Man Utd and Man City best and worst-case scenarios as opening fixtures announced

Manchester United and Manchester City will discover their 2022/23 Premier League fixture list at 9am on Thursday.

While every team has to play all 19 other Premier League sides twice, the date you face an opponent can have a huge impact on the end result, and so a favourable draw can stand you in good stead before a ball has even been kicked.

Here at MEN Sport, we’ve taken a look at the best and worst-case scenarios for both Manchester clubs’ opening fixtures heading into the new campaign.

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United best-case scenario

Leeds United

It has not been the best of times for United since Sir Alex Ferguson left Old Trafford but one thing they have been able to rely upon in recent years is big victories over their fierce Yorkshire rivals. United won 4-2 and 5-1 against the Elland Road club last season and you have to go all the way back to 2002 for the last time Leeds beat United in the league.

Southampton

The 2016 campaign was the last time the Saints tasted victory over United. Last season Southampton drew twice with United but a 9-0 thrashing at Old Trafford during Covid times will still be etched into the memory of Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Fulham

When United meet Fulham you’re always guaranteed goals and they’re usually scored by United. United took four points off the London club the last time they were in the Premier League and Fulham have not experienced victory over Erik ten Hag’s new club since 2009.

Aston Villa

United lost to Aston Villa in the Premier League last season but before that the Villans had suffered an awful run of form against United. Villa were last victorious back in 2009 and United will be hopeful that the defeat in September was merely an anomaly.

Nottingham Forest

Forest have not played United in the league since 1999 but their supporters will not have a fond memory of the occasion. A famous 8-1 defeat at the City Ground humiliated the home side. Thumping victories are a common theme when these two sides meet, with United winning 4-0, 4-1 and 5-0 in previous seasons.

United worst-case scenario

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves have a pretty good head-to-head record against United. Last season both teams managed to secure a 1-0 win in their two meetings, but in recent campaigns the West Midlands team has managed to take points away from United on a consistent basis.

Everton

Despite struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League last season, Frank Lampard masterminded a 1-0 victory over United to help secure their status in the top flight. Historically matches against the Merseyside club have been a struggle for United with their last victory coming in 2020.

Liverpool

An obvious choice but Liverpool are United’s trickiest fixture. Recent hammerings to their fierce rivals and the fact United last tasted victory in the league against Jurgen Klopp’s men back in 2018 mean it’s clear to see why Ten Hag will want to avoid Klopp early on.

Brighton and Hove Albion

Since arriving in the Premier League, Brighton have managed to improve year on year. United’s battering on the south coast at the end of last season was a new low and they will be hoping to avoid a return visit in the opening fixtures.

Manchester City

We’re not really sure we need to expand on this too much. While United have enjoyed some decent results against their cross-city rivals in recent times, last season they were well and truly put to the sword in both league encounters.

City best-case scenario

AFC Bournemouth

New boys Bournemouth will be dreading facing the defending Premier League champions next season. City have never lost to the Cherries and all signs point to the Blues carrying on that form in 2022/23.

Fulham

Fulham seem to always struggle when they face the two Manchester clubs. They have not scored in the league against City since 2013, while their last victory against the Blues came in 2009.

Everton

Victories for the Toffees against City have been hard to come by in recent years with the last one coming in 2017. Lampard’s team struggled to survive last season and without significant investment they are likely to struggle again.

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe’s team will need to tighten up defensively if they wish to change their rotten form against City. The Blues have scored 13 goals in their last three matches vs the Magpies and are unlikely to fear them next season despite their likely investment.

West Ham United

The Hammers may have improved in recent years but their form against City has not. West Ham’s 2-1 victory over City back in 2015 was the last time they tasted success against the Blues in the Premier League.

City worst-case scenario

Crystal Palace

Guardiola’s team took just a single point off Crystal Palace in the last campaign and it appears Patrick Vieira may have found a way of beating his former club. Should they keep their squad together they could be tricky opponents again next season.

Leicester City

While City have been dominant in the league, Leicester have found a way on several occasions to beat the Blues. A 5-2 victory in 2020 was the last time the Foxes were victorious in the league but they did also manage a victory over Pep’s men in last season’s Community Shield.

Liverpool

Guardiola has often thanked Jurgen Klopp for pushing his side and helping them become the force we see today. Liverpool never prove to be an easy game and Pep will no doubt be keen to hold off on a meeting with last season’s runners-up until his side are in full swing.

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs have struggled to add to their trophy haul in recent years but they have been fruitful in matches against City. Tottenham did the double over City last season and are quickly establishing themselves as Guardiola’s bogey team.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

City did well in the previous two seasons against Wolves but the historical head-to-head record against them paints a different picture. Wanderers have won 44 games to City’s 48 and they will be hoping to enact revenge on the Blues following the thrashing at the end of last season.

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