Premier League preview: Who will steal the show on the opening weekend?

Defending champions Arsenal will host Coventry City in the opening game, marking the start of what is one of the most interesting seasons in recent years.

DAZN News picks the key storylines ahead of the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign.

Can Coventry upset the defending champions?

Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Coventry City’s return to the Premier League has been a long time coming, and there is a good feeling around the club because of the success that has come with manager Frank Lampard.

However, an opening match does not get much tougher than a trip to the defending champions Arsenal.

The Gunners are the favourites to lift the trophy come May, and after sweeping aside Manchester City in the Community Shield, it’s no surprise.

If the Gunners win, it lays down an early marker, but if Coventry win, then football fans could be set for a thrilling but chaotic season.

Can new Man City manager Maresca bounce back?

Alex Pantling - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca already finds himself under pressure after failing to generate many positives from his team’s defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

City kick off their league campaign against Bournemouth at the Etihad, and while City fans know Maresca is not Guardiola, they will be expecting to see the team battle for silverware.

Against Arsenal, there were clear areas that needed improving, from an overrun midfield to a defence and goalkeeper which were all over the place.

City should beat the Cherries with the superior calibre of players, but this may be Bournemouth’s best chance of delivering a shock result against a wounded animal.

Four new managers go head-to-head

Four new managers will go head-to-head on the opening weekend, but there is just one familiar name when it comes to Premier League experience.

On Sunday, Newcastle United, now managed by Matthias Jaissle, will host Liverpool, who have Andoni Iraola at the helm following his move from Bournemouth.

This particular match at St James’ Park is often box office, and with both Jaissle and Iraola opting for intense, direct styles of play, it could be another cracker.

Iraola, however, may have a slight advantage as he has been working with the Reds throughout the summer, whilst Jaissle has had just three weeks to get to grips with his players.

Then a day later in west London, Fulham and Chelsea meet in a derby match that sees two former Real Madrid bosses do battle.

Fulham have Alvaro Arbeloa while Chelsea have acquired the services of Xabi Alonso. Both men will find some relief from not harbouring the immense expectation that comes with taking charge of Los Blancos, but there will be more pressure on Alonso.

Chelsea have not been afraid to splash the cash, and with no European football, they are expected to be challenging for the title, so it’s imperative Alonso gets off to a winning start; otherwise, the feeling around Stamford Bridge could become toxic very quickly.

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.