- Manchester United faces the toughest start in the Premier League,according to a recent analysis.
- Arsenal,Liverpool,and Newcastle United also have challenging opening schedules.
- Sunderland, as a promoted team, statistically has the easiest start based on opponent rankings.
LONDON, 2025-06-19
The 2025-26 Premier League season is still a couple of months away, yet the fixture release has already ignited excitement among fans. Teams are already dissecting their schedules, looking for early advantages in what promises to be another thrilling campaign.
The opening matches can set the tone for a season, influencing momentum and confidence.
With 38 matchdays over nine months,every team plays each rival once at home and once away. The opening games can be crucial. Remember how Liverpool’s strong start last season provided a platform to win the league? Conversely, Crystal Palace, despite a rough start, managed a 12th-place finish and FA Cup success. So, how tough is your team’s start?
Early Challenges
The Athletic assessed the opening five matches for each Premier League club, using last season’s final standings. Promoted teams-Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland-were factored in as the 18th, 19th, and 20th most difficult opponents, respectively.
Each team’s start was given a “difficulty value,” with higher scores indicating tougher schedules. The analysis excluded a team from its own calculations. Playing last season’s champions, Liverpool, is worth 19 points, while facing the play-off winners, Sunderland, is one point.
Did you know?-The Premier league season typically starts in August and concludes in May, with matches played primarily on weekends and some midweek evenings.
Manchester United: The Toughest Start
Ruben Amorim faces a crucial season at Old Trafford after a 15th-place finish and a Europa League final loss. Manchester United objectively has the toughest start, playing three of last season’s top four in their first five matches.
Trips to Fulham and a home game against newly-promoted Burnley also await. Though, four of their opening five matches are in Manchester, with Arsenal and Chelsea visiting Old Trafford.
Fixtures: Arsenal, Fulham, Burnley, Manchester City, Chelsea
Total ‘difficulty’ value: 62
Reader question:-Which team do you think will benefit the most from an easy start to the season, and which will struggle due to a difficult one?
Arsenal’s Road Ahead
Arsenal, after multiple second-place finishes, is targeting the title. But an opening-day trip to Old Trafford and an away game at Liverpool in matchday three pose immediate tests. Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City will also present varied challenges.
Fixtures: Manchester United, Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester city
Total ‘difficulty’ value: 60
Liverpool’s Testing Start
Champions Liverpool begin with a Friday night home match against Bournemouth. However, away matches at Newcastle and at home to Arsenal, both saw dropped points last season. An early Merseyside derby at home to Everton completes a challenging opening, delaying their rival’s first trip to their new stadium until later in the season.
Fixtures: Bournemouth, Newcastle, Arsenal, Burnley, Everton
Total ‘difficult’ value: 57
(PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Assessing the Rest
Bournemouth,a surprise package last season,faces a difficult start but has home games in three of their next four after the opener. Newcastle United, back in the Champions League, will want early points, while Brentford faces a challenging start under a new head coach.
Leeds United aims to make an impact upon their Premier League return, and Everton’s fans will be eager for their new stadium debut.wolves, having lost key players, need a strong start at Molineux.
Crystal Palace, brighton & Hove Albion, and tottenham Hotspur also have notable schedules.Fulham’s back-to-back West London derbies will be an early test, as will Nottingham Forest’s four London opponents to start.
Mid-Table Challenges
Manchester City’s season was derailed by a downturn in form last season.Aston Villa looks to set the tone with an early home match against Newcastle. Chelsea faces a series of London derbies to start before a trip to Old Trafford.
West Ham United, Burnley, and Sunderland complete the analysis. Sunderland, the promotion play-off winners, has the most favorable opening fixtures.
what makes Manchester United’s start so difficult?
Manchester United faces a challenging start to the 2025-26 season, as they will be playing three of last season’s top four teams in their first five matches.
(Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
the Impact of Early Fixtures
The 2025-26 Premier League season’s schedule release is more than dates and times; it’s an early strategic battleground. Analyzing the Premier League fixtures from the get-go can significantly impact a team’s season. A favorable start can build confidence, while a challenging run can test a team’s mettle and potentially lead to managerial changes. The opening weeks often reveal a team’s true form and tactical flexibility.
