A selection of pre-season fixtures to watch out for this summer

The pre-season begins soon, with all Premier League clubs playing a few warm-up games before the 2017/18 season starts on August 12^th. Here are some fixtures you won’t want to miss.

Arsenal versus Bayern Munich, 19^th July, Shanghai

Let’s hope it’s not a repeat of the last time these two teams met… or, if you’re in need of some entertainment, then hope for exactly that.

More from The Top Flight

• Barcelona identify Newcastle star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
• Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
• “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
• Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
• Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss

Chelsea versus Arsenal, 6^th August, London

The Premier League champions and FA Cup winners meet at Wembley for the Community Shield. The last time these two teams met would be merely three months prior, when Wenger’s team stole the prospect of a double from Conte’s. Although a ‘trophy’ is up for grabs, it is really still just a friendly to help kick off the new season.

Brighton and Hove Albion versus Atletico Madrid, 6^th August, Brighton

Newly promoted Brighton will face one of the toughest teams in Europe to warm them up for their new league place. Atletico have faced a transfer ban this summer, meaning that no new signings will be on show (so calm down, Diego Costa!). Brighton host the Spanish giants at the Amex Stadium, which will be a great experience for the fans.

Manchester City versus Manchester United, 20^th July, Texas

Manchester City versus Real Madrid, 26^th July, California

Manchester City versus Tottenham Hotspur, 29^th July, Tennessee

City surely have the most exciting pre-season tour awaiting them in the United States. They have been a busy team in the transfer window so far and these fixtures will be a great chance for Guardiola to get to know his new signings. A tough set of summer fixtures will also allow for some practise in handling the demands of the Premier League for this title-challenging side.

Manchester United versus Real Madrid, 23^rd July/8^th August, California/Macedonia

Manchester United verus Barcelona, 26^th July, Washington DC

United’s summer does not get any easier after their derby in Texas. They face Real Madrid twice (the second time for the UEFA Super Cup) and Barcelona in between. Jose Mourinho will be up against an old team – expect the mind-games to start any day now. Pride doesn’t take a day off, even for a friendly match. United will also want a strong pre-season to set a good pace as they work to restore their dominance in the League.

Next: Bayern Munich warns PL clubs away from Lewandowski

For more details of these fixtures, and a full list of the rest, see the Premier League website.