Manchester City begins their title defence at The Bridge

MANCHESTER City will begin their Premier League title defence away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the new season after the fixture list was published on Tuesday.

The match on August 18 will pit Pep Guardiola against his former assistant Enzo Maresca, who was appointed Chelsea boss earlier this month after guiding Leicester City to promotion last term.

FA Cup winners Manchester United will host the opening game of the campaign when Fulham visit Old Trafford on August 16.

2024/25 Premier League fixtures have been released 🔓

— Premier League (@premierleague) June 18, 2024

The following day, newly promoted Ipswich Town, back in the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, welcome Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot, who has replaced the long-serving Jurgen Klopp.

Leicester, back in the top flight after one season in the Championship and yet to name Maresca’s successor, will host Tottenham Hotspur on August 19.

An action-packed opening weekend, difficult runs of fixtures for the champions, and tricky starts for newly promoted sides 📆

With the 2024/25 fixtures now released, here are some key takeaways 🔑

— Premier League (@premierleague) June 19, 2024

Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton & Hove Albion reign will begin away to Everton, while new West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui will welcome Aston Villa. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who finished as runners-up behind City for a second straight season, host Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Reuters

OPENING ROUND FIXTURES

Friday, August 16: Manchester United v Fulham

Saturday, August 17: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool; Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers; Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion; Newcastle United vs Southampton; Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth; West Ham United vs Aston Villa

Sunday, August 18: Brentford vs Crystal Palace; Chelsea vs Manchester City

Monday, August 19: Leicester City vs Tottenham Hotspur