Matchday 2 of the 2024-25 Premier League season promises thrilling action, headlined by a clash between Aston Villa and Arsenal, while Manchester United and Liverpool also navigate challenging fixtures over the weekend of 24-25 August.
Aston Villa will host Arsenal at Villa Park in the early-evening kickoff on Saturday, with the home side eager to replicate their success from last season, where they achieved a league double over the Gunners. However, Villa manager Unai Emery has cautioned that past results hold no bearing on the present.
“The players need to push themselves further, not just relying on their skills but also by increasing their commitment,” said Emery. “I want each player to step up and take responsibility. I appreciate when players are smart, proactive, and contribute when we discuss our objectives together.”
The weekend’s action kicks off with an early Saturday match as Brighton & Hove Albion welcomes Manchester United to the Amex Stadium. This will be the Seagulls’ first home match of the season under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, who is determined to make a strong impression.
“I aim to achieve big things and challenge the status quo,” said Hurzeler, the American-born German coach. “The Premier League is the best league in the world, filled with top-notch coaches. It’s essential to have your philosophy and identity, but you also need to adapt and incorporate other elements.”
Saturday’s mid-afternoon fixtures feature reigning champions Manchester City hosting Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium, alongside a potentially thrilling encounter between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in North London.
Sunday’s lineup includes Newcastle United and manager Eddie Howe’s return to his former club, AFC Bournemouth. Additionally, there will be a London derby as Crystal Palace faces off against West Ham United, followed by the weekend’s closing match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield.
Liverpool is still finding their rhythm under new manager Arne Slot but will be eager to secure a win in their first competitive home match with the Dutch tactician at the helm. The team is adapting to a new style of play, which focuses more on midfield control, as explained by winger Fabio Carvalho.
“I’d say we’re playing more through the midfield now,” Carvalho noted. “With players like Curtis [Jones], Harvey [Elliot], and Szobo [Dominik Szoboszlai], we have the quality to do it. We want to get the ball to the attacking players like Mo [Mohamed Salah] and Jots [Diogo Jota] through the thirds, which is what the manager wants to define our identity.”
Full Match Schedule:
Saturday, 24 August
- 13:30: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Manchester United
- 16:00: Crystal Palace vs. West Ham United
- 16:00: Fulham vs. Leicester City
- 16:00: Manchester City vs. Ipswich Town
- 16:00: Southampton vs. Nottingham Forest
- 16:00: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Everton
- 18:30: Aston Villa vs. Arsenal
Sunday, 25 August
- 15:00: AFC Bournemouth vs. Newcastle United
- 15:00: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Chelsea
- 17:30: Liverpool vs. Brentford