MARK YOUR DATES

There are some encounters that are eagerly awaited as they have captured the imagination of fans for decades. Here’s a look at some such matches during the 2018-19 season:

PREMIER LEAGUE

NORTHWEST DERBY

LIVERPOOL VS MANCHESTER UNITED

Dec 15 Feb 23

“My greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their f ***** g perch,” Alex Ferguson, ex-United coach, had said. The Red Devils’ fans would hope that the current batch feels the same but under Juergen Klopp, Liverpool are a difficult side to conquer.

MANCHESTER DERBY

Nov 10 Mar 16

Manchester United’s ‘noisy neighbours’ are now prosperous and successful too. Fuelled by Sheikh Mansour’s oil money, Pep Guardiola’s (left) City are favourites to defend the Premier League title. Jose Mourinho (right) on the other hand has the onerous task of building his own ‘legacy’.

ARSENAL VS CHELSEA

Aug 18 Jan 19

Arsene Wenger’s reign has ended but will Arsenal’s EPL drought end? Unai Emery will have to answer that and many more questions. “Have you won the UEFA Champions League ever?” some Chelsea fan might just question.

MERSEYSIDE DERBY

EVERTON VS LIVERPOOL

Dec 1 Mar 2

Often called the ‘friendly derby’, this game has seen more red cards than any other match since the inception of Premier League! There are no assurances that more would not be added in the 2018-19 season.

NORTH LONDON DERBY

ARSENAL VS TOTTENHAM

Dec 1 Mar 2

It all started in 1913 when Arsenal moved to their then new ground in North London. More than a century later as Tottenham shifts to its new stadium, the rivalry has only intensified. In fact, the Spurs fans will be the more enthusiastic lot after their good performances in the last couple of seasons.