The wait is over for football fans across the nation as the full fixture lists for the highly anticipated 2024/25 Premier League and National League seasons have been officially unveiled.
Clubs and supporters can now start plotting their course for the new campaign, which promises another thrilling chapter in English football. The opening weekend is set to deliver a series of blockbuster clashes from the very first whistle.
Premier League: A Blockbuster Start
The Premier League season is scheduled to commence on Friday, 16th August 2024. The action will get underway with a marquee match-up, as last season's runners-up, Arsenal, travel to the Molineux Stadium to face Wolverhampton Wanderers. This Friday night fixture is sure to draw a massive global television audience.
The following day, Saturday, 17th August, will see the bulk of the opening weekend's games. Newly promoted Ipswich Town will face a tough test with a home fixture against Liverpool, a match that will be a true litmus test for their top-flight credentials. Defending champions Manchester City will begin their quest for a historic fifth consecutive title with an away trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea, in what is undoubtedly the standout fixture of the weekend.
National League & EFL Schedule
The football feast begins even earlier for fans of the non-league pyramid. The National League season will kick off on Saturday, 10th August 2024, a full week before the Premier League gets started. This gives supporters a chance to enjoy the passion and drama of the fifth tier before the elite join the fray.
The English Football League (EFL), encompassing the Championship, League One, and League Two, will also begin its season on the same weekend as the Premier League, ensuring a full programme of football across the country.
Key Dates for Your Diary
- National League Start: Saturday, 10th August 2024
- Premier League & EFL Start: Weekend of 16th-19th August 2024
- Boxing Day Fixtures: Thursday, 26th December 2024
- New Year's Day Fixtures: Wednesday, 1st January 2025
- Final Day of the Season: Sunday, 25th May 2025
The festive period will once again be a highlight for fans, with a full slate of Boxing Day fixtures scheduled for Thursday, 26th December, and New Year's Day games on Wednesday, 1st January 2025.
The season is currently set to conclude on Sunday, 25th May 2025, when the champions will be crowned and relegation battles will be decided in a dramatic, simultaneous final day.
With the fixtures now confirmed, the countdown to the new season has well and truly begun. Fans can start planning their travels, and the debate over the 'easy' or 'difficult' starts for each team can officially commence. The new campaign is poised to deliver all the drama, excitement, and unpredictability that makes English football the most watched in the world.
