The schedule for the 2024-25 Premier League season has been released, with Manchester United opening the new campaign against Fulham at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils, who chose to stick by under pressure manager Erik ten Hag after an end-of-season review, endured a record-low eighth place finish last term and will be eager to make a positive start against Marco Silva’s side in the Premier League curtain-raiser.
Meanwhile, title contenders Arsenal have been given a great start to the season, with their opening match coming against Wolves at the Emirates. The remainder of August promises to be a mixed bag for the Gunners, who travel to Champions League outfit Aston Villa before returning home to play Brighton in north London.
The showpiece of the opening weekend with no doubt be Chelsea‘s fixture against reigning champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge in a contest that will no doubt be branded ‘Pep vs Diet Pep’.
The Blues’ new manager Enzo Maresca, who was part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City, moved to the west London club this summer after impressing during Leicester’s promotion season back to the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United face Fulham in the 2024-25 Premier League curtain-raiser
Man City and Phil Foden (right) take on Chelsea on the opening weekend on the new campaign
It will no doubt be branded ‘Pep vs Diet Pep’, with Pep Guardiola (left) taking on his former assistant Enzo Maresca (right), who was appointed the new manager of Chelsea this summer
Foxes fans affectionally nicknamed Maresca ‘Diet Pep’ for his ties to the legendary Spanish boss, so all eyes will be on whether the apprentice can outfox the master on opening weekend.
Another Premier League giant that begins the campaign with a new manager in the technical area is Liverpool, who appointed ex-Feyenoord boss Arne Slot to succeed Jurgen Klopp after the German left Anfield after nine impressive years at the club.
Slot’s first test in the Premier League will be against Ipswich, who won promotion to the top flight in astonishing fashion under Kieran McKenna last campaign.
The clash at Portman Road has been handed the 12.30pm early kick-off on Saturday August 17, a time slot Klopp frequently criticised during his tenure at Anfield.
Following that, Slot hosts Brentford for his first match at Anfield and will hope to endear himself to the Liverpool fans with a win against bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford the following weekend.
The month of May could prove challenging for Slot however, with Chelsea and Arsenal to play before more favourable fixtures against Brighton at the Amex and Crystal Palace at Anfield on the final day.
Tottenham also face a newly-promoted outfit in Leicester at the King Power Stadium on the opening weekend, with the Foxes now without Maresca following his move to Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle and Everton follow for Ange Postecoglou, before Spurs host archrivals Arsenal on September 14 in their fourth fixture of the season.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is gearing up for his first campaign in the Premier League
Manchester United decided to stick by Ten Hag despite a disappointing campaign last season
Manchester United have been given a tricky run-in to close out the season, with an away trip to Chelsea followed by a clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on the final day.
Arsenal may feel theirs is harder however, with Liverpool and Newcastle to play before facing Southampton at the end of the campaign.
The FA Cup has also been given its own weekend next season for the third round proper on Saturday January 11, which will likely mean less rescheduled fixture chaos towards the end of the Premier League campaign.
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