Some seven weeks since the 2019-20 season finished, a new Premier League campaign gets under way on Saturday – with 380 matches over the next eight months.
London duo Fulham and Arsenal will officially raise the curtain on the 2020-21 Premier League season when they lock horns at Craven Cottage in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off. (11:30 am)
The top-flight action resumes just over six weeks after the last, coronavirus-impacted campaign finally drew to a close, with Arsenal since following their 14th FA Cup triumph with Community Shield success over Liverpool at Wembley.
The Gunners have been boosted by deals for Willian and Gabriel Magalhaes and the return of Dani Ceballos as they look to improve radically upon a worst league finish for 25 years, while Mikel Arteta has now seen his role changed from head coach to first-team manager.
A short trip to face a Fulham side full of confidence following their Championship play-off final defeat of rivals Brentford last month is a potentially tricky opener for Arsenal.
Scott Parker’s side are looking to take a different approach to their costly 2018-19 mistakes after bouncing back to the top tier at the first time of asking, though still boast plenty of new arrivals in the shape of Kenny Tete, Alphonse Areola, Harrison Reed (signed permanently after a successful loan spell), Mario Lemina and Antonee Robinson, while ex-Chelsea defender Ola Aina is also expected to join the ranks very soon.
After the London derby at Craven Cottage, Crystal Palace host Southampton at 2:00 pm before the focus switches to Anfield where Liverpool begin their title defence at home to Leeds United – back in England’s top flight for the first time since 2004.
West Ham later in the evening play Newcastle at Olympic Stadium.
On Sunday, newly promoted West Bromwich Albion are at home to Leicester while Everton and their new signings visit Tottenham.
The 2020/21 Premier League campaign will finish on May 23, 2021.
Gameweek 1 fixtures
Saturday, September 12
Fulham vs Arsenal (11:30pm)
Crystal Palace vs Southampton (2pm)
Liverpool vs Leeds United 4:30pm)
West Ham United vs Newcastle United (7pm)
Burnley vs Machester United (postponed)
Manchester City vs Aston Villa (postponed)
Sunday, September 13
West Bromwich Albion vs Leicester City (1pm)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton (3:30pm)
Monday September 14
Sheffield United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (5pm)
Brighton and Hove Albion vs Chelsea (7:15pm)
