The fixtures for the 2023-24 Premier League season have been released.
Accordingly, it’s time to take an in-depth look at the Matchday 1 schedule and break down all the key battles.
The campaign kicks off on Friday, August 11, with newly-promoted Burnley hosting reigning champions Manchester City.
The season opener will see Man City legend Vicent Kompany lead the Clarets against his former club.
Next up, Arsenal welcome Nottingham Forest to the Emirates Stadium in Saturday’s early kick-off, and Mikel Arteta’s men will be out for revenge as Forest ended the Gunners’ title hopes last term.
The other two newly-promoted sides, Sheffield United and Luton Town, will begin their campaigns against Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion, respectively.
It could be argued that Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea is the standout tie of the opening weekend, although both teams flattered to deceive last season.
While the Reds missed out on a top-four finish by four points, the Blues finished all the way down in 12th place.
Manchester United welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Old Trafford, while Newcastle United host Aston Villa in what promises to be an intriguing clash between two upwardly-mobile clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Ange Postecoglou era will start with a trip to Brentford, while Bournemouth will begin life under new manager Andoni Iraola with a home fixture against West Ham United.
Save the date. #PLFixtures pic.twitter.com/YV7Vtjuams— Premier League (@premierleague) June 15, 2023
Save the date. #PLFixtures pic.twitter.com/YV7Vtjuams
Last but not least, Everton will entertain Fulham at Goodison Park. The Toffees beat the drop on the final day of last season, while the Cottagers registered an impressive top-half finish after gaining promotion in 2022.
With less than two months until the 2023-24 Premier League season gets underway, fans are already looking forward to the opening weekend of the campaign. The first round of fixtures invariably produces drama, meaning we should see plenty of action.