The 2024/25 Premier League fixtures have been unveiled, and the opening weekend promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Erik ten Hag’s revamped Manchester United kicks off against Fulham on Friday evening. Saturday lunchtime sees Ipswich Town returning to top-flight football under the summer sun, facing Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
West Ham United welcomes Aston Villa in the evening slot, and Brentford meets Crystal Palace the next day. The weekend culminates in a thrilling encounter as Manchester City travels to Chelsea. On Monday night, newly promoted Leicester City takes on Tottenham Hotspur, wrapping up a stellar start to the season.
Here are seven key observations following the 2024/25 Premier League fixtures announcement:
Arsenal’s January Woes Could Strike Early: Arsenal faces a tough early schedule, with trips to Villa Park, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Etihad Stadium all before the end of September. This brutal start includes a north London derby and a title clash within a week, compounded by a UEFA Champions League fixture. Historically, Arsenal has struggled in winter, faltering in critical moments that have cost them the title. To challenge Manchester City, they must navigate this tough stretch unscathed.
Read – Premier League Clubs’ Summer 2024 Pre-season Fixtures
Man City’s Drive to be Tested: With Pep Guardiola cryptically questioning his future and the team’s motivation after a fourth consecutive title, Man City’s resolve will be tested early. Their first six games are notably challenging, featuring matches against Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Chelsea, along with tricky 2024/25 Premier League fixtures against promoted Ipswich and West Ham under new management. A sluggish start could put them in a precarious position, but City has a history of strong second halves, with a favorable run-in from March.
Ten Hag’s Tough Start: Erik ten Hag faces immense pressure to start strong, given Manchester United’s scrutiny of his position. After an opener against Fulham, United encounters tough opponents like Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool, and challenging away games at Selhurst Park, Spurs, and Villa. With five of their first seven matches being difficult, Ten Hag needs a fast start to avoid last season’s pitfalls.
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Ipswich’s Hopeful Run-in: Ipswich fans are thrilled to face Liverpool at Portman Road after a 24-year Premier League absence, but following that with a trip to Man City is daunting. A crucial home match against Fulham could be pivotal before the first international break. Despite a tough mid-season stretch, Ipswich has a favorable run-in, potentially facing four consecutive “six-pointers.”
Villa’s Chance to Rebuild Momentum: Aston Villa, despite a tiring end to last season, can reassert their status with a favorable opening nine matches. With only two top-eight teams in that span, both at home, Villa has a prime opportunity to gather early points. Their final three matches, including a potentially rescheduled game against Man City, will be critical if they aim for another Champions League spot.
Maresca’s October Challenge: Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, faces a tough October. After an initial decent run, Chelsea’s 2024/25 Premier League fixtures turn brutal, with six top-eight teams in eight matches from mid-October to early December. Success here could cement Maresca’s position, but a slow start might leave Chelsea struggling during the festive period.
Penultimate Weekend Drama: While the opening weekend is exciting, the penultimate weekend is poised to be decisive. Arsenal hosting Newcastle could be pivotal for the title or top-four aspirations. Liverpool’s visit to Brighton and Spurs’ trip to Villa may also have significant implications. Potential relegation battles in West Ham vs. Nottingham Forest, Brentford vs. Fulham, and Leicester vs. Ipswich add to the drama. The highlight is Chelsea vs. Manchester United, promising an intense end to the season.