LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on April 19, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
5 must-see Premier League games before the World Cup break
In an early-season must-see Premier League game, Spurs will look to produce another upset of Manchester City on Matchday 7. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
The 2022/23 Premier League season’s fixtures were released earlier this week. The campaign will start one week earlier than usual, beginning the weekend of Aug. 5. Because the FIFA World Cup takes place in November-December, the schedule has been adjusted.
Games will take place until Nov. 12, 2022, before the campaign is halted for the Qatar World Cup. The Premier League season will resume on Dec. 26 (Boxing Day) and will continue from then onwards.
The league campaign’s schedule has guaranteed some highly entertaining games to take place before the World Cup break itself.
Here are the 5 must-see Premier League matches before the season is halted for the global international competition.
Premier League classic: United vs Liverpool (Aug. 20)
The first major Premier League game of the season sees bitter rivals Manchester United and Liverpool meeting at Old Trafford on Matchday 3. It’ll be Erik ten Hag’s first major challenge in charge of the Red Devils as he hosts Liverpool in only his second home game. Jurgen Klopp’s side routed United both times last season, dealing them a 5-0 battering at home.
United will be yearning to avenge themselves with an inspired performance and prove their quality under Ten Hag. But, Liverpool aren’t one to back down and would want to win this comprehensively to boost their early title charge. This derby is never one without drama and will be an absolute must-watch thriller.
Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur (Sept. 10)
One can perhaps say that Tottenham Hotspur have been the bane for Manchester City in recent years. Last season, Spurs recorded a league double over the Citizens, being the only side able to do that to the champions. It is something about Spurs style that City just can’t seem to get over.
Pep Guardiola’s side’s possession-based system is somehow perfectly countered by the defensive sturdiness and counter-attacking threat of Tottenham. But with Erling Haaland now on City’s side, their attacking threat will be much more terrifying. In this battle of wits, attack vs defence, and Son & Harry Kane vs Haaland & De Bruyne, a highly entertaining game can be guaranteed.
Chelsea vs Liverpool (Sept. 17)
Chelsea and Liverpool had some really close battles last season. They played four games overall, each of which ended in draws through regulation time. Liverpool won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals against Thomas Tuchel’s side, both coming in penalty shoot-outs.
Chelsea will still be bitter about those losses and will look to get one over Klopp’s side in their Premier League clash in September. A closely fought, action-packed game should ensue at Stamford Bridge in which Tuchel looks to outwit his German counterpart to signify his club’s own title ambitions with a win.
Manchester City vs Manchester United (Oct. 1)
The first Manchester Derby of the season will also take place before the World Cup break. Erik ten Hag’s Man United will have a trial by fire at the Etihad Stadium in their first major away league game under the new boss. Pep Guardiola’s Man City side defeated them both times they met last season in compelling fashion.
They’ll hope to do something similar, getting bragging rights for their fans and piling on misery for Ten Hag. With a deadly striker like Haaland against United’s vulnerable backline, City would fancy their chances too.
But United will have a point to prove after last season’s humiliation and they’ll look to defy the odds with a sturdy display while being prolific on the counter-attack. The games between these two bitter rivals are rarely boring and this should be a must-watch one in October.
Chelsea vs Arsenal (Nov. 5)
In what might be the final “big game” before the Premier League goes on break, London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal face off in a feisty derby. The Gunners embarrassed Chelsea with a prominent win over them last season, leaving them red-faced. Tuchel’s side will hunt for revenge this time to shut up their neighbors.
Chelsea and Arsenal both love taking the fight to each other as well as producing a sparky, heated clash during these games. Mikel Arteta’s side would love to provide another reality check to Chelsea at their home by producing some stunning attacking football using their vibrant, young core.
But Chelsea’s defensive sturdiness and home record give them an advantage, making this a fascinating encounter that is guaranteed to produce dramatic moments.
