Two Weeks to Go: Every Premier League Club’s Opening Day Fixture
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Two Weeks to Go: Every Premier League Club’s Opening Day Fixture

Two Weeks to Go: Every Premier League Club’s Opening Day Fixture

With every club’s summer preparations coming to an end, there is a just a fortnight to go until another blockbuster Premier League season gets underway. Many marquee transfers will be looking to make their mark early on, with over €2bn having been spent in the market so far, with this figure expected to rise even higher.

In this article, we will be previewing each club’s opening day fixture, providing insight into recent Premier League opening day form, and their chances of starting their respective campaigns on the front foot, and setting out an early marker.


Arsenal – Manchester United (A)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: WWWLW

Arsenal have started off their past seasons with intent. They kicked off the 2024/25 campaign cruising to a 2-0 win over Wolves, with both Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz making the scoresheet.

Arteta has been deep in the transfer market this summer, with the Gunners spending less than only Liverpool and Chelsea, with their three expensive additions of Martín Zubimendi, Viktor Gyökeres, and Noni Madueke, all costing them over £50m each. They face Rúben Amorim’s Man United on the opening day, which is set to be a flavoursome affair. Following on from last season, the Gunners will be favoured to take all three points back to North London.

Key Player to Watch: Viktor Gyökeres - The new Arsenal star will be keen to start this new chapter of his career with a goal, while also showing United what they have missed out on.



Aston Villa – Newcastle United (H)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: WLLLW

Villa do not possess the opening day record they would desire. It was just two seasons ago when these sides met, however, it was at St James’ Park, where the Villains fell victim to an Alexander Isak brace in a 5-1 pummelling.

It does not look like Unai Emery will have to prepare for the Swede this time around, however, due to his strong link to Liverpool. Villa haven’t been too active in the transfer market so far, having only brought in two players. They have made Yasin Özcan’s loan move permanent from Kasimpasa, as well as bringing in Marco Bizot from Stade Brestois. It looks to be a rather close match between the two sides on the opening day, with both teams looking weaker on paper compared to three months ago.

Key Player to Watch: Ollie Watkins - With Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio’s loans expiring, it means that Watkins will have more opportunities than last season, and he will have to lead from the front. He will also look to continue his impressive run against the Magpies, which has seen him score five and assist three in his last six matches against them.


Bournemouth – Liverpool (A)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: DDW

Bournemouth have played just three of the past five Premier League seasons, but since getting promoted in 2022, they have gone unbeaten in their opening day matches. Last term, they drew to Forest 1-1 thanks to an Antoine Semenyo equaliser late on.

After breakout seasons for stars across the squad last campaign, this has resulted in many of them being poached by some of Europe’s elite clubs. This included Dean Huijsen to Madrid and Miloš Kerkez to Liverpool – with Illia Zabarnyi strongly linked to PSG. Summer business has been rather quiet for Andoni Iraola’s side so far too, with only Adrien Truffert and Ðorde Petrović arriving at the Vitality. This definitely leaves their chances of an opening day surprise over the Champions bleak, especially with their side being outmatched in every position.

Key Player to Watch: Ðorde Petrović - After impressing at RC Strasbourg last season, Chelsea still did not believe he fit the bill, so he will look to become a key player for the Cherries this campaign. And what a better way to start things off than a player of the match performance to turn some heads early on.



Brentford – Nottingham Forest (A)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: WDDW

Since opening their debut Premier League season with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal, the first match of each season bodes the Bees with some good luck, as they find themselves unbeaten in each of their four matches.

It has been a very tricky summer for Keith Andrews’ side, which has seen them lose Thomas Frank, who has headed to Tottenham to replace Ange Postecoglou, alongside the departures of key players Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Nørgaard, with Yoane Wissa potentially joining them. And with a tough opening phase of fixtures, including a trip to Nottingham in their opener, this season looks tough for the Bees.

Key Player to Watch: Caoimhin Kelleher - The Irish keeper left the Reds in order to complete his dream to be a number one goalkeeper in the Premier League. His debut season in this role could not be tougher, with Brentford the side most likely to go down after the promoted club’s according to most bookies. He will also be facing Chris Wood, Watkins, and Cole Palmer early on in the season, so will certainly need to bring his a-game week in, week out.


Brighton & Hove Albion – Fulham (H)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: WWWWL

Brighton’s last opening day defeat came at home to Chelsea five years ago. Since then, they have collected maximum points on each opening day match. Last term, they conflicted Everton with a 5-star performance in Goodison Park’s final opening day game, winning 3-0.

