The Premier League has announced an exciting lineup for the opening weekend of the 2024/25 season, with Manchester City starting their title defence against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 18. The clash is set to be a thrilling encounter as newly appointed Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, takes on his former mentor Pep Guardiola.
Maresca, who previously assisted Guardiola during City’s treble-winning season and coached their youth team, will be looking to make a strong impression in his Premier League managerial debut.
The action begins a day earlier on Friday, August 16, with Manchester United, last season’s FA Cup winners, hosting Fulham in an evening game. Arsenal, who finished runners-up last season, will welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, August 17.
Leicester City, crowned Championship winners, are set to host Tottenham Hotspur, while Newcastle United will play against playoff victors Southampton. Ipswich Town marks their Premier League return after 22 years with a challenging match against Liverpool in an early kickoff on August 17.
The Premier League has removed the mid-season break from the calendar this year, allowing for a longer close season break. Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the new season with a full slate of fixtures scheduled across the weekend.
Opening Weekend Fixtures:
- Friday, August 16
- Manchester United vs Fulham (20:00)
- Saturday, August 17
- Ipswich Town vs Liverpool (12:30)
- Arsenal vs Wolverhampton (15:00)
- Everton vs Brighton (15:00)
- Newcastle United vs Southampton (15:00)
- Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth (15:00)
- West Ham United vs Aston Villa (17:30)
- Sunday, August 18
- Brentford vs Crystal Palace (14:00)
- Chelsea vs Manchester City (16:30)
- Monday, August 19
- Leicester City vs Tottenham (20:00)
With anticipation building for the new season, all eyes will be on these opening matches as teams vie for an early advantage in what promises to be another thrilling Premier League campaign.
