2024 2025 Premier League Season Overview
The 2024–25 Premier League season, the 33rd edition and 126th of top-flight English football, kicked off with fixtures announced on June 18, 2024.
This season features 33 weekend rounds, four midweek rounds, and a Bank Holiday matchweek. Notably, the winter break was removed to extend the summer break, offering players more rest, and there are longer breaks over the holiday period, with no fixtures on Christmas Eve.
Reigning champions Manchester City will aim to defend their title for a fourth consecutive year. This season introduces semi-automated offside technology, set to be implemented after one of the autumn international breaks.
The league includes 20 teams: the top seventeen from last season and three newly promoted clubs—Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton.
Leicester City and Southampton return after a year away, while Ipswich Town comes back after a 22-year absence, replacing Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United. This is the first time since the 1997–98 season that all three promoted teams were relegated after just one year.
Key fixtures to watch are Leicester City’s games against Newcastle United and Ipswich Town, with early results influencing the season’s dynamics. Fans can look forward to an exciting race for the top positions and a fierce battle to avoid relegation.
Key Dates and Schedule
The 2024-25 Premier League season spans from August 16, 2024, to May 25, 2025, covering a total of 38 matchweeks. The season begins with a notable fixture between Manchester United and Fulham on August 16, and features a variety of high-stakes games throughout the year, including significant clashes between top teams and key rivalries.
The season also includes a busy festive period and several critical fixtures in the latter half, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion.
Phase Summaries
Early Season: The season kicks off with a mix of intriguing fixtures, including Chelsea vs. Manchester City plays on August 18, followed by Manchester United facing Liverpool on August 31. These early matches are crucial in assessing the form of title contenders and other major teams.
Mid-Season: From September to December, the focus shifts to key fixtures such as Tottenham vs. Arsenal on September 15 and Manchester City vs. Arsenal on September 22. The festive period, notably from late December through early January, will be crucial as teams navigate a congested schedule with games every few days, which could impact their performance and standings.
Final Stretch: The final part of the season sees critical games including Liverpool vs. Manchester City on November 30, and a significant Manchester Derby between Manchester United and Manchester City on April 5. The season concludes with a full slate of matches on May 25, featuring key clashes like AFC Bournemouth vs. Leicester City and Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace, which could determine final standings and European qualifications.
Key Matches
- Chelsea vs. Manchester City: August 18, 2024 – A potential early season indicator of title contenders’ form.
- Manchester United vs. Liverpool: August 31, 2024 – A significant clash with potential title implications.
- Tottenham vs. Arsenal: September 15, 2024 – The North London Derby, always a high-intensity fixture.
- Manchester City vs. Arsenal: September 22, 2024 – Another crucial game for title and top-four aspirations.
- Liverpool vs. Arsenal: October 27, 2024 – A key match in the context of the title race.
- Liverpool vs. Manchester City: November 30, 2024 – A major fixture in the title race.
- Manchester United vs. Liverpool: January 4, 2025 – An important encounter for both teams’ season ambitions.
- Arsenal vs. Tottenham: January 14, 2025 – Another significant North London Derby.
- Manchester City vs. Liverpool: February 22, 2025 – A crucial game that could impact the title race.
- Manchester United vs. Manchester City: April 5, 2025 – The Manchester Derby with potential implications for the title and Champions League spots.
Teams in the 2024/25 Premier League
As the Premier League 2024/25 season kicks off, the league features a mix of familiar faces and fresh challengers.
Here’s a snapshot of each team, reflecting on their past performances and setting the stage for the upcoming season.
Arsenal
Arsenal finished in 2nd place in the 2023/24 season, showing a strong performance throughout the campaign. Their highest finish since 1992 is 1st place, achieved in the 1997/98 and 2001/02 seasons. With a solid squad and ambitious plans, they are expected to be a top contender again.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa ended the previous season in 4th place, marking a significant improvement. Their highest finish since 1992 is 2nd place, achieved in the 1980/81 season. Villa’s progress under their current management could see them challenging for a top spot once more.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth finished in 12th place last season. Their highest finish in the Premier League since 1992 is 9th, achieved in the 2016/17 season. They will look to build on their mid-table position and push for a higher finish this year.
Brentford
Brentford, who ended the 2023/24 season in 16th place, have had a steady presence in the Premier League since their promotion. Their highest finish since 1992 is 9th, which they achieved in the 2022/23 season. They will aim to improve upon their previous standing.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion concluded the last season in 11th place. Their best finish since 1992 is 9th, achieved in the 2021/22 season. Brighton is expected to remain competitive and build on their solid performances.
Chelsea
Chelsea secured 6th place in the previous season, a bit below their usual high standards. Their highest finish since 1992 is 1st place, which they have achieved several times, most recently in the 2015/16 season. The Blues will be looking to return to the top of the league.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace ended the 2023/24 season in 10th place. Their highest finish since 1992 is 10th, which they reached in the 1990/91 season. Palace is known for being a challenging side, and they will aim to maintain their mid-table status.
Everton
Everton finished 15th in the previous season, and their highest finish since 1992 is 4th, which they achieved in the 1986/87 season. The Toffees will hope to climb higher and improve their position this year.
Fulham
Fulham ended last season in 13th place. Their highest finish since 1992 is 7th, achieved in the 2008/09 season. They will be aiming for a more competitive showing this season.
Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town is making their return to the Premier League for the 2024/25 season after a significant absence. Their highest finish in the Premier League is 5th, achieved in the 2000/01 season. Ipswich will be eager to make a strong impact upon their return.
Leicester City
Leicester City also returns to the Premier League for the 2024/25 season after being promoted. Their highest finish in the league is 1st, which they famously achieved in the 2015/16 season. Leicester Citywill be aiming to replicate their previous success.
