Why City, Liverpool are losers in EPL fixture list

LONDON : New Premier League fixture lists have been both cruel and kind to next season’s expected title challengers.

We review the opening five games for the Premier League’s six biggest clubs.

Manchester City

Not the start Manuel Pellergini would have been hoping for.

A tough trip to St James’ Park on the opening day is followed by the visit of Liverpool.

In fact, the Barclays Premier League champions also face title contenders Arsenal and Chelsea in their first six fixtures.

City could easily be playing catch up by the time October rolls around. Games against Hull and Stoke should be fairly comfortable three points for Pellegrini’s side - but the Chilean would have been hoping for a something a bit kinder.

Verdict: Losers

Liverpool

What are the chances of Rickie Lambert scoring against former club Southampton during his Anfield debut on the opening day?

That fairytale scenario will disguise what could be a tough first match for Brendan Rodgers’ side against last season’s surprise package, now under Ronald Koeman’s rule. And with the Mersysiders’ next two fixtures against champions Manchester City and Tottenham - both away from home - it doesn’t get any easier for the Merseysiders.

Verdict: Losers

Manchester United

As starts go, it doesn’t get any better for Louis van Gaal.

The Dutchman will want to hit the ground running next season and the fixture list has provided him with the best possible opportunity to do that. United do not face any of their expected title or Champions League qualification rivals until they welcome Everton on October 4.

However, a sequence of games that will see them face Tottenham, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton from March 14 will surely determine their destiny.

Verdict: Winners

Chelsea

Jose Mourinho would certainly have settled for this opening.

A trip to newly-promoted Burnley awaits them on the opening day before they welcome fellow new-boys Leicester City to Stamford Bridge.

Away games against Everton and champions Manchester City will provide the West London club with a much sterner test during their first six fixtures.

Verdict: Winners

Arsenal

It doesn’t look likely that the Gunners will replicate last season’s blistering start that saw them win five of their first six games.

Their opening day clash against Crystal Palace should herald three points - but a trip to Goodison Park follows, while clashes against champions Manchester City and north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur will test their early season title credentials by the time October comes around.

Verdict: Winners