Liverpool host Leeds on opening weekend as Man City, Man Utd sit out

Liverpool will begin the defense of their Premier League title with a home game against promoted Leeds. /VCG

Leeds' first Premier League game for 16 years will see Marcelo Bielsa's men travel to defending champions Liverpool, while Manchester City and Manchester United will miss the opening weekend to give them extra time to recover from a late end to the 2019/20 season.

All sides were guaranteed by the football authorities to have at least 30 days off between the two seasons after the late finish to the campaign caused by a three-month stoppage due to the coronavirus pandemic.

City and United were eliminated from the Champions League and Europa League respectively last weekend, three weeks after the end of the Premier League season.

Chelsea and Wolves will start their seasons on Monday September 14 after they too were involved in European competition into August.

Leeds United celebrate after winning the English Championship title at Elland Road, Leeds, England, July 22, 2020. /VCG

Leeds are back in the top-flight for the first time since 2003/04, but could not have asked for a tougher start on September 12 against the champions who have not lost a league game at Anfield in more than three years.

Tottenham host Everton, Arsenal travel to newly-promoted Fulham and Chelsea are away to Brighton on the opening weekend.

City and Liverpool are scheduled to meet on the weekends of November 7 at the Etihad and February 6 at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's men do not face traditional rivals Manchester United until 2021 with the Red Devils visiting Anfield on January 16 and Liverpool heading to Old Trafford on May 1.

Premier League 2020-21 opening fixtures

Crystal Palace vs. Southampton

Fulham vs. Arsenal

Liverpool vs. Leeds

Tottenham vs. Everton

West Brom vs. Leicester

West Ham vs. Newcastle

Brighton vs. Chelsea

Sheffield United vs. Wolves

Source(s): AFP