The summer window has seen some fascinating business from the Seagulls. Maxim De Cuyper has joined from Club Brugge, seemingly to replace the outgoing Pervis Estupiñan. Meanwhile, they have also made other key additions including Diego Coppola, Charalampos Kostoulas, and the promising Tom Watson. Their most notable departure comes in the form of João Pedro who has left for Chelsea for £50m. The Seagulls certainly have a good enough squad to compete towards the top 10 and should have enough to win three points at home to Fulham.

Key Player to Watch: Charalampos Kostoulas - The 18-year-old had a standout season with Olympiakos, scoring seven goals in just 13 starts. This resulted in a £35m move to the South coast, with Kostoulas looking to become the first-choice striker and opening his account early on.



Burnley – Tottenham (A)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: LLL

Burnley’s last two Premier League campaigns have ended in relegation. Neither started well either, and in 2023, their season began with a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.

The Clarets have quietly been making some moves in the transfer market, making Bashir Humphreys’ loan from Chelsea permanent, while adding Jaidon Anthony, Axel Tuanzebe, and Kyle Walker from other Premier League clubs. Scott Parker has also dealt in Europe, attracting Jacob Bruun Larsen, Loum Tchaouna, Marcus Edwards, and Quilindschy Hartman for a combined fee in the region of £36m. The summer has also seen a number of pivotal departures, with Josh Brownhill and the record-breaking James Trafford exiting Turf Moor for greener pastures. It is very difficult to see them surviving this season, or to grab a result from North London.

Key Player to Watch: Josh Cullen - The Irish midfielder is entering his fourth season for Burnley and has been announced as the club captain for the upcoming campaign. He will bring key experience and leadership to this team and will be a key figure in Burnley’s slim hopes of staying up.


Chelsea – Crystal Palace (H)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: LDWWW

The Premier League have been much more forgiving to the Blues this season, returning to the same opening fixture from four years ago. That day, the then defending Champions League winners took Palace to the cleaners, in a 3-0 thumping.

As usual, Chelsea have been very active in the summer window, so to highlight some arrivals, they have picked up Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Pedro, while adding more young talent of Estêvão and Dário Essugo, with the Dutch duo Jorrel Hato and Xavi Simons both expected to join far before the opener. Enzo Maresca’s men have lost a number of players too, notably Madueke to Arsenal, however, none of which Chelsea will miss too much. The Club World Cup Champions are certainly expected to defeat Palace with relative ease, with the Blues aiming to challenge the top end of the table come May.

Key Player to Watch: João Pedro - The Brazilian only played 163 minutes after joining the Blues in the quarter finals of the Club World Cup in July, but he bagged three goals and looks like he will be a lethal threat going forward this term.



Crystal Palace – Chelsea (A)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: LWLLW

The Eagles have had a very mixed experience in the opening fixtures of the Premier League in recent years but did lose to Chelsea in the same fixture just four years ago. Last year it was a defeat to Brentford, so they will be staying in London once again, but this time will hope to find all three.

The summer window has been rather quiet in terms of signings at Selhurst Park, with Borna Sosa joining for £3m from Ajax, and Walter Benítez coming in from PSV. Jeffrey Schlupp and Luke Plange have left on free transfers, while Eberechi Eze may very well be leaving before the opener too. Palace will have a very tough time at Stamford Bridge, but without Eze, it will probably not leave them a chance.

Key Player to Watch: Jean-Philippe Mateta - After scoring 14 goals last campaign, he has added another four during pre-season. He will definitely be first-choice striker and will be their star man if Eze leaves, so the Eagles will be heavily relying on him this season.


Everton – Leeds (A)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: LLLWW

Everton will not like their opening day record in recent times, and after last seasons 3-0 loss at home to Brighton, they will be keen to get off to a good start here, and against newly promoted Leeds is a perfect time to do so.

The Toffees have been busy in July, confirming the signings of Adam Aznou, Mark Travers, Thierno Barry, and Carlos Alcaraz for just over £50m. They haven’t parted ways with any key players either, having only improved so far. This gives them an excellent chance to start on the front foot and settle their early season nerves at Elland Road.

Key Player to Watch: Beto - This season, Beto will need to take a leading role in scoring goals, with the rest of Everton’s forwards being quite inexperienced at this level. His record last season was very good, and he will be looking to start well on the opening weekend.



Fulham – Brighton (A)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: LWDL

All three results have occurred in recent years for Fulham on the opening day, so there is no telling what fortune they may have in store for them this season. Last year, it was a defeat on the opening night of the season against Man United, as they conceded a goal late on to lose 1-0.

