World Soccer Discuss author Jonny Coffey takes a more in-depth take a look at the primary 5 Premier League matches for Man Metropolis, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
The 2023/24 Premier League season delivered one of many extra memorable title races in latest reminiscence, with Manchester Metropolis, Arsenal, and, till the later levels, Liverpool battling for the highest spot.
Pep Guardiola’s aspect emerged victorious with 91 factors whereas Mikel Arteta’s runners-up reached 89, which reveals fairly how exacting the competitors has turn into.
Waiting for the upcoming season throughout his aspect’s pre-season tour of the US of America, Arteta quipped that Arsenal will probably be aiming for 114 factors – an ideal 38 wins from 38 video games – as they search to beat the Metropolis juggernaut after consecutive seasons falling quick lastly.
Although stated jokingly, there may be an underlying fact to Arteta’s feedback. For these chasing the title, there may be little room for error as soon as the season kicks off on August 16.
With the highest groups hoping to make a robust begin, World Soccer Discuss analyses the primary 5 fixtures that final season’s title contenders will encounter as they battle to succeed in the Premier League summit.
Manchester Metropolis
The dominance of Pep Guardiola and Manchester Metropolis continued final season as they made historical past by changing into the primary Premier League aspect to win 4 titles in a row.
As they bid to increase that report to 5 titles in a row, they face early encounters with two of their hardest opponents from final season.
Gameweek 1: vs Chelsea (A), Sunday, August 18 (NBC)
Within the must-watch fixture of the Premier League’s opening weekend, Metropolis face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A 4-4 thriller performed out when these two sides met in west London final season as Chelsea’s Cole Palmer struck an ice-cold penalty to degree the scores towards his former membership deep into stoppage time.
They cut up the factors on the Etihad too after Raheem Sterling’s opener was cancelled out by a late Rodri strike.
A late-season flourish helped Chelsea end sixth underneath Mauricio Pochettino, however the Argentine supervisor has since been changed by Enzo Maresca, who orchestrated Leicester Metropolis’s return to the Premier League.
It has been a torrid pre-season for the brand new supervisor as Chelsea slumped to a 2-2 draw towards Wrexham AFC, who play two divisions under them, and a 4-1 defeat towards Scottish Premier League holders Celtic.
After these disappointing outcomes, alongside a extra encouraging 3-0 win over Membership América, Chelsea’s final pre-season opponent on the US tour was Manchester Metropolis, who beat Chelsea 4-2.
Gameweek 2: vs Ipswich City (H), Saturday, August 24 (Peacock)
Consecutive promotions underneath Kieran McKenna have taken Ipswich City to the Premier League, however the competitors is hardly providing them a heat welcome.
The Tractor Boys journey to the Etihad throughout Gameweek 2 to face the reigning champions. Metropolis have been unbeaten at residence within the Premier League final season, handing losses to all of final season’s Premier League newcomers – Luton City, Burnley, and Sheffield United – on their strategy to relegation.
They’re robust favorites to win this one.
Gameweek 3: vs West Ham United (A), Saturday, August 31 (TV TBD)
Metropolis defeated West Ham United 3-1 residence and away final marketing campaign, with their triumph at The Etihad sealing the league title.
The Irons strategy the season with a brand new supervisor in Julen Lopetegui and sufficient high quality to trigger Metropolis some issues, as proven by Mohammed Kudus’ gorgeous overhead kick in that decisive recreation.
Metropolis will probably be favorites on the London Stadium, however Lopetegui will probably be hoping to make an emphatic assertion along with his new aspect.
Gameweek 4: vs Brentford (H), Saturday, September 14 (TV TBD)
West London membership Brentford know a factor or two about inflicting Metropolis issues, profitable each their Premier League fixtures towards the Manchester membership throughout their treble-winning 2022/23 season.
Although they fell to 2 defeats towards Metropolis in 2023/24, Thomas Frank’s aspect have been a nonetheless powerful opponent.
Brentford took the lead within the residence fixture earlier than a Phil Foden hat-trick turned the sport in Metropolis’s favor.
On the Etihad, The Bees efficiently stalled Metropolis’s assault till an error from defender Kristoffer Ajer allowed Erling Haaland to attain the sport’s solely aim.
