Liverpool to begin Premier League title defence against Leeds United
Leeds' first game in the Premier League in 16 years couldn't be tougher: a trip to champion Liverpool. Liverpool can, therefore, get a head-start on two of its biggest rivals and will open its first title defense since 1990 with a match against promoted Leeds on Sept. 12 followed by games against Chelsea away and Arsenal at home.
- Sports
- Reuters
- Published Date: 12:16 | 20 August 2020
- Modified Date: 12:16 | 20 August 2020
Liverpool will begin defending their Premier League title on Sept. 12 at Anfield, according to a fixture list for the new season, when they play newly promoted Leeds United, who return to the competition for the first time in 16 years.
Manchester City and Manchester United will not participate in the competition until Sept. 19, after they were guaranteed 30 days of rest following the end of their European seasons.
City were due to open their season against Aston Villa and United against Burnley but those games will be moved.
United will now kick off the season at home to Crystal Palace on Sept. 19, according to the fixture list released by the league on Thursday, and City will travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers for their opener on the same day.
Mikel Arteta will begin his first full season in charge of Arsenal with a trip to newly promoted Fulham, while north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur host Everton in the pick of the opening weekend's fixtures.
Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers' opening matches are both scheduled for Sept. 14, with the Blues travelling to Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolves visiting Sheffield United.
Juergen Klopp's Liverpool travel to Chelsea for their second game of the season before hosting FA Cup champions Arsenal.