Arsenal v Leicester to be first Friday night start to Premier League season
Bournemouth to host Brighton on September 15 as Friday football catches on with TV
London: The English Premier League (EPL) season will kick off on a Friday night for the first time, with Arsenal against Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium having been chosen for the somewhat contentious slot by Sky TV.
The definition of the opening weekend has been stretched, with Arsenal to host the curtain-raiser at 7.45pm on Friday, August 11.
The league has announced the changes to the schedule driven by the TV companies and the standout detail is the earlier than expected start.
Sky introduced Friday night football last season to mixed success, with the experience beginning with Manchester United’s home win over Southampton on August 19. Under the terms of its agreement, Sky can select up to 10 matches per season for Friday viewing. They chose only seven last season as juggling the congested league schedule with the other competitions proved problematic.
Chelsea secured the title with their victory at West Bromwich Albion on a Friday.
One other game in the season’s opening two months has been scheduled for a Friday — Bournemouth’s home game against Brighton on September 15.
