If you are a newly promoted side to the Premier League, surely your greatest wish would be to eased gently into life in the top flight. Nobody wants to be taking a pasting during the initial bedding in phase. Yet that must be exactly what Fulham will fear following the publication of the first round of fixtures in the 2022/’23 season this morning.
Marco Silva’s side made an immediate return to the top flight and their ‘reward’ for achieving that feat is a welcome back party against Liverpool. For Jurgen Klopp’s charges, it will be the second time in recent seasons they will begin against one of the promoted sides, having previously kicked off against Norwich at Carrow Road.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace and Arsenal have the honour of kicking the first ball of the season, Nottingham Forest play their first game back at the top table against Newcastle United while Bournemouth’s comeback outing will be against Aston Villa.
The first Super Sunday of the season could certainly live up to its billing as Erik ten Hag’s tenure in charge of Manchester United begins against Brighton while defending champions Manchester City begin their bid for a third consecutive title against West Ham.
Opening Weekend
5 August
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
6 August
Bournemouth v Aston Villa
Everton v Chelsea
Fulham v Liverpool
Leeds v Wolves
Leicester v Brentford
Newcastle v Nottingham Forest
Tottenham v Southampton
7 August
Man United v Brighton
West Ham v Man City
