Brendan Rodgers' reign at Liverpool starts with a trip to West Brom - although the Reds' first three home fixtures involve Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Northern Irishman, in his first stint with a club from the top half of the Premier League, will face a baptism of fire against the sides that ended last season in the top three. But Rodgers famously masterminded wins over Arsenal and Manchester City in the second half of the preceding campaign.
After City were beaten at the Liberty Stadium in Janruary, they surrendered their lead, established way back in October of last year, to title rivals United. It took the Citizens seven more games before they could draw level and win the title on the final day on goal difference.
Swansea also had an impressive home record under Rodgers' tenure as the newly promoted side only lost four games in the entirety of the campaign.
Liverpool, on the other hand, fared dismally at Anfield as they registered only 24 goals from 18 games when playing at home, equalling their lowest total set in the 1903/04 season. Crucially, they only won twice in the current year - against Everton and Chelsea - and such poor form was instrumental in bringing an end to manager Kenny Dalglish's time at the club.
Champions Manchester City start with a home game against newly-promoted Southampton, while Manchester United - pipped to the title on the final day of the season by their neighbours - start at Everton.
Arsenal have a home opener against Sunderland, while there is another north London/north-east encounter at the Sports Direct Arena, where Newcastle take on Europa League rivals Tottenham.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew is looking forward to a repeat of last year's contest on Tyneside, which finished in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Pardew told The Chronicle: "When you look back to last year the game with Spurs was one of the best games for us at home last season.
"They will have a new manager and it will be tough. But we are already looking forward to it."
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is looking forward to the visit of European champions Chelsea on the opening day of the Barclays Premier League season.
The 2012-13 fixtures were revealed this morning, with Roberto Di Matteo's FA Cup and Champions League winners providing the opposition at the DW Stadium on August 18.
Martinez told his club's official website, www.wiganlatics.co.uk: "Fixtures Day is always one of the highlights of the calendar, and we have been handed a really exciting opening again, with the Champions League winners at the DW. It is going to be a fascinating start.
"It's a cliche but every team is competitive at this level, and we need to be ready for another huge challenge over the coming months."
If Southampton's first fixture on their return to the Premier League was testing, Reading and West Ham were given seemingly kinder starts.
The Royals - back in the top flight after a four-year absence - are at home to Stoke, while Aston Villa visit Upton Park.
West Ham chairman David Gold is eyeing revenge after seeing his team make an immediate return to the Premier League.
He said: "I'm pleased it's Aston Villa first. The last time we played them in our first game, two years ago, they beat us 3-0. So I'm looking forward to reversing that score.
"It's important to get off to a good start. The season before last we lost our first four games but Aston Villa at home and Swansea away are games you can expect to get something from.
"Our last game is at home to Reading. Let's hope it's a nice afternoon with nothing riding on it - or we're in a Champions League position - that would be nice...
"But we're getting stronger financially, morale is high and the future is bright."
On the Hammers' transfer situation, Gold added on Sky Sports News: "We're connected with about 20 players and we're hoping to bring in maybe four by the close of window.
"We did our very best to keep (goalkeeper) Robert Green and it's very sad we've lost him. But we wish him well and I'm sure he'll be a great servant to whichever club he goes to."
Norwich manager Chris Hughton's first competitive game is at Fulham, while the other Premier League opener takes place less than three miles away at Loftus Road, where QPR host Swansea.
Source: Latest Sports News and Results
0 comments:
Post a Comment