It’ll be here before you know it – the Premier League 2023 – 2024 season is already on the horizon, even if it feels like the last one has only just finished. A new season filled with hope and optimism, with record signings making their debuts and stadiums baked in sunshine – there really is nothing like the start of a Premier League campaign. With no World Cup to worry about, this feels like our first ‘normal’ season for a while.
Now that the Premier League fixtures have been announced, we wanted to spend a bit of time looking forward to some great fixtures that will start the season off with a bang. August is always an exciting month in the football schedule, you tend to get some freak results and incredible football – let’s take a look.
FA Community Shield: Man City vs Arsenal, Sunday 6th August, Wembley Stadium
Okay, I’m cheating a bit here because this isn’t a Premier League match, but it is a match between the top two teams in the Premier League last season, and one we’re really looking forward to.
Manchester City will no doubt start the season as title favourites, but Arsenal’s rise last season caught many by surprise – perhaps even themselves. With some shrewd signings and having learned some lessons, could they be the main challengers for the title next season?
We have fond memories of the Charity Community Shield. The matches are usually quite fun, with little pressure on the players, and they can give you a little glimpse into how a couple of the top teams will perform in the new season. The big question of course is – will Jack Grealish have sobered up in time to take part?!
Our hospitality pick – The Bobby Moore Club
Enjoy a premium seat behind the dugouts for the match, as well as an incredible three-course meal in the Bobby Moore Suite and a fully inclusive bar. An incredible package.
Chelsea vs Liverpool, Sunday 13th August, Stamford Bridge
An absolute blockbuster of a fixture for the opening weekend of the Premier League. Two sides that have to hit the ground running following two very disappointing campaigns for clubs that have become accustomed to Champions League football. With clubs like Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Brighton threatening to disrupt the ‘Big 6’, Chelsea and Liverpool cannot afford another disappointing season.
So the stakes will be high, even for the first game of the new campaign. Chelsea have home advantage, but Jurgen Klopp’s side were beginning to look like they had really found their form towards the end of last season. For an opening weekend fixture – this is huge.
Our hospitality pick – Under The Bridge
One of our favourite packages in the Premier League. You’ll get access to a relaxed lounge pre-match, with hot and cold food served, plus a complimentary bar. Plus a luxury, padded, seat for the match in the West Stand Upper.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth, Saturday 19th August, Anfield
Staying with Liverpool, their first home match of the season sees them play host to Bournemouth – a fixture that ended 9-0 last season.
Back then, it seemed like it was proof that Liverpool would be major title contenders and that Bournemouth were doomed to relegation – but that’s not how things panned out at all. Regardless, Liverpool must be looking at this match as a chance to really kick start their season.
As for Bournemouth, we’ll get to see whether their decision to ‘twist’ with Andoni Iraola rather than sticking with Gary O’Neil (who did an incredible job for them). Their season won’t be defined by a trip to Anfield, but the players will surely be looking to make amends for last year, and not make it as easy for Liverpool. Another fascinating contest.
Our hospitality pick – Brodies Sports Bar
This brand new hospitality package, located in the now finished Anfield Road Stand, promises to be one of the most popular hospitality packages in the Premier League. You’ll get exclusive access to the incredible new Brodies Sports Bar from three hours before kick off, and an hour after the final whistle, where you can enjoy complimentary street food and some incredible drinks at the premium bar. There will be a complimentary drink waiting for you at half time, and you’ll get to enjoy the match from a luxury padded seat in the lower tier. And you could be one of the first to experience it!
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United, Saturday 19th August, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
We’re still waiting to hear if this fixture has been selected for TV coverage, either by Sky Sports or BT Sport, so if you want to guarantee watching it live in the UK, you’re going to have to make your way to the stadium.
There have been classic games between these two clubs over the years, and we’re all intrigued to see how Spurs’ new manager, Ange Postecoglou, takes to the Premier League. This will be his first massive test – his first home game and one against a huge rival for European football.
As for Man United, there will be a bit of pressure on Erik ten Hag to step things up a notch and build on a solid campaign in the 22/23 season. They should be considered genuine title contenders.
Our hospitality pick – Premium Experience
You really get the most out of one of the finest stadiums in Europe with this package – great (unlimited) food, great seats, a complimentary drink at half time and live entertainment in a premium lounge before the match. It’s an amazing package, whether you’re a Spurs fan or not.
Arsenal vs Fulham, Saturday 26th August, Emirates Stadium
This will be a fascinating match. These two sides probably surprised more than anyone else last season, to differing degrees. Fulham were doomed to relegation if you’d have asked most pundits, while Arsenal would have been happy with a Europa League place. Both achieved much more than that.
So this will be a great opportunity to see just how far these clubs have come, and what they can expect in the 2023/24 season. If Arsenal are going to compete for the title again this year, then this is the sort of fixture they should be winning, but Fulham proved that they aren’t just in the top flight to make up the numbers. They are more than capable of mixing it with the bigger clubs.
Our hospitality pick – Dial Square
You’ll get a three course a la carte meal in the fantastic Dial Square Restaurant, as well as complimentary drinks and incredible seats either behind the goal or the corner flags. Plus admission to the Arsenal Museum.
Chelsea vs Luton Town, Saturday 26th August, Stamford Bridge
Not one of the Premier League fixtures that I expected to be writing about six months ago, but having Luton Town back in the top flight is great for the league – when new sides get promoted, it keeps things interesting.
It’s probably fair to say that staying up will be the sole aim for Luton this year, and that probably won’t be decided by how they perform at Stamford Bridge in August. They will be looking to pick up as many points as possible at Kenilworth Road – but points in matches like this will be a welcome boost, certainly.
For Chelsea – is it possible to have a must-win game in August? Because if so, this feels like a must-win game for them, given how last season went. In fact, August feels like a pivotal month for Mauricio Pochettino’s men – they need to start the Premier League season on the front foot.
Our hospitality pick – Canoville Suite
This is a full day of exquisite hospitality. Pre-match you’ll get a three course meal, then you’ll head to watch the match from padded seats in the East Stand, before enjoying afternoon tea in your suite after the final whistle. A great way to enjoy a game.
August Matches – The Final Word
The great thing about the Premier League fixtures in August is that it is like the first chapter of a story – it’s setting the scene for what will become, for at least one team, a year to remember for the rest of their lives.
So many questions will start to be answered – are Sheffield United going to hold their own this time around? Can Nottingham Forest build on last season, or will ‘second season syndrome’ kick in? Will West Ham United enjoy another season in Europe, or will they struggle to balance out the league with cup competitions? Are Crystal Palace really going into the new campaign with Roy Hodgson in charge?!
The final day of the Premier League always gets the drama, but the opening day is just as thrilling. That first round of fixtures is perfect to build on all the hope and expectation that has built throughout the summer – or watch it all disappear as you concede from a corner in the second minute…!
If you are interested in Premier League hospitality packages, get in touch with us today.
