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The Premier League's opening weekend is always a time of excitement, anticipation, and trepidation, particularly for the newly promoted sides.
For clubs fresh from the rigours of the Championship, the first fixtures offer an immediate test of their mettle, strategy, and readiness to compete at the highest level of English football.
As the 2024/2025 season kicks off, fans and pundits alike are keen to assess how these newcomers will fare against the established giants and seasoned campaigners of the Premier League.
This article delves into the opening weekend fixtures for the newly promoted sides, analysing their opponents, potential challenges, and the key factors that could influence their early performances in the top flight.
Ipswich Town – Liverpool: Home
Kicking things off in Suffolk, Ipswich Town are back in the Premier League for the first time since 2002 after finishing second to Leicester City in the Championship last season.
The Tractor Boys are going to make Portman Road a fortress this year, as they aim to create an atmosphere that could aid them in defying the Premier League relegation odds UK.
If Ipswich are to beat Liverpool, the home crowd will have to create an electric atmosphere on the opening weekend of the season.
With this also being Arne Slot’s first competitive fixture as Reds boss, there are plenty of narratives ahead of the first early kick-off.
Slot has big boots to fill as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement at Anfield and a loss in his first game will not be an ideal start to life as Liverpool manager.
The Reds, who look set to hold onto Mohamed Salah again this summer despite renewed interest from the Saudi Pro League, will be the heavy favourites to win this game and should come out unscathed.
Prediction: Ipswich 0-3 Liverpool
Southampton – Newcastle United: Away
A lot of the stress has been taken out of lengthy journeys like this in modern football, with it becoming more common for clubs to catch a flight instead of the 12-hour round trip on a coach.
If they were to fly, that would certainly make life easier for Southampton’s players, as covering that distance on land can be taxing physically and mentally.
However, it’s unlikely to make too much of a difference on the pitch. Newcastle dropped down to seventh last season and thus missed out on European football due to Manchester United's FA Cup success.
Eddie Howe will want his side to bounce back again this season. With a kinder schedule, they could find themselves back in contention for a place in the coveted top four.
The Saints won the Championship play-off after beating Leeds United at Wembley in May, and will be keen for another decent run in the Premier League after an 11-year stint between 2012 and 2023.
That will be easier said than done, of course. Strong recruitment appears to be a priority, with almost £50m spent on Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes, Yukinari Sugawara, Nathan Wood and Ronnie Edwards. But Che Adams is set to leave a glaring hole in their attack that will need to be filled.
Southampton have lost their five games against Newcastle in all competitions, and haven’t won at St. James’ Park since 2015, so this should be a straightforward win for the Magpies.
Prediction: Newcastle 4-1 Southampton
Leicester City – Tottenham Hotspur: Home
The first Monday Night Football of the season will see Leicester City restart their Premier League life by hosting Tottenham Hotspur at the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes caused one of the biggest shocks in football history when winning the top flight in 2016 and they firmly affirmed their status in the Premier League for roughly a decade.
However, King Power’s financial struggles following the pandemic meant the club spiralled down the table, and they suffered a surprise relegation in 2023.
Leicester returned to the top flight at the first time of asking, winning the Championship under Enzo Maresca.
But he’s since left for Chelsea, and Steve Cooper is the man tasked with ensuring Leicester remains in the Premier League.
Spurs started last season incredibly well under Ange Postecoglou before injuries and poor form derailed what might have been a good season.
Expect them to start well again this year, and they could edge a victory over Leicester in the midlands on August 19.
Prediction: Leicester 1-2 Spurs