The Premier League fixtures for the 2022–23 campaign have been announced, with Manchester City and Manchester United both set for tough opening day assignments.
We take a look at the standout clashes from the first round of matches.
1. Erling Haaland’s Manchester City debut
Erling Haaland’s arrival at reigning champions Manchester City has been the highlight of the transfer window so far and he is set to make his league debut at West Ham on Sunday, August 7 in a 4.30pm kick-off.
The Norwegian, 21, set the footballing world alight during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
Haaland bagged a jaw-dropping 86 strikes in 89 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, firing in an astonishing 29 goals in 30 games last campaign.
As one of the world’s hottest prospects, the addition of Haaland to the City squad has seen many tipping them as the team to beat once again in the upcoming season.
With the Citizens now having found what seems to be the perfect replacement for Sergio Aguero, all eyes will be on how Haaland performs in a sky blue shirt in what could be the start of a Premier League legend in the making.
2. Erik ten Hag’s first game as Manchester United boss
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A new era is dawning at Manchester United as Erik ten Hag takes the helm and he will face Brighton at Old Trafford in his first game in charge on Sunday, August 7 at 2pm.
The Dutchman will aim to implement his offensive and free-flowing style of play at the Red Devils, who suffered a disappointing 2021-22 campaign.
Ten Hag, 52, certainly has a lot of work on his hands as United finished sixth and recorded their lowest points total (58) of the Premier League era last term.
But the former Ajax chief boasts an abundance of talent to work with and has the opportunity to become a fan favourite at Old Trafford if he manages to return the club’s identity and set them on the path for success.
3. Nottingham Forest’s return to the top flight
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Nottingham Forest have made a sensational return to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years and will be raring to go against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday, August 6 in their 3pm encounter.
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Forest finished fourth in the Championship last season but emerged victorious in the play-offs after beating Huddersfield 1-0 at Wembley.
Steve Cooper pulled off a miracle by leading his side from bottom of the table to the promised land and will look to follow in the footsteps of Brentford, who played Premier League football for the first time last campaign and survived the drop.
Their return to the English top flight has felt long overdue considering their wealth of historic success and many fans will be excited to make the trip to the City Ground, which is bound to be electric for Forest’s opening home match against West Ham on Saturday, August 13.
4. New-look Tottenham relishing Antonio Conte’s first full season
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Tottenham are set to kick off their campaign at home to Southampton at 3pm on Saturday, August 6.
Antonio Conte took charge of Spurs last November after the North Londoners sacked Nuno Espirito Santo.
The Lilywhites were off the pace for a top-four finish for the majority of the season but managed to secure Champions League football.
Conte worked his magic in a short period of time and oversaw his side’s strong finish to the campaign, with eight wins from their last 11 games.
The Italian coach will have his first pre-season with Spurs in the coming weeks and after being backed by the club financially this window, he has been able to sign some of the players he has targeted early on.
If Spurs can continue where they left off, they are set to be a force next campaign with the improvements made to their squad under a manager who knows how to win.