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The release of the 2024/25 Premier League schedule has brought attention to the first 10 matches of the season, particularly focusing on which teams have the best and worst English Premier League opening fixtures according to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR).
Kindest Starts: Everton and Nottingham Forest
Everton and Nottingham Forest, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, are poised for a strong start. Their first 10 matches have the lowest average FDR score of 2.5, indicating a relatively easy schedule. Both teams face only two top-six finishers from last season and avoid matches against the top two.
Easiest Fixtures:
- Everton:
- FDR average score: 2.5
- Nottingham Forest:
- FDR average score: 2.5
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Ipswich Town and Liverpool also have favorable schedules with an average FDR score of 2.6 for their first 10 matches ranking them among best and worst English Premier League opening fixtures.
Toughest Starts: Bournemouth and Arsenal
AFC Bournemouth faces the most challenging start with an average FDR score of 3.4. Their first 10 matches include tough fixtures against teams like Newcastle United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester City.
Arsenal, who have been title challengers recently, also have a difficult opening stretch with an average FDR score of 3.1. They face strong opponents including away games against Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Newcastle, along with a home match against Liverpool.
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Toughest, Best and Worst English Premier League opening Fixtures:
- AFC Bournemouth:
- FDR average score: 3.4
- Arsenal:
- FDR average score: 3.1
- Brighton & Hove Albion
- Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Newcastle United
European Competitions Add Complexity
Teams involved in European competitions will face additional challenges, with three European match rounds coinciding with the first 10 Premier League matchweeks. Arsenal, for instance, will play a Champions League group-stage match between Premier League fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
This analysis highlights how the early part of the Premier League season can set the tone for teams, with Everton and Nottingham Forest having the opportunity for a strong start, while Bournemouth and Arsenal must navigate tough fixtures. The added burden of European matches will also test the squad depth of those involved in continental competitions.