The 2023/24 Premier League opening weekend is less than a week out as clubs, players, coaches, and fans worldwide eagerly await the return of football’s most popular and prestigious division.
Manchester City meet a familiar face in Vincent Kompany for the opening match of the 2023/24 Premier League season, as they take on newly promoted Burnley on Friday, August 11.
The Sky Bet Championship winners are presented with a tough challenge, as they’ll host the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup winners at Turf Moor, where Pep Guardiola's treble-winning side will be in action in their first game of the season as reigning titleholders. This game will kick off a thrilling opening weekend of Premier League action, with several exciting fixtures to look forward to, and the importance of success in Week 1 is vital because it can often set the president for the remainder of the season.
Kompany, a former beloved player at City, who now manages Burnley, will be hoping to enforce the same dynamic threat in the final third that his EFL Championship-winning squad displayed last term when netting 87 goals to finish 10 points clear of second place Sheffield Utd. But the contrasting quality of players could of players between Burnley and Man City could prove too much for the returning EPL side.
On Saturday night, Newcastle will host Aston Villa, while Tottenham will be on the road to face Brentford. Mauricio Pochettino will also make his managerial debut for Chelsea as they face Liverpool on Sunday. Not forgetting Manchester United, who’ll entertain Wolves in the first Monday night fixture of the season.
Other matches on the opening weekend include newly promoted Sheffield United hosting Crystal Palace and Luton Town traveling to Brighton for their Premier League debut. Arsenal will host Nottingham Forest, West Ham will travel to Bournemouth, and Everton will meet with Fulham to complete the first round of fixtures.
Premier League 2023/24 Season: First round of fixtures
Friday 11th August 4, 2023
Burnley vs. Manchester City – 1:30 AM IST @ Turf Moor
Saturday 12th August 4, 2023
Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest – 6:00 PM IST @ Emirates Stadium
Bournemouth vs. West Ham – 8:30 PM IST @ Vitality Stadium
Brighton vs. Luton – 8:30 PM IST @ American Express Community Stadium
Everton vs. Fulham – 8:30 PM IST @ Goodison Park
Sheffield United vs. Crystal Palace – 8:30 PM IST @ Bramall Lane
Newcastle vs. Aston Villa – 11:00 PM IST @ St. James Park
Sunday 13th August 4, 2023
Brentford vs. Tottenham – 7:30 PM IST @ Gtech Community Stadium
Chelsea vs. Liverpool – 10:00 PM IST @ Stamford Bridge
Saturday 14th August 4, 2023
Manchester United vs. Wolves – 1:00 AM IST @ Old Trafford
The Premier League’s Rising Popularity in India
The English Premier League is highly esteemed worldwide as one of the most renowned football leagues. Its immense popularity extends to India, where millions of fans eagerly tune in each week to support their favorite teams.
The EPL's popularity in India can be attributed to various factors. Foremost, the league is home to globally recognized football clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. These clubs have amassed a substantial fan base in India, and their matches are broadcasted live on television, providing fans with convenient access to all the thrilling action. Additionally, the EPL showcases top-tier football at its finest. With an abundance of exceptional players, the league offers fans the opportunity to witness riveting and exhilarating matches.
Premier League 2023 Favorites
Club | Betting Odds |
Manchester City | 8/11 |
Arsenal | 5/1 |
Liverpool | 8/1 |
Manchester United | 11/1 |
Chelsea | 12/1 |
Newcastle | 14/1 |
Tottenham | 40/1 |
The odds for the winner of the 2023/24 Premier League season have been released, and bettors can begin to explore the top betting platforms in India. Under Pep Guardiola's leadership, Manchester City is favored at 8/11 to secure their fourth consecutive title.
Arsenal appeared poised to disrupt City's control for a considerable period, only to dwindle in the final weeks. However, they seem determined to rebound stronger in the upcoming season. The Gunners are not the only ones with this mindset. Following a successful debut season at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag is eager to build upon a solid foundation.
Similarly, Chelsea's decision to appoint Mauricio Pochettino reflects their eagerness to enhance their performance and challenge for top positions in English football. Liverpool is anticipated to bounce back from their decline last season. At the same time, after a surprising top-four finish in the previous term, Newcastle is also a team worth monitoring in the overall market.
2023/24 EPL: Four players to watch
Folarin Balogun (Arsenal)
It’s been one of the most intriguing pre-seasons for Arsenal in the last decade, and the return of Folarin Balogun, who spent last season on loan to Reims, has made a huge stake for his claim at first-team football.
Kylian Mbappe was the only Ligue 1 player to register more expected goals per 90 minutes last season, as the Arsenal loanee netted 21 goals and proved to be a crucial playmaker and goalscorer.
Evan Ferguson (Brighton)
A sixth-place finish for Brighton during the 2022/23 season was evidence that this club could be one or two stars away from seriously competing with the EPL’s big six. And it was Evan Ferguson that had a breakout season for the Seagulls under Roberto De Zerbi last term.
Ferguson netted ten goals in 25 appearances for Brighton with a clip of 135 minutes per goal. But when we look at the bigger picture, only Erling Haaland and Roberto Firmino were players to score ten or more non-penalty goals in the EPL last season that could better those statistics. More impressively, he was just 17 years old at the time.
Moussa Diaby (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa looks to build on an excellent seventh-place finish last term and has already bolstered their attacking prowess with a former Bundesliga star.
Moussa Diaby spent four seasons with Bayer Leverkusen and claimed double figures for non-penalty goals scored every year. He managed 25 during the 2021-22 campaign, including 12 assists for good measure.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
The Merseyside representative was crucial to Jurgen Klopp’s defense last term. He scored once and provided seven assists in Liverpool’s final ten fixtures of the 2022/23 season.
The Premier League 2022/23: Most exciting fixtures
The champions and runners-up of the 2022/23 season, Manchester City and Arsenal, will face each other on October 7th in a Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium before Arsenal travels to the Etihad on March 30th.
The first north London derby of the season will happen on September 23rd at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal taking a short trip to Tottenham for the reverse fixture on April 27th, which will be the fourth-last game of the season.
The first Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton will occur on October 21, followed by their second clash at Goodison Park on March 16. On October 28, Manchester United will host Manchester City at Old Trafford, and the reverse fixture will be held at the Etihad Stadium on March 2.
The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool will see them face each other on December 16 and April 6. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Liverpool will renew their rivalry on November 25 and March 9. Finally, Brighton and Crystal Palace will compete in the M23 derby on December 23 and February 3.
The Premier League season ends on May 19th, with matches between Manchester City and West Ham, as well as Arsenal and Everton, marking the final day of the competition.
