Premier League opening games: Chelsea vs. City
The Premier League announced the fixture schedule for the 2024-25 season on Tuesday, with defending champions Manchester City beginning their title defence at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Aug. 18 in what will be Enzo Maresca’s first game for the west London club.
The first clash between last season’s top two, City and Arsenal, takes place on Sept. 21 at the Etihad Stadium, while the return game at the Emirates is on Feb.1.
Manchester United take on City at the Etihad on Dec. 14 and on April 5 at Old Trafford, while United head to Anfield to play Liverpool on Jan. 4 after hosting them in just the third game of the campaign on Aug. 31.
United host Fulham on Friday, Aug. 16, in the first match of the Premier League season.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool tenure opens with a trip to to Ipswich Town’s Portman Road, which will be hosting Premier League football for the first time since they were relegated in 2002.
Life in the top tier doesn’t get much easier for Kieran McKenna’s team, as they head to the Etihad for their first away game on Aug. 24.
Fellow promoted teams Leicester City and Southampton begin their seasons with Tottenham Hotspur at home and a trip to Newcastle United, respectively.
Guardiola’s City are seeking an unprecedented fifth consecutive title in 2024-25, having won the league in six of the past seven seasons.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, meanwhile, are looking for a first title since the “Invincibles” season of 2003-04.
