On June 18, the Premier League officially released the fixtures for the 2024/25 season. A supercomputer analyzed the full schedule, focusing on the first five matches to identify the teams with the easiest and toughest starts.
Since Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City raised the bar for title-winning performances in the Premier League, securing a strong position early in the season is crucial for title-contenders. In fact, only one eventual champion in the last 11 seasons has lost its opening match – Manchester City’s 0-1 defeat to Tottenham in the 2021/22 campaign, with Son Heung-min scoring the winner.
Liverpool fans have grounds for optimism if history is any guide. While once again starting with an annoying early kick-off, the Reds face the least demanding first five fixtures among title hopefuls next season: after taking on newcomers Ipswich Town, Liverpool will play Brentford, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth. Among these opponents, only United represents a minor test for new manager Slot, who must reverse predecessor Klopp’s winless record in his last three visits to Old Trafford.
Brentford and West Ham United, on the other hand, are deemed to have the toughest starts to the new campaign. Frank’s team will face Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Southampton, Manchester City, and Spurs in their opening quintet, while Lopetegui’s Hammers will take on Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Fulham, and Chelsea.
Data analysis suggests that Arsenal faces the second-hardest start in the league, with Arteta’s squad playing Wolves, Aston Villa, Brighton, Tottenham, and Manchester City in their first five fixtures – a significant challenge for the Gunners, whose numerous internationals featured in this summer’s Euros and Copa America.
Everton, also based in Merseyside, can look forward to a relatively comfortable opening 10 games, enjoying one of the league’s softest starts. Dyche’s side will face just two top-six teams from last season in their first 10 league matches, including all three promoted clubs: Southampton, Ipswich Town, and Leicester City.