The fixture list for next season’s Prem campaign were just released. For copyright reasons, Pies is not allowed to post them in full here (that’s ridiculous, btw), but we can highlight a few key dates for your diary:
1. Manchester United begin their defence of the title at home to Birmingham City on 15 August. A nice easy opener for the champions. Or it should be.
2. Carlo Ancelotti’s first league game in charge of Chelsea is at home to Hull City on 15 August. Can’t wait to see who has the better tan: the Italian or Phil Brown. Verdict: a fat three points for Carlo.
3. The two tastiest fixtures on the opening day of the season see Tottenham play Liverpool at White Hart Lane, and Everton host Arsenal. Tough openers for all concerned.
4. First big-four clash for Sky an Andy Gray to get excited about? That will be Man Utd v Arsenal, set to take place on Saturday 29 August (probably a lunchtime kick-off).
5. Burnley’s long-awaited return to the Prem kicks off with the visit of Stoke. Yes, the Prem is very glamourous. As for the other new boys, Birmingham go to Old Trafford (as mentioned), while Wolves face West Ham at Molineux.
6. Saturday 24 October could be a massive day for the title race. Liverpool “welcome” Man Utd to Anfield. The return tie at Old Trafford is on Sat. 20 March.
7. Sat 19 September sees the first Manchester derby of the season, at Old Trafford. The return tie at Eastlands is not until Sat. 17 April.
8. In other big-four clashes, Chelsea travel to Arsenal on 28 November with the reverse fixture at the Bridge on 6 February.
9. Liverpool are at home to Arsenal on 12 December and visit the Emirates on 9 February.
10. Relatively comfortable fixtures for the big four on the final day of the season: Arsenal welcome Fulham to north London, Chelsea host Wigan, Liverpool travel to Hull, and Man Utd play Stoke at Old Trafford.
Excited yet? I am now.
See the full fixture list over at BBC Sport