Arsenal Premier League Fixtures Rearranged as TV Picks Confirmed

Dates and timings for Arsenal’s first five Premier League fixtures have been confirmed, with four of the champions’ opening matches selected for live television coverage.

The Gunners will begin their Premier League title defence at home to newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday, August 21, with the opening game moved to an 8pm kick-off on Sky Sports.

Arsenal’s second league match of the season has also been selected by Sky Sports. Mikel Arteta’s side will travel to Aston Villa on Monday, August 31, with the game at Villa Park also scheduled for 8pm.

Their first major London derby of the campaign comes the following weekend, with Chelsea visiting Emirates Stadium on Sunday, September 6. That match will be shown live on Sky Sports and will kick off at 4.30pm.

Arsenal’s fourth league fixture has also been moved for broadcast coverage. The trip to Sunderland will now take place on Saturday, September 12, with an 8pm kick-off on TNT Sports.

The only one of Arsenal’s first five league games not selected for live TV is the home fixture against Brighton. That match remains in its original Saturday slot and will be played at 3pm on September 19.

Friday, August 21

Coventry City (H) | 8pm

Monday, August 31

Aston Villa (A) | 8pm

Sunday, September 6

Chelsea (H) | 4.30pm

Saturday, September 12

Sunderland (A) | 8pm

Saturday, September 19

Brighton (H)

The changes give Arsenal a varied start to the new season, with Friday night, Monday night, Sunday afternoon and Saturday evening kick-offs all included in their opening four fixtures.

The Chelsea match is the standout home game from the first broadcast round, while the trip to Villa Park gives Arsenal an early away test before the first international break.

Further fixture changes are expected later in the summer. The next round of Premier League television selections is not due until late August, with October dates and kick-off times set to be confirmed after the extended international break.