Home of football statistics and historyFootball fans have plenty to look forward to in August, with the 2025/26 season scheduled to start in all of the major leagues in Europe.
There will inevitably be plenty of focus on the Premier League given the sizeable investment several clubs have made in the summer transfer window.
However, it would be foolish to ignore other domestic leagues. With that in mind, read on as we look at some of the best games to watch in August 2025.
Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town – Championship – August 8
Newly-promoted Brimingham City have been handed a tough test at home to Ipswich Town on the opening weekend in the Championship.
The Tractor Boys were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season and are one of the favourites to make an immediate return to the top flight.
However, big-spending Birmingham are also expected to challenge for their second consecutive promotion and should give Ipswich plenty to think about.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United – Premier League – August 16
Aston Villa were denied Champions League qualification at the end of last season despite finishing level on points in the Premier League with Newcastle United.
The Magpies clinched a spot in UEFA’s top club competition courtesy of their superior goal difference. Villa will play in the Europa League this term.
Unai Emery’s side will be gunning for revenge in their season opener at Villa Park and are fancied to make a winning start to the new campaign.
Manchester United vs Arsenal – Premier League – August 17
Manchester United and Arsenal will head into the new season with the weight of expectation hanging firmly on their respective shoulders.
The Red Devils finished in 15th place last season and desperately need to force their way back towards the upper echelons in the standings.
Arsenal will be eager to make a fast start after three successive second place finishes, but are unlikely to find things easy at Old Trafford.
Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig – Bundesliga – August 22
Bayern Munich kick off the defence of their Bundesliga title with a fixture against RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena on August 22.
The Bavarians failed to get past the quarter-finals at the Club World Cup this summer to continue their trend of coming up short against the big-hitters in Europe.
Leipzig will be eager to improve after finishing seventh in the German top flight last season, but are likely to leave Munich empty handed.
Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – August 23
Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium on August 23 in a fixture which could provide plenty of fireworks.
Pep Guardiola’s side are bidding to bounce back from an underwhelming season, while Tottenham will be desperate to impress under new manager Thomas Frank.
Man City have invested heavily in several new players this year and should be too strong for the 2024/25 Europa League winners.
Lille vs Monaco – Ligue 1 – August 24
Paris Saint-Germain have won the Ligue 1 title in 11 of the last 13 seasons and are overwhelming favourites to enhance that record this season.
Lille and Monaco are the only clubs to get their names on the roll of honour during that period and will be keen to scupper PSG’s chance this time around.
Both clubs challenged towards the top of the table last term and are expected to be in contention for European qualification again this season.
Rangers vs Celtic – Scottish Premiership – August 31
The first clash of the season between Rangers and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on August 31 gives both clubs the chance to lay down an early marker in the title race.
Celtic have dominated the recent history of the Scottish top flight, reeling off four consecutive league titles. Rangers finished second on each occasion.
New Rangers manager Russell Martin will be eager to make an early impression at Ibrox and his new-look team could cause problems for Celtic.
Liverpool vs Arsenal – Premier League – August 31
The blockbuster Liverpool versus Arsenal clash is the undisputed headline act in the Premier League on the final weekend in August.
Liverpool won the Premier League title for just the second time last season and will be keen to make a strong start in the defence of their crown.
The Gunners will head to Anfield with a point to prove after coming up short in the last three seasons, setting up what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
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