10 reasons why the new fixtures have got us excited for next season already

17 June 2015 13:31

Have you fully digested the fixture list yet? Are you practically leaping out of your chair with excitement as the new season hovers tantalisingly in the middle distance?

If not, you really should be. Here’s why…

1. Opening day awesomeness

Graphic showing Premier League teams' records on opening day

Chelsea have won nine of the last 10 opening-day games, while no Premier League team has lost on the first day more often than Swansea in the last decade – they’ve racked up seven defeats. So naturally, when the two teams meet at Stamford Bridge on August 8, we’re confidently predicting a Swansea victory.

2. A Harry Kane derby?

Harry Kane has been widely tipped to make a move to Manchester United. The fact that Tottenham go to United on the first day of the season has somehow made that possibility seem more likely. And if it does, what a game that would be.

3. Big games for the big names

There’ll be no easing in gently for the Premier League’s big boys: every member of last season’s top six plays another top-six team in the first three weeks: Manchester United host Tottenham on the opening  weekend.

4. We dream of Jurgen

It’s not that we want Brendan Rodgers to get sacked as such, it’s just that we really want to see Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League – and that horrible run of fixtures Liverpool have may just be enough to create a vacancy.

5. Glorious weekend of sport #1

England's Alastair Cook celebrates an Ashes century
(Gareth Copley/PA)

August 22/23: Arsenal v Liverpool on the same weekend as England take on Australia in the fifth Ashes Test? Yes please. Book your spot in front of the sofa now.

6. Glorious weekend of sport #2

October 3/4: Arsenal v Manchester United and Everton v Liverpool on the same weekend as England take on Australia in the Rugby World Cup? Yes please. See above note on sofa booking.

7. Accas are back-a

New season = new opportunities to convince yourself you’re FINALLY going to nail that 12-game accumulator. You’re not, obviously, but that’s not the point.

8. The countdown to Euro 2016

Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring for England
(Darko Bandic/AP)

What better way to spend a football season than wincing every time an England (or whatever international team you support) player goes in for a tackle? The World Cup already seems an age ago. Bring on the Euros.

9. Guards of honour

The site of Steven Gerrard and his Liverpool team-mates giving Chelsea a guard of honour has got football fans hungry for more respect-based humiliation. Arsenal fans think they’re gonna get one from Manchester City, City fans think exactly the opposite, and Chelsea fans have got their eye on Tottenham.

10. FOOTBALL!!!

It’s football. There are 52 days to go until the new season. We’re excited. We don’t need a reason.

Source: SNAPPA