Liverpool
Liverpool finished 3rd in the 2023/24 season. They have previously reached 1st place multiple times, with their most recent title coming in the 2019/20 season. Liverpool remains a strong contender for the title.
Manchester City
Manchester City were the champions last season, finishing in 1st place. Their highest finish since 1992 is also 1st place, which they have achieved multiple times in recent years. City will aim to defend their championship title.
Manchester United
Manchester United finished 8th in the 2023/24 season. Their highest finish since 1992 is 1st place, which they have achieved multiple times, most recently in the 2012/13 season. They will be striving to improve their position and return to the top.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United concluded last season in 7th place. Their highest finish since 1992 is 2nd place, which they achieved in the 1995/96 season. With continued investment, Newcastle is expected to challenge for a top-four finish.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest finished 17th in the previous season. Their highest finish since 1992 is 3rd, which they achieved in the 1977/78 season. Forest will be aiming to improve their standing this year.
Southampton
Southampton returns to the Premier League for the 2024/25 season after promotion. Their highest finish since 1992 is 7th, achieved in the 1983/84 season. Southampton will be looking to make a solid impact upon their return.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur finished 5th last season. Their highest finish since 1992 is 2nd place, which they achieved in the 2016/17 season. Spurs will be aiming for a higher finish this season.
West Ham United
West Ham United ended the 2023/24 season in 9th place. Their highest finish since 1992 is 5th, achieved in the 1998/99 season. West Ham will look to build on their previous performance and challenge for a top spot.
Wolves
Wolves finished 14th in the previous season. Their highest finish since 1992 is 7th, achieved in the 2019/20 season. Wolves will aim to improve their position and be more competitive this year.
The Most Likely Team to Win
As the Premier League 2024/25 season gets underway, several teams stand out as strong contenders for the title, based on their past performances and current form. Here’s a closer look at the teams most likely to vie for the championship:
Manchester City
Manchester City, the reigning champions, are prime candidates for the title this season. Having secured 1st place in the 2023/24 season, their consistency and squad depth make them formidable opponents. Under the guidance of their experienced manager, City has proven their ability to maintain top performance levels and adapt to challenges. Their track record of recent successes only strengthens their position as a leading title contender.
Liverpool
Liverpool is another strong contender. The Reds finished 3rd last season and have previously been crowned champions multiple times, including their most recent title in 2019/20. With a squad full of talent and a history of bouncing back strongly from setbacks, Liverpool is well-positioned to challenge for the top spot. Their attacking prowess and solid defense make them a serious threat to any opponent.
Arsenal
Arsenal, who finished 2nd last season, have shown significant improvement and consistency. Their highest finish since 1992 is 1st place, and they have the potential to go one step further this season. With a dynamic squad and a solid managerial strategy, Arsenal is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. Their recent performances suggest they are ready to push for the title.
Manchester United
Manchester United, finishing 8th last season, has historically been one of the Premier League’s most successful clubs, with several title wins to their name. Their highest finish since 1992 is also 1st place, and they are always a force to be reckoned with. Despite a challenging season last year, Manchester United has the resources and talent to make a significant push for the top positions.
Key Premier League Encounters to Watch
As the new Premier League season unfolds, it’s exciting to consider the potential encounters between these teams. Nottingham Forest and Leicester City will likely face off once again, continuing their storied rivalry. Leicester City’s matchups against Fulham, Newcastle United, and Crystal Palace promise to be crucial as well. Fans should keep an eye on the clash between Newcastle United and Aston Villa, as well as the intriguing fixture between AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City. With these anticipated games on the horizon, it’s clear that the season will be filled with thrilling moments and high-stakes matches. Let’s stay tuned and see how these key encounters play out!
Nottingham Forest Leicester City
Nottingham Forest and Leicester City have had a storied history, with their clashes often being hard-fought battles. Past encounters between these two teams have shown a competitive edge, making their upcoming games highly anticipated.
Leicester City Fulham
Leicester City has also had notable fixtures against teams like Fulham. These matches have been pivotal in shaping their season, with Leicester City often needing to bounce back from tough losses.
Newcastle United Aston Villa
Another exciting fixture involves Newcastle United and Aston Villa. Their past meetings have provided some memorable moments and are expected to be key games this season.
Newcastle United Crystal Palace
Similarly, games between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace have been notable, with these teams frequently finding themselves in high-stakes situations.
Leicester City Crystal Palace
Leicester City and Crystal Palace also feature prominently on the fixture list, promising more intense competition.
AFC Bournemouth Leicester City
Lastly, AFC Bournemouth will face Leicester City in what promises to be an intriguing match. These games often have a significant impact on the standings and are critical for teams looking to secure their positions in the league.
Watching the Premier League
Watching the Premier League in America is simple with several options. NBC Sports, holding the broadcast rights, shows a significant number of games live on USA Network, NBC, and CNBC, covering key fixtures throughout the season.
For streaming, Peacock is essential, offering approximately 175 live matches not covered by NBC’s channels. It also features Premier League Goal Rush, which highlights goals and key moments.
You can access these broadcasts through cable TV services with NBC and USA Network, or streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. Both provide access to NBC channels and cloud DVR features, with Hulu + Live TV costing $76.99 per month and YouTube TV starting at $72.99, with a promotional rate of $64.99.
Peacock offers two tiers: Premium at $7.99 per month and Premium Plus, ad-free, at $13.99. This service provides on-demand access to all Premier League matches and additional content.
By subscribing to Peacock and a streaming service, fans get comprehensive access to live broadcasts and exclusive streams throughout the season.
