Ten Premier League fixtures to watch out for... and why

But what are the matches we should really look forward to this season and where could the title be won and lost across an entire campaign?

Here we pick 10 games that should whet your appetite as you tick off the days to Premier League 2024-25:

1 The very first one of the season: Fri Aug 16: Man Utd v Fulham.

All eyes will be on Erik ten Hag after United opted to keep the Dutchman in charge despite delivering their worst Premier League finish in history last season. He did end the campaign with a stunning victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup Final, however, so expect the Stretford End to give him plenty of backing on the opening day.

On the first day of a new season under a new ownership structure, how many big money signings will be on show at Old Trafford?

At least if they win this one, United fans can certain their team begin the season top of the table. Nobody else plays until the Saturday.

2 The first time at Anfield without Jurgen Klopp: Sat Aug 24: Liverpool v Brentford.

It’s going to feel mighty strange watching a match at Anfield without Jurgen Klopp on the sidelines.

How will new incumbent Arne Slot match up? Will he garner the same level support and will he be fist-pumping in front of the Kop at the end of a tricky clash against Brentford, who have a habit of upsetting the big boys?

Look out for which side Bryan Mbeumo is on – he’s been heavily linked with the Reds. But whatever the line up, it’s a new era on Merseyside.

3 The first glamour clash, Saturday August 31: Man Utd v Liverpool.

We don’t have to wait long for a big ‘un this season, because Liverpool will be heading to Old Trafford in the first month. It’s a match that will garner the largest television audience of August, which almost certainly means it won’t be played at 3pm on a Saturday. So, don’t book your travel yet… 

4 The first title six-pointer, Saturday September 21: Man City v Arsenal.

If you were going to predict the title race for 2024-25 then most people will surely suggest a replica of last season’s head-to-head behind City and Arsenal. This is the first major test of that prediction and the first opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to turn the tables. Last year they played it safe in a 0-0 draw, but perhaps left feeling an opportunity had been missed, so the Gunners will certainly target three points this time.

Will Pep Guardiola’s men have the stomach and desire to win six in a row? We ask it every season and the answer always seems to be the same… 

5 The first humdinger at Anfield, November 30: Liverpool v Man City.

The Reds do have Chelsea at home in the first few months of the season but this clash is the first huge six-pointer of new manager Arne Slot’s reign – and our first chance to see how he copes against the best in the business.

6 The first big midweek, Tuesday Dec 3, Arsenal v Man Utd and Wed Dec 4: Newcastle v Liverpool.

Everyone loves a Premier League midweek, and we don’t get too many of them anymore. Matches under the lights always seem to have something extra, and early December sees some high profile clashes – including United heading to the Emirates and Liverpool testing themselves at St James’ Park.

7 The first Merseyside and Manchester derbies, Sat Dec 7: Everton v Liverpool; Sat Dec 14: Man City v Man Utd.

Everton fans will just be relieved there’s still a Merseyside derby this year given the way they flirted with relegation last year. But their remarkable 2-0 win at Goodison, marking the end of Klopp’s reign, is still fresh in the memory. Can Liverpool gain revenge? City v United brings its own revenge mission. City won’t have liked losing the FA Cup Final to ten Hag’s men; but United still have plenty to prove as they chase their noisy neighbours.

8 The St Stephen’s Day jamboree.

There’s nothing quite like football on St Stephen’s Day to get in the spirit of Christmas, and although this year’s fixture list hasn’t thrown up a humdinger there’s still plenty to look out for. Ipswich fans, only just promoted, will have a trip to the Emirates ringed in their diary from day one.

9 The big title decider, Saturday Feb 1: Arsenal v Man City.

Too early in the season to say this one wins it? Perhaps. But Arsenal will feel that if they repeat last year’s home victory against Guardiola’s side that they could have a real chance of going one better than last season.

10 The final day deciders, Sunday May 25.

Fulham v Man City, Liverpool v Palace, Southampton v Arsenal, Tottenham v Brighton, Man Ud v Aston Villa.   If the title is going to be decided on the last day in a three-horse race then Liverpool have a slight advantage, given they are the only ones to be handed a home fixture - against Crystal Palace.

By contrast, City's trip to bogey side Tottenham looks an awkward one, especially when you consider how close they came to fluffing their lines there last season. Arsenal fans are still seeing Heung-min Son's miss in slow motion.

Perhaps the Gunners will gain their revenge by navigating a simpler trip to Southampton.