Reigning champions Chelsea will be the first opponents for 2016/17 runners-up Tottenham Hotspur at their temporary home of Wembley on the second weekend of the new season.
Wembley stopgap
Tottenham, who were beaten by Chelsea in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley and lost two of their four European matches last season when they played “home” Uefa Champions League matches there instead of White Hart Lane, are using Wembley while their ground is redeveloped in north London.
Chelsea host Burnley
Chelsea begin the defence of their title with a home fixture at Stamford Bridge on the weekend of August 12/13 against Burnley, who had a terrible time away from home last season. The challenge for Burnley is even greater as the champions have not lost on the opening day of the Premier League since going down to Coventry City in 1998.
Challenges for Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have two testing fixtures on the third and fourth weekends of the season as they host Arsenal and then face an away trip to Manchester City.
London derby
Arsenal, whose manager Arsene Wenger will be firmly in the sights of the disgruntled fans who did not want him to sign a new contract, face a tricky trip to Chelsea the weekend after. Arsenal will host Antonio Conte’s champions on January 1 in the usual packed festive period programme, which will see the teams play four matches apiece between December 23 and New Year’s Day.
Promoted clubs
Three weeks before that sees mouth-watering derbies as Liverpool host Everton and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City travel face Jose Mourinho’s United at Old Trafford. For the trio of newly promoted clubs, their opening fixtures see Newcastle United host Spurs, debutants Brighton & Hove Albion entertain Manchester City and Huddersfield Town at Crystal Palace.
* Agence France-Presse
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport