Premier League fixtures: What the 2022/23 schedule can tell us about Crystal Palace’s season

The Premier League schedule has been released today with some interesting fixtures for the Eagles.

Crystal Palace kick off the entire season on Friday night with a mighty London derby against their nemesis Arsenal, a side they took four points off last season.

The Eagles had a splendid campaign under Patrick Vieira last season, with their strong league form mirroring their FA Cup run to the semi finals.

A chance to start right at home

Fair to say that Sky have fallen in love with Palace recently, and the Eagles have so many games played under the Monday night lights.

It’s interesting that the TV chiefs have chosen Patrick Vieira’s side to kick the first ball against Arsenal at Selhurst Park on a Friday night.

Last season, Palace travelled to Stamford Bridge on the first day of the season and lost heavily, but this August they have the chance to start the season well in front of the Selhurst faithful and set the tone for the whole year.

Arsenal struggled twice against the Eagles last season, and only a late Alexandre Lacazette denied them all three points at the Emirates last season.

It was a one way contest when they met at Selhurst, with the Eagles winning 3-0 comfortably.

Boxing Day

The Premier League is going to go on an almost six-week break in November and December due to the World Cup in Qatar, but luckily the traditional Boxing Day fixture list is on.

Palace were battered by Tottenham last year and manager Patrick Vieira watched the game from his room while in isolation due to Covid.

Key man Wilfried Zaha was sent off in that game and everything seemed to be falling apart with Covid issues eating through the team.

This year, Boxing Day will be a home game against Fulham and that should be fun given most fans and players will be working off the turkey they had on Christmas Day.

It won’t be Tottenham this time around but at least it’s still a London derby and the Palace faithful won’t have to make a long away trip.

New Year’s Day

Again Palace get to play their New Year’s game at home in front of their fans, with many people now buying into the fact that Selhurst Park has one of the best atmospheres.

They will take on Antonio Conte’s Tottenham, and last season Palace were unplayable in this fixture and it’s quite telling that it was the first home win of the season for the Eagles with Odsonne Edouard scoring a brace on his special debut.

Young defender Japhet Tanganga was sent off for getting too aggressive on Zaha that day.

M23 derby

Palace first take on rivals Brighton & Hove Albion away on September 17, and will host the Seagulls on February 11.

Last day of the Premier League season

Then the last day of the season is a game against Nottingham Forest.

So many of the big dates being played at home this campaign could be a massive advantage for the Eagles.

Last time out it was a memorable game against Manchester United and this time it will be against Forest, with most fans hoping to enjoy similar levels of satisfaction and enjoyment.