Retaining Frank as supervisor and bolstered by the return of gamers together with Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey from harm, Brentford are able to make life troublesome for Metropolis as they return to the Etihad this marketing campaign.
Gameweek 5: vs Arsenal (H), Sunday, September 22 (TV TBD)
Followers solely have to attend till gameweek 5 for a showdown between the winners and runners-up of the earlier two Premier League campaigns.
Arsenal defeated Metropolis 1-0 at residence final season earlier than drawing 0-0 on the Etihad afterward in two fixtures that lacked the jaw-dropping drama many spectators have been anticipating. Upon profitable the title, Metropolis midfielder Rodri criticized Arsenal for his or her defensive strategy to the fixture.
“Once they got here right here, they confronted us on the Etihad, I noticed them and stated: ‘Ah, these guys, they don’t wish to beat us, they only desire a draw,’” the Spaniard stated.
“And we caught them. On the finish, if you happen to give us one level, we’ll win the final seven, eight video games though it’s so powerful. So I feel it comes right down to mentality.”
Will Arteta proceed with this cautious strategy? Or will The Gunners go for a extra attacking strategy?
The solutions to those questions might show essential in figuring out who emerges victorious on September 22 and, finally, who claims the Premier League crown.
Arsenal
As they search their first Premier League title in over twenty years, Arsenal faces the hardest begin to the season out of final season’s title contenders, touring to face Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester Metropolis throughout the first 5 gameweeks.
Gameweek 1: vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H), Saturday, August 17 (USA)
The Gunners kickstart their marketing campaign in entrance of a house crowd, dealing with Wolves on August 17.
Their 2-1 win over Gary O’Neil’s aspect at The Emirates final season showcased a few of their most fluid attacking soccer, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard making use of the ending touches to 2 sensible workforce targets.
The Gunners have been victorious on the street too, triumphing 2-0 with the strain mounting within the title race.
They are going to be hoping to repeat these victories this season, however shouldn’t underestimate Gary O’Neil’s aspect, who have been one in all three groups to defeat Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League final season.
Gameweek 2: vs Aston Villa (A), Saturday, August 24 (NBC)
Arsenal can have some extent to show after they journey to Villa Park in Gameweek 2. With former Arsenal supervisor Unai Emery within the dugout, Aston Villa accomplished a Premier League double over The Gunners on the best way to a fourth-placed end.
The primary assembly, a 1-0 triumph at Villa Park in December, ended Arsenal’s six-game profitable streak whereas propelling the house aspect into second place.
The latter, a 2-0 win at The Emirates in April, dealt a killer blow to Arsenal’s title hopes.
Villa has moved decisively within the early levels of this switch window too, including Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkley, and Amadou Onana, in addition to some promising younger skills to their ranks, so Arteta’s aspect should be on high type if they’re to take three factors from this grudge match.
Gameweek 3: vs Brighton and Hove Albion (H), Saturday, August 31 (TV TBD)
After the departure of supervisor Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton will journey to The Emirates underneath the tutelage of the newly appointed Fabian Hürzeler.
At 31 years previous, Hürzeler is the youngest everlasting supervisor in Premier League historical past and he’s not wanting ambition.
Saying his intention to “obtain large issues and problem the institution” throughout his unveiling, this fixture will present the chance to just do that.
Brighton have been overwhelmed convincingly residence and away by The Gunners final 12 months, and Arteta’s aspect can take confidence from these compelling shows.
However with a shiny younger supervisor on the helm, can Brighton trigger an upset?
Gameweek 4: vs Tottenham Hotspur (A), Sunday, September 15 (TV TBD)
Arsenal face North London rivals Tottenham and certain title rivals Manchester Metropolis within the area of seven days in September in what might show a make-or-break week for Arteta’s aspect.
In addition to six essential factors, momentum could possibly be gained or misplaced from these headline fixtures.
Arsenal drew 2-2 with Ange Postecoglou’s aspect at The Emirates final September however defeated Spurs on their residence turf in April.
Gameweek 5: vs Manchester Metropolis (A), Sunday, September 22 (TV TBD)
Arteta earned his first Premier League win over Manchester Metropolis final marketing campaign and he will probably be hoping so as to add to that tally on September 22.
Although criticized for his cautious strategy of their two conferences with the Sky Blues, Arteta has proven his persevering with dedication to enhance Arsenal’s defensive foundations with the latest addition of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Solidity would be the foundation of Arsenal’s recreation plan, however they are going to be desperate to strike an early blow to Metropolis’s title hopes.
