It’s only fixtures – what’s all the fuss about?

There’s 20 teams. Everybody plays against each other, home and away, totalling 38 games – why are we so obsessive over the confirmation of the inevitable (jumbled about a bit to make some form of order)?

Well, if you’re expecting an answer at the end of all this then I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed. Not ‘Joe Kinnear is your club’s new Director of Football‘ disappointed but disappointed nonetheless.

The release of the 2013/14 Premier League fixtures may not be high on your ‘looking forward to that’ list but I bet you were just a little bit excited, weren’t you? Comon now, don’t kid yourself!

Yes, we’ve had our football fix recently with the European Under 21s tournament and the Confederations Cup – but nothing beats the drama, intensity and unpredictability (sometimes) of the Premier League. Just take this blog, for instance. There hasn’t been an entry since the final game of the Premier League season (definitely not because I couldn’t be bothered).

Ok, so last season wasn’t that good. The title was wrapped up by March, QPR and Reading were so inexplicably awful they couldn’t score in the worst game of all time and Arsenal celebrated securing fourth like they’d won the Champions League rather than just qualifying for it.

But the 2013/14 season will be different. I can feel it.

The title race is going to be wide open. The irrepressible Manchester United will be less so as their new boss finds his feet.

City will be better than last year. They’re buying players with five international caps for £30m – they mean business.

Chelsea have the Special Happy One.

Arsenal are going to stop being tight bastards and break the bank to sign somebody in advance of £10m.

Spurs have got Gareth Bale for fuck sake – they’re going to be sick!*

Then there’s Liverpool. This is the year lads! This is the year!

Ok, so maybe not Liverpool but this new season definitely has an edge about it. An even greater sense of unpredictability that promises to unravel in fascinating circumstances. And the fixtures are merely a sign that we’re getting closer to the big kick-off in August.

They’re only fixtures but I can’t wait.

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*Perhaps literally if he leaves.