Premier League 2024-25 Opening Fixtures
As the anticipation builds for the Premier League 2024-25 opening fixtures, fans are eagerly awaiting the action-packed opening weekend that promises thrilling matches right from the start. The season kicks off on August 16, with Manchester United facing Fulham in the inaugural game of the campaign.
Top Teams in Action
The reigning champions, Manchester City, will clash with Chelsea in a highly anticipated tie on the opening weekend. The Citizens, under the leadership of their top players like Erling Haaland, who scored 27 goals in the last Premier League season, will aim to start strong against Chelsea. The Blues, featuring stars such as Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson, are determined to put up a fierce fight.
New Teams and Their Matches
Newly promoted Ipswich Town will host Liverpool at Portman Road. Ipswich, managed by Kieran McKenna, who took the reins in 2021, are set to make their Premier League return after more than two decades. McKenna, a former youth coach at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, has led Ipswich through a remarkable journey to the top flight. Liverpool, with key players like Darwin Núñez and Harvey Elliott, will look to spoil Ipswich’s homecoming.
Manchester City’s Title Defense
Manchester City, who narrowly secured the title last season with a final-day victory over West Ham, are set for another challenging campaign. Their squad, including standout performers like Rodri and Bernardo Silva, will be crucial in their title defense. City’s first fixture against Chelsea is just one of many exciting matchups expected this season.
Relegation and Promotion
At the other end of the table, the relegated teams from last season, Luton, Burnley, and Sheffield United, have made way for new faces. Leicester City and Southampton have bounced back to the Premier League, along with Ipswich, adding fresh competition to the league.
Season Features
The Premier League has opted out of a winter break this season, providing teams and players more recovery time after Euro 2024. The season will feature 33 weekend game weeks, four midweek rounds, and a special fixture over a bank holiday. Traditional Boxing Day matches remain, with a notable London Derby between Chelsea and Fulham on the calendar.
Key Derby Matches
Fans will have their eyes on the big derbies throughout the season. The Merseyside Derby, featuring Liverpool and Everton, is scheduled for December at Goodison Park and April at Anfield. The North London Derby between Tottenham and Arsenal will take place in September at Spurs’ ground and in January at the Emirates. The Manchester Derby will be held at the Etihad Stadium in December and at Old Trafford in April.
Opening Weekend Fixtures
- Friday, August 16
- Manchester United vs Fulham (8:00 PM)
- Saturday, August 17
- Ipswich vs Liverpool (12:30 PM)
- Arsenal vs Wolves (3:00 PM)
- Everton vs Brighton (3:00 PM)
- Newcastle vs Southampton (3:00 PM)
- Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth (3:00 PM)
- West Ham vs Aston Villa (5:30 PM)
- Sunday, August 18
- Brentford vs Crystal Palace (2:00 PM)
- Chelsea vs Manchester City (4:30 PM)
- Monday, August 19
- Leicester vs Tottenham (8:00 PM)
With such an exciting lineup of matches to kick off the season, fans are set for a thrilling start to the Premier League 2024-25 campaign.
