Premier league fixtures2024-25

Sport editor Michael Potts on the best of the week’s action on TV and radio

Results mean nothing in the pre-season games, but it’s a chance to see how teams gel, says Simon Barnes

THE PLAN With the nickname ‘the Lions’, it’s hardly surprising that Aston Villa go into hiding when it comes to Big Game hunting. Villa have now blown two semi-finals under Unai Emery, as well as last

“Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises.” The Tempest wasn’t written about the Premier League but, given the play’s central themes of power, revenge, upheaval and a dash of magic, William Shakespea

THE PLAN To avoid the complete catastrophe of 2023-24, when Burnley were in the relegation zone for the entire season and averaged half a point per game until mid-March. Vincent Kompany replaced most

THE PLAN Fulham posted a club-record 54 Premier League points last season, and still they need to push on. Big-money buy Emile Smith Rowe displayed glimpses (six goals, three assists), but expectation