Top 3: Premier League 21/22 opening day fixtures, including United, City

With this week bringing the full fixture schedule for the upcoming 2021/22 Premier League season, fans will already be looking ahead to their opening day clashes with bated breath. 

As always, the randomly generated schedule has pitted together some crackers to begin the season, with some teams being handed a nightmare start if they’re looking to get points on the board in a comfortable manner.

We take a look at the three opening day fixtures that even neutrals will be sweating to watch…

Brentford vs Arsenal 

Premier League newbies have been handed a tough test for their first ever fixture in the competition, playing at home in their relatively new Brentford Community Stadium against London rivals Arsenal. The Bees defeated Swansea 2-0 in the play-off final to book their place in the top-flight, while striker Ivan Toney broke Championship records with his haul of 31 goals in the normal season – and this game will no doubt be a cracker to get underway with.

Brentford’s David Raya and Championship record goalscorer Ivan Toney celebrate reaching the Premier League at Wembley

Manchester United vs Leeds 

This fixture last season produced a 6-2 win for Manchester United, with two goals from Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay in the opening three minutes. The return affair was a drab 0-0, but when these two old rivals come to a head it’s bound to be a big occasion. It’s likely a significant number of fans will be inside Old Trafford and that will liven it up, with Marcelo Bielsa bringing his high-octane Leeds side to spoil the party. This is one not to miss.

Scott McTominay celebrates bagging a brace against Leeds at Old Trafford last season

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

Current Premier League champions Manchester City face an opening day trip to the magnificent Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as they begin their conquest to retain the title. Spurs are currently without a manager in an ongoing saga, so exactly how they’ll shape up is unknown – but they’ll be looking to gain revenge in a repeat of the EFL Cup final that City narrowly won. Both sides beat the other in their home fixture last season pointing to the likelihood of a competitive affair.

Manchester City were beaten-finalists in the Champions League in May

Opening day fixtures in full:

Brentford v Arsenal

Burnley v Brighton

Chelsea v Crystal Palace

Everton v Southampton

Leicester City v Wolverhampton

Manchester United v Leeds United

Newcastle United v West Ham United

Norwich City v Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City

Watford v Aston Villa