The 2020/21 season of the Premier League is finally here. Though the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City start their league campaign a week later, Matchweek 1 of the new season is just hours away. A number of exciting fixtures await the fans but what are the sub-plots this weekend?
5 things to look forward to in Premier League Matchweek 1
Bielsa’s Anfield Test
Marcelo Bielsa had Leeds United playing some enterprising football in the Championship last season. The Premier League will be a step-up for the Whites but Bielsa will be aware of the task on hand and will be ready.
But their first test back in the top-flight might be their biggest of the new season as they travel to Anfield to take on the holding Premier League champions. Both Bielsa and Jurgen Klopp are master tacticians of the game and are sure to produce a masterpiece this weekend.
Fight For Early Advantage
In another exciting clash late on Sunday, Sheffield United welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers in what could be an early fight for a place in Europe next season. Both teams ended last season in the top half of the table, with Europa League well within their reach for most of the campaign.
They will have similar objectives this time around as well and come the end of the season, both teams could be in a direct face-off for a place in Europe. So gaining an early advantage in this game could go a long way in easing their troubles in the business end of the campaign.
Tricky Trip To Craven Cottage
Back in the top flight at the first time of asking, Fulham are now a side better equipped to take on the teams in the Premier League and Arsenal will be the first side they face this season. Playing at home, Scott Parker will believe that his side can get the better of Mikel Arteta’s side, who are blooming with confidence.
This mini-London derby has the potential to be a real treat to watch and Arsenal need to be at their best to take three points from their trip to Craven Cottage in what will be the first Premier League game of the new campaign.
Match Of The Week
With both Manchester clubs absent from this weekend, Everton’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur stadium is easily the most exciting clash of this Matchweek. Both teams have made quality additions to their squad in the summer and could produce a high-intensity clash, as both Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho will want to settle for nothing less than three points.
This is a matchup between two of the most decorated managers in world football and is bound to produce some fireworks, even this early in the season.
Chelsea’s XI
Having made more than five first-team signings this summer, Frank Lampard has his work cut out, even before his side can step on to the field at the Amex this weekend. The Blues have to choose their best starting XI, which will see top-class stars drop to the bench.
It will be interesting to see who Lampard chooses for this test against the Seagulls but it is still early in the season and the manager does have some room for error. But Brighton have also strengthened their squad and can make Chelsea pay for any mistake on or off the field.
