As the countdown begins for the 2024/25 Premier League season, fans can finally mark their calendars with the newly released fixture list. The action kicks off on Friday, August 16th, with a thrilling opener at Old Trafford where Manchester United will host Fulham. The Red Devils, eager to start strong under Erik ten Hag, will aim to secure a vital three points in their quest to challenge for the title.
Reigning champions Manchester City face a tough start to their campaign with an away fixture against Chelsea on Sunday, August 18th. Pep Guardiola’s side will be looking to extend their incredible run with a fifth consecutive title, but Mauricio Pochettino’s rejuvenated Blues will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal, who narrowly missed out on the title last season, commence their campaign at home against Wolves. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners will be determined to build on their impressive form from last year and start their title chase with a victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, August 17th.
Among the newly promoted teams, Ipswich Town’s return to the top flight after a 22-year absence will be celebrated with a home fixture against Liverpool. The Tractor Boys face a stern test against Jürgen Klopp’s formidable Reds in a lunchtime kickoff at Portman Road. Championship winners Leicester City have a home clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, August 19th, while play-off victors Southampton travel north to take on Newcastle United, who will be eager to continue their resurgence under Eddie Howe.
The opening weekend’s slate of games is rounded off with several intriguing matchups: Everton will face Brighton at Goodison Park, Nottingham Forest host Bournemouth, and West Ham United take on Aston Villa in what promises to be a captivating London derby.
As the season progresses, fans can look forward to a series of high-stakes encounters, especially during the festive period and derby days. The traditional Boxing Day fixtures include Arsenal hosting Ipswich, Manchester City facing Everton at the Etihad, and a London derby between Chelsea and Fulham.
Derby fixtures are always a highlight of the Premier League calendar, and this season is no different. Manchester United and Liverpool, one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, clash first on August 31st at Old Trafford and again on January 4th at Anfield. The North London derby sees Tottenham hosting Arsenal on September 14th, with the return fixture at the Emirates scheduled for January 14th. The Manchester derbies are set for December 14th at the Etihad and April 5th at Old Trafford, while the Merseyside derby will see Everton and Liverpool face off on December 7th at Goodison Park and April 2nd at Anfield.
The 2024/25 season will feature 33 weekends of action, supplemented by four mid-week rounds and one Bank Holiday round. Notably, the mid-season break has been scrapped, ensuring a continuous flow of football through the winter. The campaign will culminate on May 25th, with all 20 teams playing simultaneously in a dramatic finale.
As the teams prepare for another season of intense competition, fans around the world eagerly await the return of Premier League football and the drama that it never fails to deliver.
