There are some rather large storylines set to unfold this season, as the Premier League’s biggest broadcasting deal in history is reflected by its ongoing growth and financial flexing of muscles.
And with the EPL fixture list released, we pick some dates for the diary that will shape this season’s major talking points and may decide those that get relegated, secure European football and win the title.
LEICESTER’S DEFENCE
It still seems odd to think as Leicester as Premier League champions but they most certainly are and newly promoted Hull City will welcome Claudio Ranieri’s men on Saturday, August 13 on the opening day. Elsewhere on the first game day of the new season, the pick of the matches sees Arsenal host Liverpool, while Manchester City are at home to Sunderland and Manchester United travel to Bournemouth.
Champions @LCFC begin their Premier League title defence at @HullCity
— Premier League (@premierleague) June 15, 2016
Here are your Matchweek 1 #PLfixtures... pic.twitter.com/rWw4Sk4MLv
PEP VS JOSE
It is one of the most highly anticipated developments in recent years and new Manchester bosses Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho will not have to wait long for their first taste of a derby. Guardiola’s City will travel to Old Trafford on September 10, picking up their rivalry that saw the pair clash as La Liga rivals when at the helm of Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. The Etihad plays host to the Manchester derby on February 25.
Pep Guardiola vs. José Mourinho:
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) June 15, 2016
September 10th, 2016: Man Utd vs. Man City
February 25th: Man City vs. Man Utd.
Key dates for the diary.
FAMILIAR FACES
There will be quite a few examples of former bosses heading to old stomping grounds this season. Few will be bigger than Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge as Manchester United manager which comes on October 22, with Chelsea in Manchester on April 15. Southampton fans will also be sure to give Ronald Koeman a visit to St Mary’s to remember, a hostile reception expected when Everton make the trip to Saints on November 26.
José Mourinho vs. Antonio Conte:
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) June 15, 2016
22nd October: Chelsea vs. Man Utd.
15th April: Man Utd vs. Chelsea.
Early return pic.twitter.com/sLzRHPbLw7
DERBY DAYS
While the Manchester derby will be heightened this season, there are plenty of other geographical rivalries to watch out for. A plethora of London derbies kicks-off with Chelsea vs West Ham, while other notable derby games put Everton and Liverpool against each other on December 17 (Goodison) and April 1 (Anfield), with Arsenal and Tottenham meeting on November 5 (Emirates) and April 29 (White Hart Lane). We also only have to wait eight games for the first Liverpool-United derby with Anfield playing host on October 15.
The first north London derby between @Arsenal and @SpursOfficial arrives on weekend of 5 November. #PLFixtures https://t.co/mIKDtcMZVN
— The FA (@FA) June 15, 2016
FINAL DAY
The season runs through to May 21 with reigning champions Leicester closing against Bournemouth, Manchester United at home to Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Watford. Arsenal will hope there is something riding on their closer at home to Everton, as will Chelsea at home to Sunderland while Spurs finish things off at Hull. Elsewhere on the last day, Burnley face West Ham, Liverpool play Middlesbrough, Southampton host Stoke and Swansea take on West Brom.
