Five key dates in the 2025/26 Premier League | OneFootball

The release of the 2025/26 Premier League fixtures will have fans all over the world checking their calendars and plotting out their weekends.

Having finally surrendered our Premier League crown in 2024/25 following a record four titles in a row, Pep Guardiola's team will be looking to return to the summit next term.

View our 2025/26 Premier League fixtures in full

While he and his team's full focus will be on the start of the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA, they can now take a look at the key dates that could make or break the 2025/26 season domestically.

Here we'll pick out some of the dates you have to get down immediately...

Saturday 16 August - Wolves (A)

The Premier League's return!

A little under three months from the end of the previous campaign, we'll be back to do it all again - this time starting at Wolves.

As this game has been chosen for broadcast in the UK, it will be at 17:30 (UK) on Saturday 16 August.

We needed a late, late John Stones header to win there last season before Vitor Pereira arrived and greatly improved his side in the second half of the campaign.

This game could also mean a very quick return to a former home for new full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who joined us from Wolves earlier this month.

With City not involved in the Community Shield for the first time since 2020, this will be a return to competitive action following the FIFA Club World Cup.

13/14 September - Manchester United (H)

We won't have to wait long for the 197th Manchester derby, with our local rivals the visitors in just our second home game of the season.

It's always a standout fixture in any campaign as the city comes to a standstill to find out who will claim the bragging rights in one of the world's great football hotbeds.

Last year, we were edged out by two very late Manchester United goals to turn the tie around but in general, Guardiola enjoys a strong record against the Old Trafford side.

In 25 derbies as City boss, he's won 13, drawn three and lost nine times.

WATCH: City 3-1 Manchester United: Brief highlights

With this particular derby set to be played the weekend before the return of the Champions League, there will be squad planning for Guardiola to do - while Ruben Amorim's Manchester United will focus solely on domestic matters.

27 December - Nottingham Forest (A)

As it currently stands, there is no Premier League football slated for Boxing Day 2025.

However, this is subject to change when broadcasters have decided which games they wish to show live. As always, we'll update as and when those changes are confirmed on mancity.com and our official app.

But our game closest to Christmas this year will be a tricky trip to Nottingham Forest, who were the surprise package of the 2024/25 season.

WATCH: Brief highlights: Nottingham Forest 0-2 City

Nuno Espirito Santo's side will be hoping to build on the seventh placed finish last time out and if both sides are in form, this could well be a Christmas cracker!

17/18 January - Manchester United (A)

On his way to lifting six Premier League titles in his nine seasons, Guardiola has guided City to five wins at the home of our local rivals.

We'll be looking for a sixth when we make the short trip across Manchester in the middle of the campaign.

Given how much of the season remains after this game, it won't ultimately decide between success or failure overall.

That will matter little to City fans tucked in the corner at Old Trafford or watching on from around the world on the day though!

24 May - Aston Villa (H)

A final day home match with Aston Villa will already have plenty of spines tingling amongst City fans.

It's a repeat of the last weekend of the 2021/22 season, when an Ilkay Gundogan brace either side of a Rodri finish brought us back from 2-0 down to seal one of the most dramatic Premier League titles ever witnessed.

WATCH: City 3-2 Aston Villa: Brief highlights

Aston Villa have undergone something of a makeover since then and the Europa League side provide a different threat entirely these days.

It's yet another entertaining one, but it's by no means an easy game should we reach that stage needing points.

How to get home tickets

To purchase tickets for the 2025/26 season you will need a Matchday Membership or Junior Membership.

Tickets are subject to availability and sales criteria for qualifying supporters.

Members also enjoy exclusive benefits such as discounts, competitions, a welcome gift and more!

Find out more about membership by clicking here.