Aksel Kryhlmand
A winnable home game could inject early belief. A hostile away day at a powerhouse? A trial by fire.
With the 2025/26 Premier League fixtures set to be released on Wednesday, June 18, anticipation is building in North London. For new Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank, the opening day will mark more than just a new season, it’s the dawn of a new era at Spurs after the departure of Ange Postecoglou.
Frank, a man synonymous with Brentford’s rise, now faces the challenge of revitalizing a Spurs side that finished a lowly 17th last season. So, what would a “best-case scenario” look like on opening weekend? And what could be the worst possible start for the Dane?
Brentford (Home or Away)
What better way to start than with a poetic reunion? Facing his former club early may work in Frank’s favor. He knows Brentford’s tactics, key players, and mentality inside out, giving Spurs a tactical edge. With potential exits for players like Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, the Bees might not be at full strength.
A Promoted Side at Home
Tottenham would relish a home clash with one of the newly-promoted sides, Leeds United, Burnley, or Sunderland. A packed Spurs crowd, a favorable opponent, and the chance to set the tone early? Ideal. An away trip, however, especially to a buzzing Elland Road or Stadium of Light, may pose more risk.
Bottom-Half Rivals from 2024/25
A fixture against fellow strugglers like Wolves, West Ham, or Manchester United (who also underachieved) at home could be just what Spurs need to build early confidence. These are the kind of six-pointers Frank will want to win early.
Chelsea (Due to Club World Cup Fatigue)
Surprisingly, Chelsea could be a well-timed opponent. With their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup, their players may arrive fatigued, under-prepared, or rotated. Facing them early, before they hit stride, might offer Spurs a rare chance to flip the script on recent form.
Arsenal (North London Derby)
A North London Derby on opening day? A nightmare. Spurs’ recent record against Arsenal is poor, and a derby defeat to kick off the Frank era could sour the mood instantly. The fixture calendar rarely throws up this clash on Matchday 1, and Spurs will hope it stays that way.
Liverpool (Especially Away)
Tottenham were demolished 5-0 at Anfield last season. Liverpool are reigning champions, and with a home crowd behind them, they’re near-impossible to stop early in the campaign. An away opener here would be a brutal baptism for Frank.
Tough Away Day at a Top Six Ground
Given Spurs only won five of 19 away games last season, they’ll want to avoid any road trip to places like Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle or Stamford Bridge. A loss in any of these could deflate early momentum.
When Does the Action Begin?
The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off on Friday, August 15, running through the weekend until Monday, August 18. All eyes will be on the fixture announcement to see whether Frank’s first test is gentle or grueling.
Final Thought
Thomas Frank’s knowledge of the league and his tactical sharpness make him a strong appointment, but the tone of his Tottenham reign will be heavily influenced by how and where it begins. A winnable home game could inject early belief. A hostile away day at a powerhouse? A trial by fire.
Regardless of the opponent, the fixture computer holds all the cards, and for Spurs fans, June 18 could be as important as the opening weekend itself.