (A)
- 21 – Crystal Palace (H)
April
- 11 – Chelsea (A)
- 18 – Arsenal (H)
- 25 – Burnley (A)
May
- 2 – Everton (A)
- 9 – Brentford (H)
- 17 – Bournemouth (A)
- 24 – Aston Villa (H)
City fans will be hoping the fresh faces and a tighter squad help them return to the top of English football after seeing their streak of four straight Premier League titles come to an end.