Premier League is back with its enthralling drama and flurry of goals. Just two months separated from the end of the last campaign and the beginning of the new one. The 2021/22 campaign is upon and as usual, it is offering a treat of fixtures in the opening month. We look at all of those encounters that are sure to notify each team's preparation and status for the new season.
Manchester City achieved their fifth Premier League glory last season but faces quite a tricky start to their new campaign. The clubs from London have a challenging calendar too but look no further than Arsenal facing two back-to-back crunching fixtures. This season is special for the football faithful as fans will be allowed in stadiums in full capacity from the start after a campaign of close door games due to the coronavirus pandemic.
1) Manchester United vs Leeds United (August 14)
Ole Gunnar Solksjaer believes that his contract extension paired with the high voltage arrivals of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane will make Manchester United a capable side to challenge for the title this time out with their venture beginning against a rival from Yorkshire. Leeds returned to top-flight after 20 years in adoring fashion by finishing ninth last season under the magic of the great Marcelo Bielsa whose contract is now extended for this season. These two historical clubs meet at Old Trafford on Saturday and it is safe to say it will be a lot closer and tighter this time than the 5-2 home side win in the last meeting. While the fixture comes too fast for the new signings to be in the lineup for the Red Devils Bielsa's charismatic boys are ready to set the tone for the season opener.
Check out | Manchester United Season Preview 2021-22
2) Tottenham Hotspurs vs Manchester City (August 15)
The headline maker of the opening weekend for a 'Kanning' reason, this fixture will revolve around the England captain future in the coming days whether to stay at Tottenham or make the lucrative move to Manchester City. Aside from Harry Kane, cameras will be set on new manager Nuno Espirito Santos in charge of his first competitive game as Spurs boss to make huge decisions this season. It is expected not to be spursy for the holders as they boast the debut of the British record signing Jack Grealish, the Aston Villa talisman tipped to be the next wonder in City blue. His task will also be to give the Premier League champions some sweet memories in visiting the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium, a place where they lost in the last two meetings without scoring and conceding four.
Check out here Tottenham Hotspur Season Preview 2021-22
3) Arsenal vs Chelsea (August 22)
Every game for Mikel Arteta will be treated as his last for the Spaniard faces a daunting task to manage Arsenal back to European football. The Gunners missed out on Europe completely for the first time since 1995 and the new campaign brings uphill task. It doesn't get better for them as after an opening day trip to Brentford they face the European champions in the next game week. Thomas Tuchel side is spirited after the Supercup triumph and the return of star striker Romelu Lukaku at Stamford Bridge possibly making his debut against the London rivals. His signature from Inter makes the Blue title favorites this season. It is enough to strike fears in Arsenal's minds but wishes for good fortune resulting from the double they had over Chelsea's last campaign. A great game to watch.
4) Manchester City vs Arsenal (August 28)
Arsenal are due to have more bumps on the road as they face the league champions straight after the fiery London derby setting aside the cup fixture against West Brom in the middle. They travel to Etihad for this a place they haven't won since 2015. Failure to gain suitable points from the opening three games for Arteta's men will smell danger considering the mind-blowing transfer other top sides have made to give them the early edge to proceedings. Manchester City also doesn't have a comfort zone in their title defense at least playing the first few fixtures. Overcoming Tottenham, newly promoted Norwich and now Arsenal, City will have Leicester, Chelsea and Liverpool all in the next month in a matter of days. But an early statement is due to bring optimism inside the dressing room.
5) Liverpool vs Chelsea (August 28)
On the very same day inside a packed Anfield Liverpool lock horns with Chelsea to round off the opening month for both sides. This will be the first real challenge of the home side in their quest to suppress their former disappointing season. Klopp is hopeful that his now fit enough center backs bring the original shape and positivity to the team while being equally gasped about side like Chelsea strengthening their armor in the transaction window. Tuchel's men have a difficult opening to the campaign with Arsenal and Liverpool sniffing on the other side of their first-day encounter versus Crystal Palace. Chelsea have only one win here since 2014 in the Premier League. Nevertheless, three points for either side will skyrocket their belief of having an exceptional season.
Also Read | Liverpool Premier League Preview 2021-22
