The 2025/26 Premier League season is right around the corner, kicking off on 15th August, and it looks set to deliver another chapter of thrilling football.
Liverpool will be aiming to defend their title, but a resurgent Manchester City side will no doubt be hoping to topple them and reclaim the trophy. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are also looking to close the gap and perhaps spring a surprise that few expect to happen.
For Irish fans, this year brings added excitement with the return of Sunderland and Leeds United – clubs with strong Irish ties. Key Irish players are expected to play pivotal roles for a number of different clubs in the top flight, while fans are desperate for the opening fixtures to begin.
August is fast approaching, and with it the anticipation that only the Premier League can inspire. The 2025/26 campaign promises to deliver drama, intensity, and moments that will define careers and culture alike.
As Liverpool look to hang onto their crown, and old rivals Sunderland and Leeds prepare for their return, the stage is set for a season rich in stories for Irish fans.
Dive into our Premier League season preview, with expert insight and tips. This campaign is not to be missed.
Check out the 2025/26 Premier League odds with Tonybet.
What’s new for Irish football fans this season?
One of the most compelling angles this season is the resurgence of clubs with deep Irish connections. Both Sunderland and Leeds United return to the top flight after promotions in 2025, reigniting passion up and down the Irish Sea.
Sunderland
The Black Cats’ return to the Premier League is monumental. Irish football fans have long followed Sunderland with affection – first through Niall Quinn’s dynamic tenure as club chairman in the early 2000s, and later through the iconic captainship of Roy Keane, who later returned to manage the club.
The presence of Quinn in the boardroom and Keane’s artistry on the pitch historically fostered a powerful bond among Irish supporters. Now, after a nearly decade-long absence, the Tyne-Wear derby will feature again in the Premier League – it will be one of the most anticipated derbies in world football.
Leeds United
Leeds’ return also stirs emotions within the Irish football community. The Whites have showcased Irish talent through the years, not least with Johnny Giles, Gary Kelly and Robbie Keane’s past appearances in the iconic white strip. Although these legends of the game have long retired, Leeds remains a club to which Irish fans feel a connection. Their Premier League promotion enriches the narrative and allows that connection to grow once more.
However, this is more than a nostalgic reverie – it’s a new wave. Modern Irish talent is entering the Premier League, away from Sunderland and Leeds, into a broader set of clubs. For Irish fans, this season combines storied lineage with fresh promise.
Premier League opening weekend fixtures
The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off on Friday 15th August, with Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield. After reclaiming the title last season, Arne Slot’s men will be eager to set the tone early against a Bournemouth side that’s looking to improve on mid-table stability. Will Mohamed Salah and co dominate once more?
Saturday’s slate includes Aston Villa vs Newcastle, a clash between two clubs with European ambitions. Villa will be looking to build on their strong home form, while Newcastle will aim to reassert themselves after a mixed 2024/25 campaign on their travels.
Newly promoted Sunderland return to Premier League action at home against West Ham, with the Stadium of Light expected to be bouncing in celebration of their top-flight comeback. The Hammers certainly wouldn’t have wanted to travel north to be Sunderland’s first opponents, that’s for sure.
Tottenham, now well into their post-Harry Kane rebuild, begin their campaign at home to Burnley under their new head coach Thomas Frank, while Manchester City travel to the Midlands to face Wolves. Pep Guardiola’s men will no doubt be determined to recapture the title after falling away last term, but several new faces and heavy investment should see them much closer to Liverpool this time round.
Sunday features the weekend’s headline fixture as Manchester United host Arsenal. For Mikel Arteta, this could be a make-or-break season, and a result at Old Trafford would be the perfect start if the Gunners are to keep up with Liverpool this campaign.
Elsewhere, FIFA Club World Cup winners Chelsea will receive a warm welcome when they face FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. Europa League-bound Nottingham Forest welcome Brentford to the City Ground on Sunday afternoon, hoping to start the season better than they finished it.
The opening round concludes on Monday night as Leeds host Everton – marking Leeds’ long-awaited return to the Premier League in front of a packed Elland Road.
The Sunderland vs West Ham fixture looms large. Wearside’s Irish diaspora will descend in high numbers, making it one of the most electric atmospheres of the weekend. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s home opener offers a spectacle, especially on Irish national broadcaster networks. Opening weekends wash away preseason rust, but these games are Premier League business from the word go.
Take a look at Tonbet’s Premier League odds right here.
Stand‑out Irish players for the 2025/26 season
Irish talent has spread across the Premier League in recent seasons, but the upcoming term promises both quality and prominence for several key individuals. Let’s take a look at some Irish talent set to be on display this campaign.
