The countdown to the 2020-21 Premier League season has begun, with the publication of the fixture lists enabling clubs and supporters to pinpoint whether they have a tough start, when they will face their biggest rivals and which teams stand in the way of success or failure in the run-in.
Liverpool can now plot their title defence, and promoted teams Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham will be able to work out how and when they might bank enough points to avoid an immediate return to the Championship
With sport still facing major disruption because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new season will begin with games played behind closed doors and the delayed start, kicking off a month later than usual, will see a packed fixture list from September through to May 23.
Here is when the biggest rivals will clash and which clubs have the easiest starts or toughest run-ins.
The games to watch
LIVERPOOL vs. LEEDS UNITED (Sept. 12)
The Premier League champions versus the Championship champions on the opening weekend is as good as it gets, especially when you add in the prospect of Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa facing Jurgen Klopp in his first game in England’s top flight.
There is also some serious history between these two clubs, with a rivalry dating back to the 1960s, so Leeds have been welcomed back after a 16-year absence with a classic fixture to launch their season.
Leeds will be given the acid test of their credentials, but Liverpool will also be wary of facing a promoted team who will be brimming with confidence after finally making it back.
MAN CITY vs. ARSENAL (Oct. 17)
Arsenal’s FA Cup semifinal victory over Manchester City last season was a seminal moment under new manager Mikel Arteta because it showed the progress being made and suggested better times ahead at the Emirates.
The result also gave Arteta a big win over City boss Pep Guardiola, just a few months after quitting his role as the Spaniard’s assistant to take charge at Arsenal.
When the two teams meet in Manchester in October, it will be a game that will tell us whether Arsenal can compete for the title and whether City have put last season’s disappointments behind them. For both sides, this fixture will be a signpost towards their prospects for the season.
