The 2019-2020 season finished in the last weekend of July, more than two months later than usual because of the suspension of the campaign due to the Covid-19 pandemic. And, having to shoehorn the new season into a shorter period than usual because of the European Championships to be held next summer, it means a reduced break and pre-season for teams.
Now the majority of clubs will begin their new campaigns on 12th of September, with Chelsea and Wolves getting two extra days grace because of their involvement in European competitions. And the two Manchester clubs, City and United, will get an even longer break because they went deeper into the Champions League and Europa League, respectively.
The stand-out fixture from the opening day weekend sees newly promoted Leeds United travel to Anfield to play the Premier League champions Liverpool.
It is the toughest test of all for Marcela Bielsas men, who are back in the top division of English football after a 16-year absence. Liverpool have won 25 out of their last 26 home games and have not lost at Anfield for more than three years.
Elsewhere, another of the promoted teams, Fulham, who are back in the Premier League after a year in the Championship, have a London derby at home to FA Cup winners. And the other team who came up from the Championship, West Bromwich Albion, will begin their campaign back in the top flight with a home fixture against Leicester City.
Three other London sides have opening home fixtures. Tottenham will host Everton, West Ham Newcastle United, and Crystal Palace Southampton.
Chelsea will be away to Brighton and Wolves will play at Sheffield United on September 14th.
The dates for Burnleys match with Manchester United, and Manchester Citys home tie with Aston Villa have yet to be confirmed.
Like last season, all games will be played behind closed doors as measures against the coronavirus continue. It is not yet clear, when, or even if, fans will be allowed to return to stadiums in England again next season.