The Premier League is finally back! After months of waiting, fans can enjoy the return of the world's most popular championship as the new campaign in the English top-flight gears up for kick-off this Friday.
North London giants Arsenal get things underway in 2022/23, just as they did last term, with Arteta's side visiting Crystal Palace in a tricky fixture after narrowly missing out on UEFA Champions League football this season. Fortunately for the fans, this will not be the only exciting tie scheduled for round one of the new campaign.
Manchester City, the defending champions, are in for a rough test from the get-go while the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool are all preparing for highly-anticipated matches. Here's everything you need to know about Matchweek 1 of the 2022/23 Premier League season.
Who are the 20 teams in the 2022/23 English Premier League season?
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Bournemouth
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Arsenal
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Aston Villa
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Brentford
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Brighton
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Chelsea
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Crystal Palace
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Everton
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Fulham
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Leeds
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Leicester
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Liverpool
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Man City
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Man United
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Newcastle
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Nottingham Forest
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Southampton
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Tottenham
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West Ham
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Wolves
Top games to watch on Matchweek 1 of the 2022/23 English Premier League season
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal: In the game to kicks things off, north London giants Arsenal make the trip to Crystal Palace for an interesting and tricky showdown on Friday. While the Gunners have strengthened their squad over the summer, Arteta's side have not fared well at Selhurst Park in recent years and will need to overcome their recent 3-0 loss there if they are to start the campaign with a win. Fortunately, the Gunners enjoyed a brilliant pre-season campaign and appear to be sharp and ready to go.
As for the Eagles, they will look to improve on last season's lovely campaign and have added the likes of Cheick Doucoure and Chris Richards to their squad over the summer. However, Conor Gallagher, their star player from 2021/22, has returned to Chelsea after completing his loan spell, meaning Vieira will have to look elsewhere for inspiration if he is to overcome the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, and Bukayo Saka.
Fulham vs Liverpool: After a roller coaster season that nearly brought about a historic quadruple, Liverpool return to Premier League action over the weekend as they resume battle with Man City once more for the top-flight crown. Sadio Mane left the club over the summer but Klopp's side have strengthened, with Darwin Nunez joining while former Fulham ace Fabio Carvalho is now a Red. He could face his previous team on matchweek 1 as the Merseyside giants take on the Cottagers this Saturday.
Task number one for the London outfit will be to avoid relegation. Having won the Championship last term, Marco Silva will look to cause an upset in the top-flight. Unfortunately, they will endure a dreadful start as not many are capable of beating Salah and Co. Don't miss this showdown.
Everton vs Chelsea: After a dreadful 2021/22 campaign in which they were nearly relegated, Everton will hope to put that nightmare behind and push higher up the table this term. James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil have joined over the summer, with the earlier being acquired for free, but after losses to Arsenal and Minnesota United during the pre-season, the Toffees might not yet be out of the woods.
Speaking of pre-season defeats to Arsenal, another club facing issues ahead of the new campaign is Chelsea, who are the away side in this tie. While Koulibaly and Sterling have been recruited, Tuchel was keen on more additions before the trip to Merseyside. Unfortunately, after missing out on De Ligt, Kounde, and Raphinha, there is a cloud of concern over the Blues. A defender, midfielder, and attacker are needed but with time running short, the London giants could suffer a rough start to the season.
Man United vs Brighton: The Red Devils underwent their worst season in recent memory last term, finishing in sixth and failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. And to make thing worse, Manchester United are struggling to get their transfer targets, with a new midfielder and striker yet to arrive. Nonetheless, Erik ten Hag will make his Premier League debut this Sunday against Brighton, a side that beat the 20-time English champions 4-0 the last time they met.
The Seagulls, meanwhile, will want to make it back-to-back victories over Cristiano and Co. Potter's men finished in the top half last term, grabbing ninth spot ahead of Wolves, Newcastle, and Crystal Palace. However, with Bissouma gone and Cucurella likely to leave as well, it will be interesting to see how Brighton fare, starting off with Matchweek 1.
West Ham vs Man City: And finally, we have the Premier League champions! Man City begin their title defense on Sunday with a tricky test straight out of the gate, visiting West Ham. Last time these two sides faced, the Cityzens nearly lost, coming back from two-nil down to draw 2-2. All eyes will be on Erling Haaland, who disappointed in the Community Shield defeat, as he looks to get on the scoresheet in his Premier League debut.
The Hammers, on the other side, will want to build on last season's efforts, having narrowly missed out on a UEFA Europa League spot to Manchester United. Gianluca Scamacca, who was signed over the summer, could make his debut while Jarod Bowen will hope for another magical display against Guardiola's side. Make sure to catch this fixture this weekend.
Who's out for Matchweek 1 of the 2022/23 English Premier League season?
Man City: Laporte (injured)
Liverpool: Chamberlain, Davies, Williams, and Kelleher (all injured); Jones, Konate, and Jota (doubtful)
Chelsea: No injury concerns
Tottenham: Skipp (injured); Richarlison (suspended); Bissouma (doubtful)
Arsenal: Tomiyasu, Tierney, Smith Rowe, and Vieira (doubtful)
Man United: Anthony Martial (injured)
West Ham: Aguerd (injured)
Crystal Palace: Olise, Tomkins, Butland, and McArthur (all injured); Johnstone (doubtful)
Everton: Calvert-Lewin and Townsend (injured); Rondon (suspended); Begovic and Coleman (doubtful)
Newcastle: Shelvey (injured)
