2024/25 Premier League: Maresca to reunite with Guardiola as Chelsea face City in opening weekend

The 2024/25 Premier League season promises an electrifying start as Pep Guardiola leads champions Manchester City to face his mentee Enzo Maresca who now coaches Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Scheduled for Sunday, 18 August, this fixture highlights an intriguing reunion between Chelsea’s new head coach Enzo Maresca and his former mentor, Pep Guardiola.

Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola at Manchester City, will now have the challenge of leading Chelsea against the dominant force of English football.

Manchester City, aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive league title, will face a Chelsea side looking to regain their top form under new leadership.

Meanwhile, newly promoted Ipswich Town mark their return to the Premier League after a 22-year hiatus with a challenging home fixture against Liverpool on Saturday, 17 August. Ipswich’s re-entry into top-flight football adds an exciting narrative to the season’s start.

The Premier League curtain-raiser sees Manchester United hosting Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday, 16 August. United will look to make a strong statement as they embark on a campaign full of expectations and renewed ambitions.

• Chelsea’s managerial hunt: Top 10 contenders to replace Pochettino
• Chelsea in talks to replace Pochettino with Ipswich boss

Here’s a look at all the fixtures for the opening weekend of the 2024/25 Premier League season (all times BST):

Friday, 16 August:

Manchester United v Fulham (20:00)

Saturday, 17 August:

Ipswich Town v Liverpool (12:30)
Arsenal v Wolverhampton (15:00)
Everton v Brighton (15:00)
Newcastle United v Southampton (15:00)
Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth (15:00)
West Ham United v Aston Villa (17:30)

Sunday, 18 August:

Brentford v Crystal Palace (14:00)
Chelsea v Manchester City (16:30)

• Man United stun rivals City in FA Cup final
• Manchester United record worst Premier League finish despite win

Monday, 19 August:

Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur (20:00)

The opening weekend is set to deliver thrilling matchups, compelling storylines, and a glimpse of what promises to be another unforgettable Premier League season.