The Premier League seems to go on forever. From August to May, there’s wall-to-wall football action, drama and spikes. You have title races at one end, relegation battles at the other and nearly a thousand stories in between. But if you’ve ever wondered exactly how many games are played throughout the season, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
The short answer: 380 games in total
there are 20 teams in the Premier League, and every team plays every other team twice – once at home and once away. This means 38 matches per club throughout the campaign. Multiply that by 20 teams and you get a total of 380 matches in each Premier League season.
This has been the case since 1995, when the competition was reduced from 22 teams to the 20 we have now. It’s a long job, and by the time May rolls around, most teams are battered, bruised and running on fumes.
That’s 380 games full of goals, controversy and the occasional VAR scream, plenty to keep punters busy every week.
Structure of the season
The Premier League season usually starts beginning of August and run up to end of May. Each team plays one game per week on average, although things get busier over the Christmas and New Year period when the games are going really fast.
It’s a brutal stretch, especially for teams struggling on multiple fronts. Fatigue, team congestion and injuries come into play as the season wears on. In April and May, you start to see tired legs, surprise upsets and the odd team that just wants the season over.
For punters, this end of the year is gold. You can detect which sides have been mentally checked and which are being scrapped for each point to avoid falling.
Why does the number of games matter?
with 38 roundsthe Premier League rewards consistency more than any other competition. You can’t have a few good weeks and expect to win the title. It’s about squad depth, rotation and keeping players fit for ten months of unrelenting football.
The same logic applies to scoring. Early form may flatter, but the truth comes out at Christmas. Teams that look strong in August can falter in the winter, while those that start slowly often find their rhythm late.
If you follow the long game, check out latest English Premier League odds before each round. You’ll often find value in teams trending up or down as the 38 games start to bite.
Why does it feel like over 38
Fans often say that it feels like the season never ends, and they’re right. Premier League clubs also play in the FA Cup, League Cupand if they are good enough, European competitions such as the Champions League or the Europa League. This means that the big clubs can end up playing 50 or 60 games in all compositions.
That’s why you’ll sometimes see title contenders stumble in February or March; the calendar brings them up to date. As a bettor, it’s always worth checking which teams have midweek games before betting on a weekend game. Tired legs can overturn a result.
How it stacks up in Australian codes
For context, the 38-game structure of the Premier League is longer than most Australian sports seasons. The League A has 12 teams and only 27 rounds, while the AFL has 23 games as home and away. It just goes to show how much football English clubs play and why squad management becomes such a key factor.
The long run of the biggest league in the world
So there you have it. each one Premier League the season lasts approx nine monthswith 20 teams, 38 matches per clubi 380 games in total. That’s a lot of football, a lot of nights for Aussie fans and endless opportunities to find an angle or two in the markets.
Whether you’re following the title race, the drop from relegation or just a game on a Saturday night, the beauty of the Premier League is that there’s always another game around the corner.
Frequently asked questions
How many teams are there in the Premier League?
There are 20 teams in the Premier League each season.
How many games does each team play?
Each team plays 38 games, 19 at home and 19 away.
How many games are played in total throughout the season?
there are 380 matches in total in every Premier League season.
When does the Premier League season start and end?
The season starts in August and ends in May, with short breaks for international matches.
Why are there 38 games instead of more or less?
When the Premier League was launched in 1992, there were 22 clubs. It was reduced to 20 in 1995 to ease fixture congestion and align with other major European leagues, resulting in 38 fixtures per team.
Do Premier League teams also play in other competitions?
yes Clubs also compete in the FA Cup, League Cup and European competitions such as the Champions League and Europa League, meaning some teams may play 50 to 60 games a year.
How does the number of games compare to the A-League?
The A-League has 12 clubs and just 27 rounds, so Premier League teams play more than ten extra league games each season, not counting cup games.
