The Premier League season will kick off on a Friday night for the first time, with Arsenal against Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium having been chosen for the somewhat contentious slot by Sky TV.
The definition of the opening weekend has been stretched, with Arsenal to host the curtain-raiser at 7.45pm on Friday 11 August. The league has announced the changes to the schedule driven by the TV companies and the standout detail is the earlier than expected start.
Sky introduced Friday night football last season to mixed success, with the experience beginning with Manchester United’s home win against Southampton on 19 August. Under the terms of its agreement, Sky can select up to 10 matches per season for Friday viewing.
The broadcaster chose only five last season as juggling the congested league schedule with the other competitions proved problematic. Chelsea secured the title with their victory at West Bromwich Albion on a Friday.
One other game in the season’s opening two months has been scheduled for a Friday – Bournemouth’s home game against Brighton on 15 September.
The opening weekend in full
Friday 11 August
Arsenal v Leicester City (7.45pm, live on Sky Sports)
Saturday 12 August
Watford v Liverpool (12.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
Chelsea v Burnley (3pm)
Crystal Palace v Huddersfield Town (3pm)
Everton v Stoke City (3pm)
Southampton v Swansea City (3pm)
West Bromwich Albion v Bournemouth (3pm)
Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City (5.30pm, live on BT Sport)
Sunday 13 August
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur (1.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
Manchester United v West Ham United (4pm, live on Sky Sports)
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