The new English Premier League season is set to ignite on Friday with a blockbuster opening weekend. Manchester United will host Fulham at Old Trafford, while champions Manchester City face a daunting task against a revamped Chelsea on Sunday.
Liverpool’s new era under Arne Slot begins with a tricky away match against newly promoted Ipswich Town. All eyes will be on the Dutchman as he takes charge of his first competitive game since replacing Jurgen Klopp.
United are coming off a memorable FA Cup final victory over City, a result that bolstered manager Erik ten Hag’s position. Backed by new ownership and significant investment in players like Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui, United is aiming for a strong start. However, Fulham will be no easy opponents, having secured a shock win at Old Trafford last season.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have opted for squad stability rather than new signings. Despite impressive pre-season results, the departure of Klopp casts a long shadow. A victory at Ipswich would provide much-needed momentum before a potentially easier run of fixtures leading up to the October international break.
Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, faces a baptism of fire against their former club City. The Blues have undergone a squad overhaul and face significant challenges in finding their footing. City, meanwhile, are looking to defend their title with minimal changes to their squad.
As the Premier League curtain rises, fans can expect a season filled with drama, excitement, and uncertainty.