The Cottagers’ side vastly remains the same, with two squad players going on loan, and Benjamin Lecomte arriving from Montpellier. This gives Marco Silva’s side that sense of familiarity with each other, which should mean limited adjustments as they prepare for a Brighton team who has seen an array of changes. It will be close game, but Fulham definitely have a chance in this opener.

Key Player to Watch: Alex Iwobi - The ever-reliable midfielder will be key again for Fulham this season. He featured in every Premier League match last campaign, and he will look to continue being an ever-present figure in Silva’s side.


Leeds United – Everton (H)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: WLL

After two years out of the first tier, Leeds will hope that they can get back-to-back wins on the Premier League’s opening day. Last time out was in 2022, when they defeated Wolves at Elland Road 2-1.

Following their two early signings of Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha, they have since added Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach. The reinforcements do show signs of Daniel Farke’s men looking to really compete in the Premier League this year. They have, however, seen multiple departures, with the important Junior Firpo and Rasmus Kristiansen both leaving. With Leeds and Everton making numerous additions across the window, it will certainly be an entertaining opener, and to see which new signings can make an immediate impact.

Key Player to Watch: Jaka Bijol - The Slovenian followed his breakout Euro 2024 campaign with a solid showing in the Serie A last season. The man mountain will be a key figure in Leeds’ defence, which is known to be shaky, and they will be tested a lot this season.


Liverpool – Bournemouth (H)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: WDDWW

The Liverpudlians have had a brilliant start in recent seasons. Last year, they faced a trip to Ipswich, where a tricky start ended in a 2-0 win.

The reigning Champions have been busy improving even more this summer, after not spending much at all last year. Key additions include Hugo Ekitiké, Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Florian Wirtz, with Isak potentially joining the Reds before the season commences too. They have lost key players in Luis Diaz, Jarrell Quansah, Kelleher, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but with the names they have brought in, those losses will soon be forgotten. It is difficult to not see Liverpool running riot at Anfield on the opening evening, and there is a clear reason why they come into this season as favourites for back-to-back Premier League titles.

Key Player to Watch: Florian Wirtz - We could go for Mo Salah, but the Premier League’s record signing will definitely have eyes on him from minute one. The German playmaker has played an outstanding role in Bayer Leverkusen’s side over the past few years, and his contributions at Liverpool will be crucial.



Manchester City – Wolves (A)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: WWWLW

Man City’s opening day form leaves little for Wolves to scrap on. The Citizens last met them in 2020 on the opening day at the Molineux, with Pep’s side running out comfortable 3-1 winners.

Pep Guardiola has been busy, and he recruited a few players by the time of the Club World Cup including Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Aït-Nouri, as well as adding the young talent of Sverre Nypan and Trafford soon after. Aside from the loss of legend Kevin de Bruyne, no player of note has left the Etihad. As for their opening day fixture, City have won nine of the last 10 meeting with Wolves, most in dominant fashion.

Key Player to Watch: Rayan Cherki - In a team which has seen mass change in midfield personnel, it will be interesting to see how Cherki will fare in his first season outside of France. The 21-year-old is very experienced for his age, and as a key creative outlet for City, his contributions will be crucial this season if they are to challenge Liverpool.


Manchester United – Arsenal (H)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: WWLWL

Man United have won 1-0 in their opening day matches in back-to-back seasons and would certainly not complain about making it three in a couple of week’s time. This will be the first time in Premier League history that this is an opening day fixture, and the first since 1989, when United ran out 4-1 winners.

Amorim has brought in two key forwards in Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha for lump sums, however, he will pray not to rue his decision in giving up on signing Gyökeres. United are still awaiting on the future of numerous exiled players such as Tyrell Malacia, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jadon Sancho, with Rashford having already fled to Catalunya. United will compete much more than they did last campaign, and a stiff test at home to Arsenal on the opening day is exactly what they need to test their character, and the result could define their season.

Key Player to Watch: Bruno Fernandes - We could look elsewhere but Fernandes’ impact to this side is so crucial there are barely any words to describe it. And especially in an opening match against one of their arch-rivals, his performance will be vital.



Newcastle – Aston Villa (A)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: WWWLW

Eddie Howe’s side enjoy the opening Premier League weekend, winning each of the past three; one of those coming against Villa, where they thrashed them 5-1 in 2023.

The Magpies have smartly navigated the transfer market, signing Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton, as well as adding Forest’s Anthony Elanga for £54m. Departures have been minimal, with Sean Longstaff and Lloyd Kelly leaving, while Isak is trying to force his own move away. Should Isak stay, Newcastle should be considered favourites, because they still have a very strong squad, but it will be much harder for them with Isak leaving. They will be confident in grinding out a result at Villa Park, however, having won three of the last four.

