Ex-Orlando Pirates star to debut?

The EPL is back. Here’s a mini Premier League preview of a handful of selected games between Friday and Monday as the world’s favourite domestic division returns to our screens. Let’s set the scene, with a former Orlando Pirates man set for a top-flight debut on Friday!

REVEALED: 2023-24 Premier League fixtures in full

Premier League preview: Opening weekend

Friday 11 August

Burnley vs Man City

Former Orlando Pirates man in the frame

The Clarets are back in the big time and their first task is the visit of last season’s treble winners. There’s extra spice with City legend Vincent Kompany in the dugout against his old club, and Bafana Bafana and former Orlando Pirates striker Lyle Foster in line for a debut. It’s anyone’s guess how this one goes!

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Saturday 12 August

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

For the Gunners last season it was close but no cigar, and this time around they’ll need to match their tally of five wins from their first five in 2022-23 to keep pace with City. Mikel Arteta’s side lost to Nottingham Forest as recently as May, a result which confirmed Forest’s safety and crowned City champions. The Londoners will be keen to atone, and their fans will get a first glimpse of €117m man Declan Rice in a competitive fixture.

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Newcastle vs Aston Villa

Unai Emery took over at Aston Villa with the club languishing in 17th last season around Christmas, and they finished 7th. He’s done an incredible job, and his first take this season is to take his side to a stadium where Newcastle lost just two Premier League games all season. Newcastle spent €64m on Sandro Tonali to play alongside Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães. That’s a trio that can rival the world’s best.

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Sunday 13 August

Brentford vs Tottenham

Will Spurs will have Harry Kane on their books by the time this fixture rolls around? Tottenham and Bayern Munich have agreed a €100m free for the English talisman, but it’s now down to the player whether he wants to take the plunge. Brentford finished last season in a super impressive 7th place, and this fixture finished 2-2 last season. It should be a good one to watch.

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Chelsea vs Liverpool

The last four Premier League meetings between the Blues and the Reds have all been drawn. The similarities don’t end there, as both clubs are in the midst of massive rebuilds. Liverpool have sold skipper Jordan Henderson and Brazilian midfielder Fabinho and allowed James Milner to leave. They’ve brought in World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister and Hungarian playmaker Dominik Szoboszlai.

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Chelsea’s merry-go-round has seen Mateo Kovačić, Mason Mount and N’Golo Kanté leave. They still need a reliable partner for record signing Enzo Fernández, and they’ve recruited a number of relatively unknown youngsters. Marquee striker arrival Christopher Nkunku has damaged medial cruciate ligaments and will be out until Christmas at least. It’s anyone’s guess how this game will go.

KAIZER CHIEFS: Next five fixtures

Monday 14 August

Man United vs Wolves

Benni McCarthy will be on the Man United bench for the visit of Wolves on Monday night. We will have a detailed preview of that clash on Monday. Benni will hope new €64m man Mason Mount can sharpen them up in the final third.

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Enjoy the ride this weekend, and we hope you enjoyed our Premier League preview.

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game of football.

Also, follow The South African on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news updates.