Manchester City set to open shop with Spurs

Premier League champions Manchester City get their 2021/22 title defence under way at Tottenham Hotspur when the new season kicks off on the weekend of August 14.

It’s a tricky opener to Pep Guardiola’s quest for a fourth league title in five years, with Spurs looking to bounce back from an underwhelming 2020/21 season.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted Norwich City welcome Liverpool to Carrow Road, play-off winners Brentford host Arsenal, Champions League holders Chelsea have a London derby with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, and Manchester United take on rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford in what looks set to be a fascinating curtain-raising round of fixtures.

Rob Jones and Clinton Morrison discuss the 2021/22 Premier League fixtures as champions Manchester City start their title defence at Tottenham

The fast start to the season continues with Arsenal vs Chelsea the following weekend, August 21, before Arsenal travel to Manchester City and Chelsea face Liverpool at Anfield on August 28.

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Man City visit local rivals Manchester United on November 6, but the return match at the Etihad marks the start of a potentially key run of games for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.

Title hopefuls United face Man City away on March 5, and then play Tottenham at home on March 12, Liverpool away on March 19, Leicester at home on April 2 and Everton away on April 9.

Liverpool go to Old Trafford on October 23, while the north London derby is scheduled for September 25 at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and January 15 at Tottenham. The Merseyside derbies are November 30 at Goodison Park and April 23 at Anfield.

United and Chelsea meet at Old Trafford on the penultimate weekend before the season’s final round of games takes place on May 22.