Friday 19 June 2015 09:30, UK
After the announcement of the Premier League fixture list, we pick out 10 eye-catching games to watch in 2015/16.
Bournemouth v Aston Villa, August 8
After the euphoria of promotion, Bournemouth’s top flight credentials will be tested for the first time in their history at home to Aston Villa on the opening day. Eddie Howe has exceeded all expectations by guiding the Cherries to the Premier League, and this curtain-raiser will be an historic occasion at the 11,700-capacity Goldsands Stadium.
Villa will be tricky customers, however, with Tim Sherwood eager to spoil the party. The disappointment of their FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal will still be fresh in the memory, but they are a far better side than this time last year.
Manchester City v Chelsea, August 15
Chelsea started the 2014/15 campaign with four consecutive wins, but runners-up Manchester City have an early chance to gain the upper hand this year. Frank Lampard’s late equaliser gave City a point after Andre Schurrle had put the Blues in front in the same fixture last season, but they will hope to take all three this time around.
Manuel Pellegrini is yet to taste victory over Jose Mourinho since the Portuguese’s return to England in 2013, however, and the Chelsea boss is a master of frustrating top opposition. It promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Manchester United v Liverpool, September 12
Liverpool start the season with a hellish run of away fixtures against Stoke City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City. The pressure will mount on Brendan Rodgers if results don’t go their way, and their visit to Old Trafford on September 12 will be crucial. United were 3-0 victors in this fixture last season, and another heavy defeat for Liverpool against their old rivals would be bad news for Rodgers.
Chelsea v Arsenal, September 19
Ending their Mourinho hoodoo would give Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal a major boost in their bid to mount a serious title challenge next season. Wenger is without a win against Mourinho in 13 attempts, but he will get another chance on September 19.
After back-to-back FA Cup successes, there is a sense of optimism at the Emirates going into the new Premier League campaign. Stamford Bridge has proved an unhappy hunting ground in recent seasons, but Arsenal improved their big-game record last season and victory in west London would be a major boost.
Tottenham v Manchester City, September 26
Can Tottenham break into the top four? City’s visit to White Hart Lane in late September will be an opportunity for Mauricio Pochettino’s men to make a statement of intent – although the omens are not great.
City have been completely dominant in the head-to-head stakes over the last two seasons, winning all four of their games against Spurs, scoring 16 goals in total. Spurs are in the process of re-shaping their squad, however, and a positive result against City could boost their chances of cracking the top four.
Everton v Liverpool, October 3
The first Merseyside derby of the season is always an eagerly-anticipated fixture. Liverpool’s tricky run of away fixtures at the start of the campaign has been the focus of much attention, but Everton have a difficult start themselves.
By the time the Reds visit Goodison Park at the start of October, Roberto Martinez’s side will already have faced Southampton, Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea. The two sides’ difficult starts to the season will put even more emphasis on this clash.
Manchester United v Manchester City, October 24
After a transitional season under Louis van Gaal, Manchester United should be back in the frame for the title in 2015/16. United ended a run of four consecutive defeats against City with an emphatic 4-2 win at Old Trafford in April, and they lock horns again in late October. United will have already faced Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool by this point, but their first meeting with City will be an even bigger test of their title ambitions.
Manchester City v Liverpool, November 21
Could November 21 be the day Raheem Sterling lines up against Liverpool for the first time? The young winger appears to be City’s number one transfer target this summer and the Reds are expected to cash in sooner or later. But this will be a huge test for the Reds regardless of Sterling’s situation. The Reds were beaten 3-1 at the Etihad in the early stages of last season, although they did claim a 2-1 win over Pellegrini’s side at Anfield in March.
Newcastle v Sunderland, March 19
Steve McClaren will have to wait until March for his chance to deliver Newcastle’s first home win over bitter rivals Sunderland since 2010. Sunderland have won the last five meetings between the two sides, and a long-awaited home victory for the Magpies would make McClaren a popular figure at St James’ Park – if, indeed, he is still in the hot seat when the fixture comes around.
Chelsea v Manchester City, April 16
In the weeks leading up to the season’s finale, Chelsea’s home clash with Manchester City in mid-April stands out. There are still four rounds of fixtures to go after this point, but this encounter could still prove significant. Their last meeting at Stamford Bridge ended in a 1-1 draw in January, and with so much at stake it is likely to be another closely-contested match. The likes of Arsenal and United will aim to still be involved in the title race in April, so slip-ups could be costly for both Chelsea and City.
