The schedule for the 2021/22 Premier League season has been fully revealed, and Aston Villa now know who they will play when, as they look to make a European challenge in their third season back in the top flight.
Villa will open the season away at newly promoted Watford, who were one of the clubs relegated from the Premier League two seasons ago, whilst Villa narrowly survived.
Their home opener is against Newcastle United, as Steve Bruce returns in front of a (hopefully) capacity Villa Park crowd.
Let’s take a look at some of the other key games and dates for Villa’s upcoming campaign.
Rivals
After West Brom’s return to the Championship, Wolverhampton Wanderers are left as Villa’s only local rival in the Premier League.
The Villans finished above Wolves last season for the first time since the 2016/17 campaign, and picked up four points without conceding a goal in their games against the Black Country club.
They will face off against Wolves at Villa Park on 16th October and at Molineux on 2nd April.
Festive Fixtures
The Christmas period is always a challenge, with games coming thick and fast in a short period of time.
This year is no different, as Villa face Chelsea at home on Boxing Day, followed by a trip to Leeds United just two days later.
On New Year’s Day, Dean Smith returns to his old stomping ground (although in a new stadium) as Villa face Brentford at Brentford Community Stadium.
The ‘Big Six’
After only picking up one win and one draw against the so-called ‘Big Six’ in the 2019/20 season, Villa fared much better last term, collecting 16 points.
Villa’s first encounter with one of the six comes on 11th September, when they face the reigning champions of Europe, Chelsea.
Liverpool were famously demolished 7-2 by Dean Smith’s side last season, but Villa fans will have to wait until 16th April to see the Reds return to B6.
Defending Premier League champions Manchester City will come to town on 30th November, with the return fixture coming on the 22nd May, the final day of the season, meaning Villa will start and finish their 2021/22 campaign on the road.
Villa will look to amend their terrible record against Manchester United, travelling north on 25th September, before hosting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team on 15th January.
Nine of Villa’s points against the six last season came against North London clubs, and they will look to continue that trend.
They will make the journey to the capital twice in October, facing Spurs on the 2nd and Arsenal on the 23rd, before later welcoming the Gunners to Villa Park on the 19th March and Tottenham on the 9th April.
Easiest and Hardest Runs
Disclaimer: These selections are based on the position of Aston Villa’s opponents in the final 2020/21 Premier League table, so with that in mind, I have placed Norwich, Watford and Brentford as 18th, 19th and 20th respectively, based on the position they were promoted in.
Of course, there is an element of unknown with every team in a new season, and none more so than promoted sides, who could be anything from a Leeds to a Fulham in level of quality, so take these with a pinch of salt.
On paper, Villa’s easiest calendar month comes right at the start of the season, immediately followed by their toughest month.
Villa’s August fixtures against Watford, Newcastle and Brentford appear to be a prime opportunity to get points on the board in a hurry. Especially as two of those games are at home.
They will need to make the most of those games however, as September serves up trips to Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford sandwiched around a home match versus Everton.
Another favourable stretch for Villa comes between February and March, with Newcastle, Watford, Brighton and Southampton on the schedule back-to-back.
But the level of difficulty ramps up immediately after that, as Villa face West Ham, Arsenal, Wolves, Spurs, Liverpool and Leicester in succession.
Villa’s final home game of the season is against Crystal Palace, providing a chance for Jack Grealish and co. to sign off in style in front of their own fans.
The Villa Ramble 
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