Sam Allardyce is eager to start the new Premier League campaign after speaking to the Black Cats’ official website, and is already relishing his first fixture of the season. The first North London derby is pencilled in for November 5th.
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Jose Mourinho will take his new Manchester United side to Bournemouth on the opening weekend, while his old side Chelsea kick off their season at home against West Ham. England seemed to be heading for victory when midfielder Eric Dier fired in a 20 metre free kick past Russia’s veteran goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.
The season’s first Manchester derby is scheduled to take place on September 10th in Old Trafford.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool face a challenging start, with their first five fixtures including clashes with Arsenal, Tottenham, Leicester and Chelsea.
The return fixture is now scheduled to take place on March 11, which in itself creates an issue as Everton are also playing at Goodison Park that weekend when they host West Bromwich Albion.
The two coaches, who shared an intense rivalry during their time in Spain when Mourinho managed Real Madrid and Guardiola was Barcelona boss, will meet on English soil for the first time at Old Trafford on September 10 in what will be the most anticipated Manchester derby in years.
However, City do face six tough away fixtures in each of the games before the Champions League matches.
No team drew more matches than Everton (14) in Premier League last season and Ronald Koeman’s new team have also been prolific in seeing their inaugural games end level.
A hard start to the season for Arsene Wenger’s men will also see them take on Chelsea in their sixth game of the season on September 24.
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Of course, every side has to play every other twice – but it’s better to have points on the board than prospective “easier” fixtures later on the calendar that eventually come too late.
