The Premier League fixtures will be released on 18 June, when the much-anticipated schedule, crafted with the help of a supercomputer, will reveal the running order for all 20 teams. While every club will still face each other twice, this season’s fixture release carries added significance for Everton, who are set to begin a new chapter in their history.
The reason? The long-awaited opening of the Hill Dickinson Stadium is finally upon us, with the first league fixture set to mark the beginning of a new era for the club. Much of the anticipation surrounding the atmosphere hinges on the identity of the opponent, as facing a top-half Premier League side would undoubtedly generate more excitement and energy than a matchup against a newly promoted team from the Championship, perhaps.
The Premier League is unlikely to schedule a blockbuster opener against city rivals Liverpool, largely due to security concerns, especially with the match potentially falling on a bank holiday weekend, a logistical challenge for the city’s police force. While many fans would love nothing more than to christen the new stadium with a Merseyside derby, the practicalities make it an improbable choice.
The new season will get underway on the weekend of August 15/16/17, potentially promising a bright summer opener on Bramley-Moore Dock, or a week later. So who is ready to open the stadium in the north-west with the best atmosphere?
Manchester United
Everton have always shared a feisty and meaningful rivalry with Manchester United, whether it was a young Wayne Rooney’s iconic celebration, the geographic proximity, or simply the historic animosity between Scousers and Mancs. It’s a clash that stirs emotion, sparks debate, and rarely passes without drama. This isn’t just another fixture, it’s a meeting steeped in decades of passion and pride.
Few games carry the weight and prestige of a showdown with the Red Devils, making them the ideal opponent to mark a new era at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. United’s visit would guarantee a full house, international attention, and an atmosphere charged with anticipation. Everton will be favourites for a clash with the opponents in decline, while Ruben Amorin’s team will want to kick-start their relaunch.
Arsenal
An opening day clash between Everton and Arsenal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium would set the stage for a blockbuster beginning to a new era. As one of the Premier League’s elite sides, Arsenal would bring star power, title-challenging ambitions, and a huge media spotlight to Bramley-Moore Dock. It would be a true test of Everton’s mettle and a chance to make an early statement in their new home. The Toffees have a surprisingly solid recent record against the Gunners at home, adding a touch of optimism to what would be a glamorous yet winnable fixture.
Nottingham Forest
Did you know that the very first league game played at Goodison Park ended in a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest? What better way to begin a new chapter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium than by replicating that historic fixture, only this time, aiming for a better result. While it might not carry the intense rivalry of a derby, a clash against Forest is still a compelling way to kick off the new era.
Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest showed flashes of real quality last season, making them anything but pushovers. Their dynamic style and fighting spirit could set the stage for a high-energy opener that tests Everton’s ambition from the first whistle. Their campaign last year will certainly inspire a European adventure for David Moyes and the team for the forthcoming season.
Sunderland
It’s been nine long years since Sunderland last graced the Premier League, a period that saw the club tumble as far as League One before beginning a steady climb back to the top flight. Their return brings with it a renewed sense of pride and passion, and a first-day fixture at Everton’s new stadium would only add to the emotion. For Sunderland fans, the wait for this season will feel like a child counting down to Christmas, and there's little doubt they would sell out their away allocation, bringing colour, noise, and an infectious energy to mark the occasion.
From Everton’s perspective, a fixture against Sunderland could be seen as one of the more favourable opening day draws. While the Black Cats will arrive full of enthusiasm, they may still be adapting to the speed and intensity of Premier League football again.
Let us hear who you would like to see at the stadium opener?