Key Player to Watch: Anthony Gordon - The 24-year-old had a decent season last year, with six goals and five assists, providing sufficient creativity in the final third, however, he will definitely need to step up this term should Isak depart.


Nottingham Forest – Brentford (H)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: DLL

Since gaining promotion to the Premier League in 2022, Forest are yet to triumph on an opening fixture. Last year was a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, so this season, they will look to start well with Europa League matches coming to the City Ground later this year.

Nuno Espirito Santo began July with a bang, signing Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Jair who both starred at the Club World Cup, and who could definitely play important roles this season, alongside the signing of Dan Ndoye from Bologna. Multiple players have left Nottingham this summer too, including Elanga, Danilo, and Ramón Sosa. Forest host Brentford on the opening day, and a win could be on the cards for Nuno’s side.

Key Player to Watch: Igor Jesus - Played an important role for Botafogo in the Club World Cup, which included scoring the winner against PSG. He has now joined Forest, where he will play an important role, supporting Chris Wood.



Sunderland – West Ham (H)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: N/A

Sunderland will return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/17 season. In that campaign, they finished dead last, picking up a sorry 24 points.

The Black Cats have spent far north of £100m this summer, bringing in the likes of Simon Adingra, Enzo Le Fèe permanently, Granit Xhaka and many more. They have let a number of vital young talents leave, however, such as Watson, and Jobe Bellingham. It will be interesting to see how they fare against West Ham; there aren’t many expectations for them to win, but they can certainly set up a shock up North.

Key Player to Watch: Granit Xhaka - The veteran will be so pivotal this season. He comes in bringing heaps of experience into this side, who look to defy the odds and survive.



Tottenham – Burnley (H)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: DDWWL

Spurs are unbeaten in the last four opening day matches, which does not bode well for Burnley. They have drawn the last two, however, so Frank’s side will need to be alert to Burnley, should they carry some momentum from their Championship campaign into this season.

A manager switch has come amongst a lot of change in North London, with Mohammed Kudus the pick of signings, for just shy of £60m alongside, Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Luka Vušković all completing moves. It was of course confirmed that Heung-min Son will depart the Lilywhites after 10 years at the club, and he will be sorely missed by the entire fanbase. Frank and his team, however, must put all of their focus into Spurs’ domestic and continental campaigns, and he is expected to win his first game in charge against Burnley.

Key Player to Watch: Mohammed Kudus - His move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been highly anticipated and fans will be eager to see how he starts his career in North London.


West Ham – Sunderland (A)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: LDLWL

All three results have occurred for the Hammers too in recent seasons. Last year was a home defeat to Aston Villa, but they will have to be careful against Sunderland, as there are a lot of unknowns in this fixture.

West Ham have added Jean-Clair Todibo on a permanent basis, as well as El Hadji Malick Diouf for £19m from Slavia Prague, and Kyle Walker-Peters on a free from Southampton. Graham Potter has also let a number of players leave upon the expiration of their contracts such as, Danny Ings, Vladimir Coufal, and Kurt Zouma, on top of the exit of Kudus. They have not yet seemed to have found a proper replacement for Kudus, so they could struggle again his year, however, they should have enough to beat Sunderland, but it would not surprise us if Sunderland did steal a point.

Key Player to Watch: Jarrod Bowen - West Ham relied on Bowen a lot last year to dig them out of trouble, with the club captain finding 21 goal involvements in 34 games. His importance to this West Ham side cannot be described, and he will be needed to step up again this season.



Wolves – Manchester City (H)

Recent PL Opening Day Form: LLLLW

With Wolves’ recent form against Man City, paired with their opening day record, it is not a good sign for Vitor Pereira. Four losses in a row in the opening day, with their last one starting a streak of 10 games without a league victory.

It was an excellent end to the season last year, and had they not had that poor start, they easily could have been pushing the European spots. Intent has been shown in this window, with Fer López, Jhon Arias and David Möller Wolfe arriving in the midlands, with Jørgen Strand Larsen making a permanent move too. This transfer was crucial following the departure of Matheus Cunha to United. It may not be enough to take a result from their opening match, but they have certainly added enough depth to warrant a strong season.

Key Player to Watch: Jørgen Strand Larsen - To finish off, we were never going to end with anyone else. He scored an impressive 14 goals and added four assists in his debut Premier League season on loan, and now having been signed on permanently, will have a huge role to play this year. He will be even more important this season, and is expected to receive more chances. He is clinical finisher and proved it last season, outperforming his xG by 3.73, and his contributions this campaign will most likely reflect Wolves’ final position come May.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Ben Growdon

Content Writer

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