English Premier League to kick off Friday

ISTANBUL

The English Premier League's 2021-22 campaign will kick off Friday with the opening game between Brentford and Arsenal at Brentford Community Stadium.

The match will be the first league meeting between both sides since 1947 as the Gunners claimed a 1-0 win at Griffin Park, Brentford.

Manchester City, who completed last season of the Premier League 12 points ahead of their city rival Manchester United, will try to defend their league title.

In the closing game of the first week, Man City will visit Tottenham Hotspur in London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola-led team strengthened their squad with English midfielder Jack Grealish.

Manchester United managed by Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will host Leeds United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Red Devils signed English winger Jadon Sancho from Germany's Borussia Dortmund until June 2026, with the option for a further year.

The 2020-21 season's third place, Liverpool are aiming for another Premier League title under the helm of Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp-led Liverpool won the 2020 Premier League that the Reds waited for 30 years.

Ibrahima Konate bolstered Liverpool’s defensive ranks when he became Klopp’s first signing ahead of the new season.

French defender agreed a move to the Reds from RB Leipzig after four seasons with the Bundesliga side.

On Saturday, Liverpool will take on Norwich City at Carrow Road.

The 2021 UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea acquired Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan on a five-year deal to strengthen the team's offensive line.

Lukaku was named Europa League Player of the 2019-20 season.

The 28-year-old helped Inter win the Serie A last season.

The Blues will host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

First week's fixtures in Premier League:

Friday:

Brentford - Arsenal

Saturday:

Manchester United - Leeds United

Burnley - Brighton and Hove Albion

Chelsea - Crystal Palace

Everton - Southampton

Leicester City - Wolverhampton

Watford - Aston Villa

Norwich - Liverpool

Sunday:

Newcastle United. - West Ham United

Tottenham Hotspur - Manchester City