The Premier League is back! After just a short break the 2020/21 English Premier League kicks-off this weekend and there’s plenty of questions to be answered in what could be one the most dramatic seasons yet.
After 30 years in the making, it’s time to see how Liverpool go as the hunted. Reds fans have barely had time to finish partying before the focus shifts to defending a crown they have coveted for so long.
The likes of Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City are some of the ambitious challengers burnt by recent underachievement or disappointment and re-fuelled for a new campaign. The chasing pack has not stood by idly, and it means, once again, this is a Premier League campaign full of intrigue and delicious uncertainty.
Gaze down the Premier League table and there’s clear groups that make for compelling competition this term. The ‘Big Six’ was broken up this year by Leicester, Wolverhampton and Sheffield United but both north London clubs, although still well short of the heights their fans must pine for, look much healthier going into the new season. Can an outsider continue to infiltrate that Big Six hierarchy, that question remains unanswered?
Then, there’s Leeds. The hype ahead of this weekend’s blockbuster with Liverpool is a reminder of the stature of the club, despite the extraordinary length of their absence. A team that holds a spot in the hearts of many Australian football fans is back after 16 years away, with many experts tipping big things this season. Check out an Optus Sport Original on the rise and fall of Leeds United here.
What will the Premier League Season amount to? Well, if last season – indeed, 2020 as a whole, has taught us anything, it is that you literally have to expect the unexpected. It all begins again on Saturday night on Optus Sport.
Live coverage gets underway with new look pre-game show Countdown to Kick-Off on Saturday at 8pm. Host Richard Bayliss will be joined by Mark Schwarzer, John Aloisi, Michael Bridges and Luke Wilkshire in an extensive 90-minute look ahead to the opening match and weekend of the Premier League. Countdown to Kick-Off will be live on Optus Sport as well as Facebook and YouTube, where viewers can interact with the guys.
All times listed AEST:
Saturday 12 September
8:00pm – LIVE: Countdown to Kick-Off
9:30pm – Fulham v Arsenal
Sunday 13 September
12:00am – Crystal Palace v Southampton
2:30am – Liverpool v Leeds United
5:00am – West Ham United v Newcastle United
Monday 14 September
1:30am – Tottenham Hotspur v Everton
Tuesday 15 September
3:00am – Sheffield United v Wolverhampton
5:15am – Brighton v Chelsea
Every match of the Premier League is exclusively live on Optus Sport. Optus Sport also broadcasts dedicated Premier League shows each week, including Matchday Live Extra, The Watching World, Inside the Premier League and an additional Premier League Today news show.
Women’s Super League – LIVE ON OPTUS SPORT
Matchweek two of the Barclay Women’s Super League gets underway this weekend, with the following matches live on Optus Sport.
All times listed AEST:
Sunday 13 September
2:15am – West Ham United v Arsenal
9:25pm – Chelsea v Bristol City
Keep across how our Aussies are doing in England, as we bring you a brand-new show on Optus Sport. On Women’s Football Oz Style this week, we’re in Bristol, as Alicia Ferguson hangs out with Matildas star Chloe Logarzo, and fellow Aussies Tanya Oxtoby and Ella Mastrantonio. Watch it here.
K LEAGUE – LIVE ON OPTUS SPORT
Round twenty of the K League gets underway this weekend, with the following matches live on Optus Sport.
All times listed AEST:
Saturday 12 September
08:00pm – Ulsan v Daegu
Sunday 13 September
06:30pm: FC Seoul v Suwon Bluewings
J-LEAGUE – LIVE ON OPTUS SPORT
16th Sec of the J-League kicks-off this weekend, with the following matches live on Optus Sport.
All times listed AEST:
Saturday 12 September
08:00pm – Shimizu S-Pulse – Kashima
Sunday 13 September
2:05pm – Hokkaido v Urawa
7:30pm – Kawasaki – Sanfrecce Hiroshima
8pm – Yokahama v Cereno Osaka
