Premier League 2020/21: Ten games to look out for with fixtures released
With the 2020/21 Premier League fixtures announced, we take a look at ten of the best fixtures.
From local derbies to title battles, the top-flight of English football will have a number of interesting contests playing out throughout the course of the campaign.
The arrivals of Leeds and West Brom from the Sky Bet Championship sees them reignite old rivalries, while we will also get the usual derbies across the country.
To view the full fixture list on a team-by-team basis, follow this link.
Here are ten of the best contests to look out for during the season, with dates for both fixtures included.
Manchester City v Liverpool
When: November 7 | February 6
Nothing more needs to be said on Manchester City v Liverpool - this has been the standout fixture in English football over the past two seasons.
Liverpool secured the bragging rights with victory at Anfield and the Premier League title last season but City's 4-0 hammering in their meeting at the Etihad shows that they are still capable of competing with them.
Granted that game happened shortly after Liverpool had wrapped up the trophy but Jurgen Klopp was furious with the performance and the result.
City's transfer window recruitment highlights how they want to be champions of England once again and the fixtures between these two sides will go a long way in deciding who the 2020/21 champions are.
Manchester United v Manchester City
When: December 12 | March 6
City are likely to finish above their Manchester rivals United but the red side of the city had plenty to brag about when the sides met last season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side won both of their league meetings while they also secured victory in the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Etihad; although City won the tie and subsequently the trophy.
Pep Guardiola has spoken highly of Solskjaer's impact during his time in the role as United boss and the City manager has struggled to get the better of his rival in recent meetings.
City will know how vital points in these games will be in their quest for the title while United will be aiming to be in the picture for as long as possible.
Leeds v Manchester United
When: December 19 | April 24
Leeds' return to the Premier League has seen old rivalries renewed and the majority of supporters will be looking for Manchester United on the fixture list.
The two remained big rivals during Leeds' 16 years out of the top-flight and Marcelo Bielsa's revival of the West Yorkshire giant will see them go to battle with the red side of Manchester once again.
'We All Hate Leeds' is still sung at Old Trafford while their official website ran an article last season discussing the possibility of Leeds returning to the top-flight. This remains a big game.
It's unlikely the two sides will be near each other in the table but both sets of supporters will want to win these two games.
Liverpool v Manchester United
When: January 16 | May 1
Much like Liverpool's clash with Manchester City, not much more needs to be added for their two games against the red side of Manchester.
These two sides have been long-standing rivals. Liverpool managed a 2-0 win at Anfield when the teams met in January while the points were shared in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Even with Liverpool's expected title challenge, United's results over City shows how they can compete with the very best on their day and the transfer window could see reinforcements arrive.
Leeds v Manchester City
When: October 3 | April 10
Two games that will likely see Manchester City as big favourites but the Marcelo Bielsa v Pep Guardiola battle will be an intriguing one to follow.
Guardiola is a huge admirer of the current Leeds head coach and it's said that Bielsa's methods have influenced Guardiola as a coach.
"He is unique in world football because of the special way he plays. I learnt a lot about his style, his final product. He's an incredible person, so special," the City boss said following Leeds' promotion.
"It will be incredible for English football to have him in the Premier League next season."
Chelsea v Liverpool
When: September 19 | March 20
This is a fixture with some added spice following Frank Lampard's comments after Liverpool beat Chelsea at Anfield towards the end of the 2019/20 season.
"When people jump up, want to speak across to myself, smirk and smile and do so for quite a while, I think that is past the code," Lampard said following Liverpool's 5-3 victory.
Jurgen Klopp didn't sit back and let Lampard get away with his comments though. "What he has to learn is to finish it with the last whistle and he didn't do that," he said "Speaking after the whistle is not ok."
It'll be interesting to see how those comments will affect the two fixtures next season, and if Liverpool win as expected, more comments could be thrown around post-match.
Wolves v West Brom
When: January 16 | May 1
Some may be looking to West Brom's meeting with Aston Villa as a West Midlands derby that will have a bigger impact on the Premier League standings, but the rivalry between the Baggies and Wolves makes this one to watch.
There hasn't been a Black Country derby involving these two sides since 2011/12 with differing divisions keeping them apart. West Brom secured a memorable 5-1 win at Molineux in their last contest.
But Wolves are in a much stronger position now and will be aware that their fans will be wanting revenge in their first league meeting.
Given West Brom's strength during their promotion season, this is set to be a contest that is fascinating to watch for the neutral.
Chelsea v Arsenal
When: December 26 | May 12
It'll be interesting to see where these two sides will be at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
Frank Lampard earned plaudits for retaining Chelsea's top-four spot but Mikel Arteta managed to steady an Arsenal ship that was losing direction - that resulted in them also winning the FA Cup.
They beat Chelsea in that final and the Blues will be out for revenge when the two meet in the Premier League.
Arsenal will be aiming to return to the top-four while Chelsea should be in the mix again. The results from these two games could go a long way in deciding who secures Champions League football.
Arsenal v Tottenham
When: December 5 | March 13
The North London derby is always a go-to fixture to look for when the season fixtures are released.
Arsenal and Tottenham have been battling for bragging rights although both enjoyed fairly poor seasons by their usual expectations in 2019/20.
Spurs fans would have enjoyed their last meeting, even with it being behind closed doors, as Son Heung-min and Toby Alderweireld were on target in a 2-1 victory.
Mikel Arteta's revival of Arsenal, coupled with an interesting transfer window, could see that (cliche alert) balance of power shift once again and Gunners fans will be wanting wins in both of these fixtures.
Everton v Liverpool
When: October 17 | February 20
The Merseyside derby is always good fun to watch for the neutral, although Everton fans will probably hold a different opinion.
You have to go back to October 2010 for the last time Everton got the better of their neighbours. Since then, Liverpool are unbeaten in 22 meetings.
The Blues will feel like they should have won the last meeting, a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park in June, but the wait goes on and they will be hoping this is the year they finally get a win.
Carlo Ancelotti is looking to turn Everton into genuine European contenders. If they are in decent form heading into one of the games, they could well finally secure three points against the Reds.
Odds correct at 1800 BST (19/08/20)
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