The start of a new Premier League season is less than two months away and with it brings some mouth-watering matchups.
As Chelsea look to defend the title, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City Liverpool and Arsenal are all looking to unseat the Blues at the Premier League throne.
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A simple caveat; With so many transfers into and out of the Premier League still to take place, it’s tough to know exactly how strong certain teams will look come the end of the transfer window. But here’s our best shot at it.
Here’s a look at ten (or more) must-see matchups of the 2017-2018 Premier League season.
August 12: Chelsea vs. Burnley
Chelsea’s title defense begins at Stamford Bridge against Sean Dyche and Burnley on the first weekend of the season.
Burnley were able to survive the drop by six points while Chelsea ran away with the title, leading the Premier League for most of the season. Chelsea will be hoping to get off to another good start in the coming season.
August 19: Tottenham vs. Chelsea
With Tottenham’s new stadium being rushed into construction on the same site as White Hart Lane, the team moves temporarily to Wembley Stadium for the upcoming season. Spurs first game comes against Chelsea, which knocked Spurs out of the FA Cup that along with Spurs miserable run at Wembley for the UEFA Champions League made for terrible memories in the national stadium.
Tottenham and Mauricio Pochettino can gain a measure of revenge with a win over Chelsea in the home opener.
1 - Tottenham's first opponent at Wembley next season will be the team they last faced there - Chelsea (4-2 in FA Cup semi-final). Haunt.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 14, 2017
November 4: Manchester City vs. Arsenal (and Chelsea vs. Manchester United)
Ahead of the final international break of 2017, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City host an Arsenal team in flux. Arsene Wenger is back but it remains to be seen whether Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will still be Gunners players. If so, Arsenal will attempt to reverse its poor fortunes on the road against top six opponents in the table.
In addition to that match, Chelsea hosts Jose Mourinho and Manchester United in a statement game for both sides.
November 18: Arsenal vs. Tottenham
For the first time in 22 years, there was no St. Totteringham’s Day in North London as Tottenham finished 11 points ahead of Arsenal in the table, bumping the Gunners from the UEFA Champions League. In addition, Tottenham drew on the road and beat Arsenal at home in last year’s Premier League fixtures.
November 28: Brighton vs. Crystal Palace
On a Tuesday night on the south coast of England, a rivalry will be renewed. Promoted Brighton and Hove Albion haven’t faced rivals Crystal Palace since the Championship playoffs in 2013 but now for the first time the teams will meet in the Premier League. Expect plenty of fireworks and a game that will be entertaining for fans to watch.
December 9: Liverpool vs. Everton
The first Liverpool derby of the season is always must-watch TV, and this season should be no different. Jurgen Klopp continues to bolster Liverpool’s squad while Ronald Koeman has graduated some of the youngsters out of Everton’s academy and given them a chance to impress. Some of Liverpool’s finest will be on display for both sides in this high-stakes rivalry.
Boxing Day December 26
There’s a trio of must-see Boxing Day matches. Rafa Benitez and Newcastle United host countryman Guardiola and his Manchester City squad to the northeast of England, Pochettino faces his former club Southampton while Arsenal travels south to Crystal Palace, where the Gunners lost this past season.
February 24: Arsenal vs. Manchester City (and Manchester United vs. Chelsea)
It’s the return leg of the November matchups and in the previous 10 years, this is the spot of the season where Arsenal would have its decline and fall out of the title race. With the team potentially playing in the Europa League ahead of this, advancing in the tournament could give Arsenal a boost while another European exit would be a confidence killer.
April 7: Manchester City vs. Manchester United April 7
A Manchester derby to close out the season? Yes please. Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and co. against Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero. It’s a can’t miss event.
May 5: Chelsea vs Liverpool
If Chelsea or Liverpool win the title, this game could be crucial. It’s the second-to-last week of the season and it’s the last major test for both teams with title ambitions.