After one of the most memorable campaigns in Premier League history, it was Pep Guardiola's Manchester City who came out on top for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
It was not without drama, as Ilkay Gundogan's brace - either side of Rodri's side footed strike - completed a stunning five minute comeback against Aston Villa on the final day.
As expected, Manchester City and Liverpool were neck and neck for the title all season, with the Blues pipping the crown by a mere point once more. Jurgen Klopp's side will want to avenge final day heartbreak and beat their arch-nemesis to the trophy this time around.
It might feel like yesterday that we wrapped up the 2021/22 Premier League season, but the eagerly awaited fixture list for the 2022/23 edition drops on Thursday morning - and everyone is starting to predict who they might face.
Advert
So, with the help of a computer generator, we have simulated the opening day fixtures to see who could be playing who when August 6th rolls around.
Starting, of course, with the Premier League champions. Manchester City will travel to face Thomas Frank's Brentford on the opening day, with Pep Guardiola's refreshed side looking to kick off their title defence with a victory. Last season, the Blues struggled to break down Brentford's stubborn low block, before a piece of Kevin De Bruyne brilliance set-up Phil Foden for the opening and only goal of the match. Supporters will be excited to see fresh faces in the Manchester City team, but none more so than Erling Haaland, who will likely be making his full debut in this fixture.
Moving onto Manchester City's direct title rivals, Liverpool travel to take on Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa in the West Midlands. A familiar face around Merseyside, the former midfielder almost handed his old club the title on the final day, but they crumbled under immense pressure and eventually succumbed to a late defeat.
Advert
Elsewhere in the so-called 'Big Six', Chelsea versus Arsenal is the standout fixture of the opening weekend, with the latter holding high hopes of a top four finish and the former wanting to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title.
Manchester United - under the new management of Erik ten Hag - face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. Last season was statistically the worst in the Red Devils recent history, so they will be hoping for a much improved performance under the new management.
Full simulated opening day Premier League fixtures:
AFC Bournemouth vs Fulham
Advert
West Ham United vs Leeds United
Everton vs Leicester City
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Chelsea vs Arsenal
Advert
Brentford vs Manchester City
Nottingham Forest vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Aston Villa vs Liverpool
Advert
Newcastle United vs Southampton
Topics: Football, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Premier League
Harry Siddall