Liverpool will begin its latest Premier League title defense at home to Bournemouth on Aug. 15 while Manchester United will host Arsenal in the opening round of next season

Of course, Pep – serial title-winner, spent a gazillion-pounds to plug holes and having his best player returning – is clearly facing a steep learning curve now. Meanwhile, Amorim apparently needs three full seasons just to get his footing. All perfectly reasonable conclusions. No notes.

Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City, Crystal Palace and Leeds live on Sky Sports on the opening weekend; Sky Sports Premier League coverage increases from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live;