I've honestly wondered if the EPL 2025/26 fixtures are ever truly fair, especially for the big clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool. Looking at this season, it kinda feels like they're thrown right into the fire. Like, Chelsea has a bunch of London derbies in the first few weeks and barely leaves the city at all until late September – might sound nice, less travel, but those derby games are crazy intense and can be draining. Liverpool’s even wilder, opening against Bournemouth, then straight into Newcastle, Arsenal, and Everton – that’s a tough start for a title defense!

Honestly, in my experience watching Premier League seasons, people always complain about their team’s fixture list, but this year it really feels brutal for the so-called top six. I remember when my friends and I would debate if the Premier League does this on purpose to boost TV ratings with big games early, or if it's just the way the computer spits them out. No matter what, though, those tight schedules and big matches right at the beginning test squad depth. And with the Premier League now promising at least 60 hours between games during holidays to answer old complaints, maybe they're genuinely trying to balance things. Still, I wouldn't want to be in Chelsea or Liverpool’s shoes those first couple months!