It's official. The wait is over for Toffees fans. Everton Football Club have their full slate of matches for the upcoming campaign, and it’s a schedule that demands immediate attention from manager David Moyes. The league kicks off on Saturday, 22 August 2026, with a home clash against Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, setting the tone for what promises to be a gritty, high-stakes year.
The season runs from late August through to May 30, 2027, wrapping up with an away trip to Ipswich Town. But between those bookends lies a gauntlet of top-tier opposition, festive period pressure cookers, and two Merseyside derbies that will define the emotional arc of the season. Here’s everything you need to know about how Everton’s year unfolds.
A Tough Start and Early Tests
There are no soft openers here. After hosting Crystal Palace, Everton travel to face Bournemouth on August 29 before welcoming Manchester United to Goodison Park (now the Hill Dickinson Stadium) on September 5. That early run sets a steep learning curve for Moyes’ side, who finished 13th last season.
The difficulty ramps up further in October. Everton face Hull City away, then host Chelsea on October 17. By month’s end, they’re traveling to Arsenal and Newcastle United back-to-back. It’s a brutal stretch that could see points slip away if the team doesn’t find consistency quickly. Interestingly, all three promoted teams—Coventry City, Sunderland, and Hull City—are opponents within the first ten games. This gives Everton an early chance to pick up crucial points against sides adjusting to the Premier League pace.
Derby Days and Lampard’s Return
Let’s talk about the big ones. The Merseyside derby returns twice this season. First, Everton host Liverpool at home on November 28. Then, the reverse fixture takes place at Anfield on January 30. These aren’t just matches; they’re cultural moments. Given last season’s stoppage-time defeat to Liverpool, the November date carries extra weight. Moyes will want revenge, and the atmosphere inside the stadium should be electric.
But there’s another reunion brewing. On November 7, former Everton boss Frank Lampard visits with Coventry City. Lampard’s tenure at Everton was brief but memorable, and his return as a rival manager adds a layer of narrative intrigue. Fans will be curious to see how he fares against his old club, especially since Coventry is one of the newly promoted sides.
The Festive Gauntlet
December is always hellish in English football, but this year’s schedule looks particularly punishing. Everton play six league games in December, including two high-profile home matches around Christmas.
On Boxing Day, December 26, Sunderland visit the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Four days later, on December 30, Manchester City come to town in an 8pm kickoff. Hosting City during the festive period is a nightmare scenario for most clubs, but it also offers a massive opportunity. If Everton can secure a result against the defending champions’ rivals—or even beat them—it could boost confidence heading into the new year.
Before that, however, they must navigate away trips to Aston Villa, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest. The physical toll of this period cannot be overstated. Squad depth will be tested like never before.
Spring Push and Final Stretch
January brings a mix of familiar foes and fresh challenges. Everton face Leeds United away on January 2, followed by a home game against Aston Villa. The second half of the season sees them tackle Brentford, Tottenham, and Arsenal again. Notably, they host Arsenal on May 23, just a week before the final day.
The season concludes on May 30, 2027, with an away match against Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Ending the season away from home is often nerve-wracking, but it removes the pressure of needing a specific result to achieve a goal. Whatever Everton’s ambitions are—European qualification, mid-table stability, or survival—the final whistle will blow in Suffolk.
Broader Context and Changes
This 2026–27 season marks the 35th edition of the Premier League. A significant regulatory change comes into effect: gambling sponsors are banned from appearing on the front of match-day shirts. For Everton, this means a cleaner aesthetic on their kits, though the financial implications for clubs relying on sponsorship revenue remain a topic of debate.
Arsenal enter the season as defending champions, raising the stakes for everyone else. With twenty teams competing, every point matters. The fixtures were released on June 19, 2026, giving players and staff ample time to plan their pre-season training cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Everton's 2026/27 Premier League season start?
Everton's season begins on Saturday, 22 August 2026, with a home match against Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm UK time.
Who are Everton's biggest rivals playing this season?
The main rivalry is with Liverpool, with two Merseyside derbies scheduled. Everton host Liverpool on 28 November 2026 and visit Anfield on 30 January 2027. Other key matches include fixtures against Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal.
What is the significance of the December fixtures?
December is notoriously busy in the Premier League. Everton face six matches, including Boxing Day hosts Sunderland and a crucial 8pm home game against Manchester City on 30 December. This period tests squad depth and resilience.
When do Frank Lampard and Coventry City play Everton?
Former Everton manager Frank Lampard leads Coventry City against his old club on 7 November 2026. The match takes place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, offering a nostalgic moment for fans.
How does the new gambling ban affect Everton's kits?
From the 2026–27 season, the Premier League bans gambling sponsors from shirt fronts. Everton will therefore feature a different sponsor logo on the chest of their match kits, aligning with league-wide regulatory changes.