Nathan Collins (Brentford)
At just 24, Nathan Collins is one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders. Last season, he set a record of being the only outfield player to play every single minute in the Premier League.
Renowned for his aerial dominance and leadership, the former Stoke player ranked strongly in blocked shots, possession recoveries and duels won – he’s truly the fulcrum of a surprisingly resilient Bees backline.
Brentford’s former head coach Thomas Frank wasn’t shy when praising Collins’ performances – and if he continues the form he showed last campaign, he’s shaping up nicely to be Ireland’s defensive cornerstone for years to come.
Jake O’Brien (Everton)
The 23-year-old centre-back made his bold move to Everton last summer from Lyon for around £17m, but it has turned out to be a successful transfer so far.
Standing at 1.97m, the tall, composed and technically proficient defender remains firmly in David Moyes’ plans for the upcoming campaign. However, the head coach will know that if O’Brien performs at this level for another season, it will be extremely difficult to keep him in the upcoming transfer windows.
O’Brien credits Irish captain Séamus Coleman – a player who Irish fans have adored for years – for nurturing his transition into English football after stints. In the 2024/25 campaign, O’Brien featured in 20 league games, contributing two goals and cementing himself as an Irish hopeful for upcoming fixtures.
Conor Bradley (Liverpool)
Conor Bradley, 22, impressed in his loan spells before claiming a first-team breakthrough. After racking up 27 senior appearances, he’s now set to challenge to become Liverpool’s primary right-back now that Trent Alexander-Arnold has moved to Real Madrid.
In July, Bradley agreed a four-year extension (to 2029), and Arne Slot, Liverpool’s head coach, retained unwavering faith in his readiness for top-level football. Bradley stands poised for a defining season at Anfield.
Other Irish names to note
Caoimhín Kelleher: Recently transferred to Brentford from Liverpool, Ireland’s number one goalkeeper arrives on a five‑year contract reportedly worth £12.5m. Having stepped up when Liverpool were suffering with key injuries, Kelleher now seeks to prove himself as Brentford’s number one and prove that he’s worthy of starting for a team regularly in the Premier League.
Séamus Coleman: At the age of 36, Coleman remains Everton’s captain and Ireland’s elder statesman. His presence in Everton’s backline enriches the defensive depth and links the new Irish generation with an enduring legacy.
Matt Doherty & Dara O’Shea: While not in the initial Irish cohort spotlight, both defenders have Premier League pedigree and will pick up minutes – particularly in congested midweek fixture lists where rotation becomes essential.
Irish fans will be watching these players closely. Their performances could shape Ireland’s national team narrative all the way to Euro 2028 qualifying and beyond.
Our expert prediction
Last season, the Premier League title race was all but over by April as Liverpool controlled the tempo for the vast majority of the season. However, this time around, they may not have it so easy.
That’s because Pep Guardiola has thrown the cheque book at his squad and brought in several new faces as his team looks to complete their transition period. The addition of Rayan Aït-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki has added both depth and quality to their squad – and with Erling Haaland leading the line, anything is possible for Man City.
Arne Slot has the responsibility of guiding Liverpool to another title, but at present, he may still need a new face or two in order to keep them competitive. The loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid could prove costly, though it does offer a chance for Conor Bradley to step up and take his opportunity. He will no doubt have the entire backing of the Anfield crowd when featuring at home.
Although Arsenal continuously fall short, Mikel Arteta’s team showed that they are gradually improving under his leadership – no more so than when beating Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final last campaign. They need more players, but the transfer window isn’t shut just yet.
It would also be foolish to rule out Chelsea. Although they may start the season slowly after featuring in the Club World Cup, they did win the tournament, beating PSG 3-0 in the final. The addition of Palmeiras’ Estêvão – a Brazilian wonderkid – makes them extremely intriguing and Enzo Maresca’s side could be dark horses to pinch the title if any of the main contenders fail to deliver.
At the other end of the table, all eyes will be on the three promoted sides. Burnley, Leeds and Sunderland will be battling to stay afloat having seen all three promoted sides relegated last campaign. Sunderland’s and Leeds’ Irish support might grow with every point they earn, but Premier League survival is notoriously gruelling. Their fans will be needed to help get them over the line.
As the season unfolds, Irish fans should track everything from tactical shifts to emerging liabilities. A great way to stay ahead is by monitoring the Tonybet Premier League markets – from title odds to top-scorer predictions and relegation futures.
Devices are at the ready. Fantasy leagues and pundit panels await. But above all, this season feels as though it could go up a notch from what we’ve witnessed in recent years. The return of two English giants will make it competitive – and certainly makes it more interesting for Irish fans tuning in.
