The long wait is finally over as the 2024-2025 English Premier League campaign is set to commence with a Friday night fixture at Old Trafford.
On August 16, Manchester United’s coach, Erik ten Hag and his boys will welcome Fulham at 8 p.m. as the Premier League campaign takes centre stage after about two months of break.
Recall that during the summer break, some of the Premier League players were busy in the international scene, especially those called up for the 2024 European Championship. Aside from that, some players were involved with their country’s under-23 teams at the football event of the 2024 Olympics.
Afterwards, they got, at most, a two-week break before they joined their respective Premier League clubs for the remaining part of pre-season.
Amid that, most clubs in the league have improved their squad by signing new players in this summer transfer window which means that football enthusiasts will be looking out for how the new players will work together with other players.
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Manchester United Coach Eric Ten Hag has expressed concerns over the readiness of his team ahead of the opening fixture against Fulham with Leny Yoro, a new signing out due to a foot problem while Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw are also unable to play.
Newcastle United faces the absence of crucial defender Sven Botman, who is recovering from a knee injury, forcing manager Eddie Howe to reassess his defensive setup for the opening fixtures.
According to reports from the Premier League's official site, Arsenal will be missing key defenders Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. This could prove a tough early test for Arsenal's defensive strength.
At the Etihad, Manchester City's Jack Grealish and Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson are doubts for the Premier League's Matchday 1 game.
However, some teams are unaffected by injuries during pre-season. Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Nottingham Forest have reported no major injuries, giving their coaches a full team to select from for the opening round.
Defending league champions Manchester City will begin their title defence with a challenging match against Chelsea on Sunday, August 18, which will mark coach Enzo Maresca’s first official game in charge of the Blues.
Also, Liverpool will start the Arne Slot era with a trip to Ipswich, while last season’s runners-up Arsenal will host Wolves on Saturday.
Below are the 2024-2025 English Premier League Matchday 1 Fixtures and Kick-Off Time:
Friday, August 16
Manchester United Vs Fulham
8 p.m. WAT
Saturday, August 17
Ipswich Town Vs Liverpool
12:30 p.m.
Arsenal Vs Wolves
3 p.m.
Everton Vs Brighton
3 p.m.
Newcastle Vs Southampton
3 p.m.
Nottingham Forest Vs Bournemouth
3 p.m.
West Ham Vs Aston Villa
5:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 18
Brentford Vs Crystal Palace
2 p.m.
Chelsea Vs Manchester City
4:30 p.m.
Monday, August 19
Leicester City Vs Tottenham Hotspur
8 p.m.