Liverpool
Earlier than a late-season hunch, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool was the third horse in a title race that appeared too near name.
The German supervisor wouldn’t get his fairytale ending at Anfield, although, ending 9 factors behind eventual champions Metropolis as he handed the reins to Arne Slot after 9 years with The Reds.
Arriving from Eredivisie runners-up Feyenoord, Slot has been gifted a comparatively simple begin to Premier League life.
Gameweek 1: vs Ipswich City (A), Saturday, August 17 (USA)
Going through Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis of their opening two fixtures is certain to awaken McKenna’s Ipswich to a few of the extra punishing realities of the Premier League.
Slot’s Liverpool will want teething time, particularly since a number of key gamers are but to hitch Liverpool’s pre-season after competing within the European Championships and the Copa America, however the odds are stacked of their favor on this opening recreation.
The Dutch supervisor’s strategy facilities round controlling possession whereas Klopp favored a extra direct fashion constructed round an aggressive press.
Although they may want a while to adapt, the gamers appear able to embrace the change of tempo.
“As a method of play, it fits me,” midfielder Curtis Jones not too long ago stated. “It’s a clear plan. Arne is totally concerned within the coaching, he coaches us rather a lot, and he’s large on the finer particulars.”
Gameweek 2: vs Brentford (H), Sunday, August 25 (Peacock)
Like Ipswich, Brentford should additionally do battle with each Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis throughout their opening 5 fixtures.
It was plain crusing for The Reds after they confronted Thomas Frank’s aspect final season, registering a 3-0 win at residence and a 4-1 win on the street after some calamitous Brentford defending.
The Bees will probably be strengthened after the return of a few of their injured gamers and could also be tempted to retain Ivan Toney after new striker Igor Thiago sustained a meniscus harm ruling him out till late 2024.
Anfield is definite to deliver the noise for Slot’s residence opener, however Brentford are a tough opponent when at their finest and may simply spoil the celebration.
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Gameweek 3: vs Manchester United (A), Sunday, September 1 (TV TBD)
One other chapter was added to a protracted and fierce rivalry as Manchester United interrupted Liverpool’s title cost and FA Cup run final season.
The Purple Devils, eventual FA Cup champions, eradicated Liverpool in a 4-3 quarter-final thriller at Outdated Trafford.
Lower than a month later, Liverpool had one other sad afternoon in Manchester, drawing 2-2 to United as their title aspirations took a serious hit.
After a lot hypothesis round his future, Erik ten Hag stays in cost for a 3rd season at United and will probably be hoping to enhance on a rocky 2023/24 marketing campaign.
His teaching workers has been upgraded over the summer time, with the arrival of Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy as Assistants, and younger skills Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro have been signed, although Yoro is now anticipated to overlook three months with a foot harm suffered in pre-season.
A win at United’s stomping floor is the most important assertion Slot could make throughout his first 5 fixtures, however with a rivalry akin to this, these victories are hardly ever easy.
Gameweek 4: Nottingham Forest (H), Saturday, September 14 (TV TBD)
Consecutive video games at Anfield spherical out Liverpool’s opening 5 fixtures, starting with final season’s Seventeenth-placed aspect Nottingham Forest.
Forest survived regardless of a four-point deduction for breaches of the Premier League’s Revenue and Sustainability Guidelines (PSR), ending six factors away from the relegation zone.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s aspect combines robust defensive foundations with the attacking skills of Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga, and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Liverpool can anticipate to dominate possession, however they should be cautious of the tempo and panache that Forest possesses on the counter.
Gameweek 5: Bournemouth (H), Saturday, September 21 (TV TBD)
Bournemouth completed twelfth underneath new supervisor Andoni Iraola final season, catching the attention with their high-pressing fashion.
Marksman Dominic Solanke ended the season with 19 Premier League targets, inserting him joint fourth within the Golden Boot race.
If Bournemouth can retain Solanke then they will realistically hope to enhance on the club-record 48 factors they tallied final season.
For Slot and Liverpool, it’s one other probability to mark Anfield out because the oft-cited footballing fortress, however Bournemouth will present a troublesome check for an evolving aspect.
Man Metropolis, Arsenal, Liverpool fixtures
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