The Premier League has unveiled the eagerly anticipated fixtures for the 2023/24 season, bringing forth a sense of excitement and anticipation among football enthusiasts, Soccernet.ng reports.
With all 380 matches now scheduled, though subject to potential changes, fans can begin to mark their calendars and prepare for the forthcoming campaign.
The relegation of Southampton and Leicester City has resulted in a reduction of Nigeria’s representation in the Premier League, as Joe Aribo, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Wilfred Ndidi find themselves set to compete in the Championship next season.
However, there is still cause for cheer as Everton’s Alex Iwobi, Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, and Nottingham Forest duo of Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis will continue to grace the English top flight in the upcoming term.
Nathan Tella, who played a pivotal role in securing Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League, could join the Super Eagles trio if his parent club, Southampton, allow him to join Burnley permanently.
If the transfer were to materialise, Tella’s addition would significantly bolster Burnley’s squad as they kick off the season with a challenging encounter against reigning champions Manchester City on Friday, August 11, 2023.
Awoniyi, who dramatically shattered Arsenal’s title aspirations by netting the winner for Nottingham Forest in May, will aim to replicate his heroics when Forest travel to North London to face Arsenal in a lunchtime fixture on Saturday, August 12.
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Luton Town will count on the contributions of Elijah Adebayo, Fred Onyedinma, and Gabriel Osho when they face Brighton on the same matchday.
The opening day clash for Everton will see Alex Iwobi’s side lock horns with Tosin Adarabioyo’s Fulham as the Toffees strive for an improved performance this season.
Additionally, Crystal Palace, featuring Ebere Eze and Michael Olise, who have opted for England and France, respectively, over representing Nigeria, will take on Sheffield United.
Tottenham Hotspur’s acquisition of Destiny Udogie from Udinese presents an intriguing prospect, as the Super Eagles-eligible full-back could feature against Frank Onyeka’s Brentford in one of the Sunday fixtures on August 13.
The other enticing encounter of the day will see Chelsea and Liverpool clash at Stamford Bridge.
Finally, matchday one will conclude with a thrilling encounter between Manchester United and Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday, August 14.
The full schedule for Matchday 1️⃣
Friday, August 11, 2023
20:00 – Burnley vs. Manchester City
Saturday, August 12, 2023
12:30 – Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest (Taiwo Awoniyi, Emmanuel Dennis)
AFC Bournemouth vs. West Ham
Brighton vs. Luton Town (Elijah Adebayo, Fred Onyedinma, and Gabriel Osho)
Everton (Alex Iwobi) vs. Fulham
Sheffield United vs. Crystal Palace
17:30 – Newcastle vs. Aston Villa
Sunday, August 13, 2023
14:00 – Brentford (Frank Onyeka) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (Destiny Udogie)
16:30 – Chelsea vs. Liverpool
Monday, August 14, 2023
20:00 – Manchester United vs. Wolves
Full fixtures here
