We’re still catching our breath after the conclusion of another mega football season and the Premier League goes and releases the upcoming schedule for 2023-24. But hey, we’re not complaining.
Without a major international tournament until the Women’s World Cup kicks off on Australian and New Zealand shores late next month, football has entered into a tranquil post-season lull, where players, staff and fans alike can recuperate from a jam-packed season.
But the quiet has been broken briefly, with the Premier League announcing their fixtures for the 2023-24 season. Upon hearing the news, fans around the world have begun collectively analysing their side’s run, assessing their expectations and dreaming of a trip to Europe.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2023-24 Premier League season, including:
- Start date
- How to watch
- Juciest fixtures
- The opening weekend
When does the Premier League season start?
AUGUST 12, 2023
For Australian viewers, the next Premier League season kicks off on Saturday, August 12th at 5:30am (AEST) when Championship winners, Burnley, host English and European champions, Manchester City at Turf Moor on their return to the top flight.
Many will expect the Burnley of old to rear its head against Guardiola’s champions, but in former Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany, The Clarets have adopted a style akin to his previous clubs’, with Burnley last season heralded as the second division’s Manchester City.
Expect an interesting clash between two champions in their own right to set the tone for a wildly wonderful Premier League season.
How to watch the Premier League in Australia
Unlike in the UK, where supporters require several subscriptions to watch the Premier League – and still miss matches due to the 3pm blackout (!) – the English top flight is consolidated on one platform down under.
Optus Sport has been the home of the Premier League for many years now. Subscription packages range from $24.99/month or $199.99 for subscribers opting into the lump-sum annual fee.
Games can be watched on the web or through the Optus Sport app on a mobile phone or select smart TV.
Biggest opening weekend games
Chelsea v Liverpool – Monday 14 August @ 1:30am
Undoubtedly the biggest matchup from the first weekend of the season, these old rivals will have a point to prove coming off the back of disappointing seasons.
ALSO READ | Why this off-season’s transfer window may be do or die for Liverpool & Jurgen Klopp
Newcastle v Aston Villa – Sunday 13 August @ 12am (AEST)
Villa were the surprise package of last season and will look to assert themselves as a European threat with an early victory over Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.
Brentford v Spurs – Sunday 13 August @ 11pm (AEST)
Ange Postecoglou’s first Premier League game in charge; the magnitude of the event goes without saying.
Key dates for 2023-24 season
Opening weekend: August 12 – August 15
Boxing Day: Wednesday 27 December @ 2am
Final day of the season: Monday 20 May @ 1am
International breaks:
- September 4-12, 2023
- October 9-17, 2023
- November 13-21, 2023
- March 18-26, 2024
Three huge games to mark in the calendar
Arsenal v Spurs – Sunday 24 September (Time TBC): The North London Derby is always thrilling. This year is no different as Aussie Ange aims to confirm he belongs in the English top flight against an Arsenal side that was electric for most of last season.
Luton Town v Manchester City – Sunday 10 December (Time TBC): On the pitch, this one will be a non-contest. Off it, watch as the glitz and glamour of Manchester City acclimate with Kenilworth Road, a proper, old-school football ground.
Manchester United v Arsenal – Sunday 12 May (Time TBC): Two of English football’s fiercest rivals fighting on the penultimate matchday of the season in what might be a title decider but will definitely determine the Champions League places.
When do the Champions League dates get announced?
Dates have already been confirmed by UEFA, with the group stages to kick off on September 19 & 20 (European time).
The final will take place at Wembley on 1 June, 2024.
When do the FA Cup dates get announced?
The English Football Association are yet to announce anything regarding the upcoming FA Cup season.