The opening five matches are crucial for setting the tone. Consider a team’s ability to adapt to diffrent tactics, manage player fatigue, and handle pressure. These early tests prepare them for the long season ahead. Teams with tough starts, like Manchester United and Arsenal, must be prepared for intense competition.
Conversely, teams with easier early schedules can gain momentum. These clubs can build confidence and tactical cohesion. They often accumulate points early, allowing them to experiment in the later stages. The opening fixture list is crucial as it provides valuable context to the entire season.
Let’s delve deeper into how the fixture schedule affects individual teams by comparing the start of the 2024-25 and the upcoming 2025-26 seasons.
2024-25 Season: A Case Study
Remember last season? Liverpool’s strong opening run was a key factor in their title success. Their early wins created a positive atmosphere. They were able to withstand setbacks and kept their sights set on the title throughout the season.
In contrast, consider Crystal Palace, who had a challenging start. They ultimately finished in 12th place, showcasing the league’s unpredictable nature. Crystal Palace’s recovery demonstrates that a bad start isn’t necessarily a death knell for a team’s aspirations.
Many factors determine outcomes. Tactical adjustments, player form, and even a bit of luck play essential roles.
Building on Momentum: How to Capitalize
How can teams maximize the impact of a favorable opening schedule? Here are key strategies:
- Early Tactical Cohesion: Establish a clear game plan and tactical flexibility. Ensure clear interaction, and players are familiar with their roles.
- Manage Squad Rotation: Use the initial matches to rotate the squad effectively, keeping key players fresh and providing opportunities.
- Exploit Home Advantage: Winning home games from the beginning brings confidence. Generate positive momentum in front of your supporters.
- Target Weaknesses: Analyze opponent’s weaknesses and exploit them. Scout the rivals’ strategies.
- Injury Management: Be vigilant about injuries and ensure the squad is in prime physical condition.
These tactics, coupled with a bit of luck, can help teams make the moast of their early fixtures.
What strategies should be deployed when facing a challenging schedule? Teams like Manchester United must adopt resilient mindsets. The key is to embrace difficulties and treat early matches as learning opportunities.Consider the following points:
- Focus on defense: Solid defensive structure is crucial. Minimize goals conceded.
- Counter-Attack: Exploit the opponent’s vulnerabilities via speedy transitions and counterattacks.
- Mental fortitude: Foster a resilient mindset. The ability to bounce back from losses and overcome adversity is key.
- Tactical Flexibility: Have backup plans if the primary strategy falters.
- Squad Depth: Utilize the bench effectively. Rotate the squad to keep players fresh.
These teams can still perform to their potential with the correct approach. A few wins might be enough to improve confidence.
Myths vs. Reality: Premier League Fixtures
there are several common misconceptions about the impact of Premier League fixtures. Let’s debunk some myths:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| A tough start spells doom for the season. | Teams can recover from difficult starts through tactical adjustments and mental resilience, as demonstrated by Crystal Palace last season. |
| Easy starts guarantee success. | Teams still need to execute their game plans, handle pressure, and address injuries to capitalize on a favorable schedule. |
| The schedule is the sole determinant of a team’s performance. | Many factors influence a team’s success including squad quality, player form, and managerial tactics. |
A club’s approach to Premier League fixtures significantly influences their season’s trajectory, making early-season matchups critical strategic opportunities. Teams must carefully analyze early fixture lists, adapt their game plans, and build momentum to achieve their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
how does the fixture schedule influence a team’s title chances?
A favorable schedule at the beginning can significantly increase a team’s chances of building early momentum. This helps gain a lead in the standings.
is it possible for a team with a tough start to still succeed?
Yes! Resilience,tactical adjustments,and the ability to bounce back from losses can help overcome a difficult start. It is indeed all about the mindset.
Why is squad depth so important at the beginning of a Premier League campaign?
Squad depth helps deal with injuries, manage player fatigue, and give several tactical options.
How do teams adapt tactics based on the fixture schedule?
teams frequently shift their tactics depending on their opponents. They may implement a defensive approach against stronger sides and attack weaker ones.
Table of Contents
