It’s less than a month to the start of the English Premier League season, the most-watched football league in the world. With a raft of new elite managers and the increased spending power of the clubs, the prestigious tournament is set to be very very exciting this year. Most teams will be eager to hit the ground running, and below are take a look at some of the most important games in the early rounds which might have a substantial impact on the entire league campaign.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool (Sunday, August 14)
The opening weekend witnesses two of the traditional big English clubs go head to head. For Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, this is a chance to beat one of the potential competitors for a Champions League place. On the other hand, a large number of the Arsenal fanbase are already disillusioned by their team’s lack of investment in this transfer window, and the situation will likely reach unprecedented heights in this game if the Gunners leave the pitch with anything less than 3 points.
Chelsea VS West Ham (Monday, August 15)
Antonio Conte’s first competitive match as Chelsea boss will be against West Ham, arguably the 2nd most impressive team last season. After a disastrous title defence, Chelsea hierarchy will be expecting nothing less than a top 4 finish, while West Ham will also be harbouring the same lofty ambitions. The Hammers were impressive against all the big teams on the road last season, and a potential upset can’t be ruled out this time as well.
For Chelsea, there is no better way to introduce the Italian tactician to the competitiveness of the Premier League than with a derby against ambitious opponents. The new boss would surely like to set the campaign rolling in the right direction from the very start of the season.
Manchester United vs. Southampton (Friday, August 19).
Jose Mourinho’s first home game Manchester United coach will see him play against a Southampton side under the stewardship of new manager Claude Puel. The Saints gave former United manager Louis Van Gaal all kinds of problems last season and the French manager will be hoping to continue in the same fashion. The Manchester club’s summer outlay need to be justified by a title challenge, and Jose Mourinho must know that beating teams like Southampton will be important in this regard.
Leicester vs. Arsenal (Saturday, August 20)
Fairytale League Winners; Leicester City will face their first real test in their title defence when they play runners-up Arsenal on the second weekend of the new season. Nobody gave them a shot at winning the title last season, and no one is expecting them to defend it successfully, but a win over a team as big as Arsenal might get people to sit up. Arsenal fans will be out with their banners and pitchforks if their team lose their opening game against Liverpool, as well as this one, especially if Jamie Vardy scores the winner.
Tottenham vs. Liverpool (Saturday, August 27)
Tottenham had arguably their best season in the Premier League ever last season, and might even have made history if they didn’t capitulate in the final four games of the season. Up against a Liverpool team now modelled to a certain extent after its new manager, this game is sure to be intriguing as both managers favour an energetic, high-pressing approach. Both of these teams are likely to be in the running for the Champions League places, and the winner of this game will be making a huge statement to the rest of the league.