The fixtures for the Premier League were released yesterday with little fanfare on the day that the World Cup got underway in Russia. But just like all the teams in the World Cup, the Premier League clubs will want to win their first game. Bournemouth have not manage that in their last three attempts, but the fixture computer has been a little kinder than it might have been by giving the Cherries a home game against newly-promoted Cardiff City on 11 August.
The first month will also see games against West Ham and Everton. Bournemouth will also have to play Chelsea before the first international break. It is encouraging that the Cherries won't have to play another top six side from last season then until November, when they'll entertain both Man Utd and Arsenal. The Christmas period seems just as hard as always with Man City, Liverpool, Spurs and Man Utd on call, but they have to be played at some point. The Boxing Day fixture is highly likely to be popular with a first visit to Tottenham's new stadium.
The home derby against Southampton comes early in October and it will be interesting to see which of the two clubs is doing best by that stage. Brighton don't feature at Dean Court until just before Christmas so it doesn't look like the Cherries first points will come against Chris Hughton's side like they did last season.
We'll have to wait until the second half of the season for the visits of the other newly promoted clubs to Dean Court and Wolves and Fulham will know if they are doing well by that stage. Just like last season though AFCB end the season with an away game. It isn't such a long distance haul though in having Crystal Palace on 12 May and for me it is always the closest game to my doorstep so I'll be looking forward to that one! But some have already pointed out that the fixture computer doesn't like to give the Cherries a home final game.
18/19: Palace away 17/18: Burnley away 16/17: Leicester away 5/16: Man Utd away
14/15: Charlton away 13/14: Millwall away 12/13: Tranmere away
Whether the fixture list gives one team more of an advantage than any other is hard to prove, and TV viewing will alter a good number of the fixture dates in the end. The fact is everyone has 38 games to get the points they need and every season it doesn't look any easier. Still, in Eddie we trust. UTCIAD!
Meanwhile, L'Equipe is reporting that Max Gradel is to be sold to Toulouse for EUR2m in a permanent move for the Ivorian.
Southgate's World Cup - Robbie Williams kicks off at the World Cup
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| AFCB officially displayed the new fixtures shortly after 9am yesterday. |
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The home derby against Southampton comes early in October and it will be interesting to see which of the two clubs is doing best by that stage. Brighton don't feature at Dean Court until just before Christmas so it doesn't look like the Cherries first points will come against Chris Hughton's side like they did last season.
We'll have to wait until the second half of the season for the visits of the other newly promoted clubs to Dean Court and Wolves and Fulham will know if they are doing well by that stage. Just like last season though AFCB end the season with an away game. It isn't such a long distance haul though in having Crystal Palace on 12 May and for me it is always the closest game to my doorstep so I'll be looking forward to that one! But some have already pointed out that the fixture computer doesn't like to give the Cherries a home final game.
18/19: Palace away 17/18: Burnley away 16/17: Leicester away 5/16: Man Utd away
14/15: Charlton away 13/14: Millwall away 12/13: Tranmere away
Whether the fixture list gives one team more of an advantage than any other is hard to prove, and TV viewing will alter a good number of the fixture dates in the end. The fact is everyone has 38 games to get the points they need and every season it doesn't look any easier. Still, in Eddie we trust. UTCIAD!
Meanwhile, L'Equipe is reporting that Max Gradel is to be sold to Toulouse for EUR2m in a permanent move for the Ivorian.
Southgate's World Cup - Robbie Williams kicks off at the World Cup
Yes..if ever the first fixture was a six pointer this is it...if we can get a good start then it stops playing catch up football
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