Manchester United have been handed the most favourable start to the 2026/27 Premier League season, according to statistics, with the fixtures computer pairing them against two newly-promoted sides in their first two matches. Michael Carrick's men could hardly wish for a gentler start, as they travel to face Hull City before welcoming Ipswich Town to Old Trafford in their second match. United's third league fixture presents a stiffer challenge, with a trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to take on Everton, yet they still boast comfortably the kindest opening trio of fixtures of any top-flight side, based on average finishing positions from last season.
Fellow Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and Manchester City will also find themselves eased into the new campaign with a series of matches that appear, on paper at least, very much within their grasp. Behind United, it is Liverpool who have the second most favourable start to the season, according to last term's final standings. The Reds begin with Newcastle United away, Nottingham Forest at home, and then a trip to face Ipswich Town. Manchester City are rated as having the third-easiest opening run of fixtures, beginning at home to Bournemouth, before visiting Crystal Palace and then hosting promoted Coventry City at the Etihad.
Nevertheless, both Manchester clubs will face a fierce baptism of fire on matchday four, when they lock horns in the first Manchester derby of the season at Old Trafford on September 12. Newly-promoted Ipswich Town face the most daunting start to the new season, with the fixtures computer handing the Tractor Boys a particularly gruelling opening run of matches as they embark on their seventh top-flight campaign in August. The Suffolk side begin with a home clash against Sunderland, before making the trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United, followed by a return to Portman Road at the start of September to welcome Liverpool. All three of their opening opponents secured European football last season, having finished in the top seven places in the Premier League.
Chelsea have the second most demanding start to the campaign, with their opening three fixtures pitting them against Fulham (A), Brighton (H) and Arsenal (A). Everton are not far behind, facing Crystal Palace (H), Bournemouth (A) and Manchester United (H) in their first three outings.
Average finishing position of first three opponents in 2025/26 season
- Manchester United - 19.7
- Liverpool - 16.7
- Manchester City - 14.0
- Sunderland - 14.0
- Brentford - 12.7
- Tottenham Hotspur - 12.3
- Nottingham Forest - 12.0
- Arsenal - 11.7
- Aston Villa - 11.0
- Leeds United - 11.0
- Fulham - 10.7
- Brighton and Hove Albion - 9.3
- Hull City - 9.3
- Newcastle United - 9.3
- Bournemouth - 9.0
- Coventry City - 9.0
- Crystal Palace - 8.7
- Everton - 8.0
- Chelsea - 6.7
- Ipswich Town - 5.0
