Pep Guardiola on Friday confirmed that Sergio Aguero will miss Manchester City’s first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League 2020-21</a> match against Wolves on Monday as he is yet to fully train and isn’t completely match-fit. However, the Spaniard said that Riyad Mahrez, who had tested positive for the coronavirus, will be available for the season opener after testing negative.&nbsp;

Talking about Wolves, Pep said that they are always a strong side and it will be a difficult game for the Blues.&nbsp;

"Wolves were always strong, even when they were in the Championship. It was always a difficult game but it will not be any more difficult as against Leicester or Leeds away. We know exactly how tough the Premier League is,” Pep said in pre-match press conference.

As Aymeric Laporte won’t be available for Man City on Monday, chances are high that new signing Nathan Ake might be handed his club debut.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-face-chelsea-test-as-manchester-clubs-enter-fray-328329" hreflang="en">Liverpool face Chelsea test as Manchester clubs enter fray</a>

"We bought Nathan Ake as a centre-back, but sometimes he can help us as a full-back. Maybe if we get injuries, he can play there." 
When asked about the transfer of highly-linked player Kalidou Kouilbaly or any other incoming transfers, Pep said he never speaks about other players in front of the media. "No. I don’t talk in the media about the transfer window,” Pep replied to WION’s query during the press conference.&nbsp;

"What’s going to happen is going to happen. If we stay with the players we have we'll be happy. Never before and never in the future am I going to complain. I'm lucky to have these players and to be at this club,” he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-urges-government-to-stick-to-october-date-for-fans-return-328328" hreflang="en">Premier League urges government to stick to October date for fans' return</a>

In his last year of the current contract, Pep said he is content with the club from the day he arrived in Manchester while adding he knows the club will do the best for everyone including the player and manager.&nbsp;

"Since day one, when I arrived here I’m more than satisfied with what I had in the team. I know the club do absolutely everything to do their best, not just for me, but for all of us…” Pep concluded.

Man City are set to face Wolves in their first Premier League 2020-21 match on Monday and will looking to pose a better challenge for the title than the last season.

Pep Guardiola on Friday confirmed that Sergio Aguero will miss Manchester City’s first Premier League 2020-21 match against Wolves on Monday as he is yet to fully train and isn’t completely match-fit.

Pep Guardiola on Friday confirmed that Sergio Aguero will miss Manchester City’s first Premier League 2020-21 match against Wolves on Monday as he is yet to fully train and isn’t completely match-fit. However, the Spaniard said that Riyad Mahrez, who had tested positive for the coronavirus, will be available for the season opener after testing negative. Talking about Wolves, Pep said that they are always a strong side and it will be a difficult game for the Blues. "Wolves were always strong, even when they were in the Championship. It was always a difficult game but it will not be any more difficult as against Leicester or Leeds away. We know exactly how tough the Premier League is,” Pep said in pre-match press conference. As Aymeric Laporte won’t be available for Man City on Monday, chances are high that new signing Nathan Ake might be handed his club debut. ALSO READ: Liverpool face Chelsea test as Manchester clubs enter fray "We bought Nathan Ake as a centre-back, but sometimes he can help us as a full-back. Maybe if we get injuries, he can play there." When asked about the transfer of highly-linked player Kalidou Kouilbaly or any other incoming transfers, Pep said he never speaks about other players in front of the media. "No. I don’t talk in the media about the transfer window,” Pep replied to WION’s query during the press conference. "What’s going to happen is going to happen. If we stay with the players we have we'll be happy. Never before and never in the future am I going to complain. I'm lucky to have these players and to be at this club,” he added. ALSO READ: Premier League urges government to stick to October date for fans' return In his last year of the current contract, Pep said he is content with the club from the day he arrived in Manchester while adding he knows the club will do the best for everyone including the player and manager. "Since day one, when I arrived here I’m more than satisfied with what I had in the team. I know the club do absolutely everything to do their best, not just for me, but for all of us…” Pep concluded. Man City are set to face Wolves in their first Premier League 2020-21 match on Monday and will looking to pose a better challenge for the title than the last season.

Premier League: Sergio Aguero and Aymeric Laporte unavailable against Wolves, confirms Pep Guardiola

Premier League 2020-21: Action in pictures as new season begins with an eventful week

Liverpool and Manchester City remain the teams to beat after three seasons of total dominance but a rejuvenated Manchester United and free-spending Chelsea could force themselves into a four-way race for the title.

AFP Sport looks at how last season's top four are shaping up ahead of the new season.

<h2>Liverpool</h2>

After a first league title in 30 years, Liverpool's challenge will change radically. The club have freed themselves from the burden of history but must ensure the 2020/21 season does not become a huge anti-climax.

A lack of fresh blood for the second consecutive season is a risk for Jurgen Klopp's men, who have amassed 196 points over the past two seasons.

Left-back Kostas Tsimikas is the only addition so far, as back up to Andy Robertson.

The financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic meant the arrival of Timo Werner never transpired as the German instead headed for Chelsea, again leaving Liverpool with little as back-up for the front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

However, ahead of a season that will offer precious little time for respite, Klopp has at least had longer to prepare his squad, with his three major title rivals involved in European action in August.

<h2>Manchester City</h2>

City will not have Lionel Messi to take the title fight to Liverpool after the Argentine opted to remain in Barcelona, but it is at the other end of the pitch that Pep Guardiola's men needed to improve anyway to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.

Despite scoring 17 more goals than Liverpool, the dethroned champions finished 18 points behind in second last season.

One addition to the defence has already been made, with the £40 million ($52 million) signing of Nathan Ake from Bournemouth to provide cover at centre-back and left-back.

A marquee central defender is expected to arrive at the Etihad before the window closes in October, with Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly top of their wishlist.

Spanish international Ferran Torres had been added to a stellar cast of attacking talent to replace Leroy Sane, while David Silva's departure opens the door for 20-year-old Phil Foden to build on his impressive performances in the final stretch of last season.

City could be distracted by their desire to finally claim the Champions League in what could be Guardiola's final season in charge.

The Catalan is entering the final year of his contract and has been heavily criticised for failing to get City beyond the quarter-finals of Europe's top club competition over the past four years.

&nbsp;

<h2>Manchester United</h2>

United shot up to third in the second half of last season on the back of a 14-game unbeaten run in the Premier League after the January signing of Bruno Fernandes.

A flourishing young front three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood and more midfield depth with the signing of Donny van de Beek offers United some hope that they will not be left in the shade of their two biggest rivals, Liverpool and City, for much longer.

However, the manner in which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men ended the season in mid-August, physically exhausted after a Europa League semi-final defeat to Sevilla, raises questions over whether they can maintain a title challenge in a crammed calendar over the next nine months.

An ambitious attempt to land Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund has stalled, leaving Solskjaer short on options beyond his preferred front three, while there is also a lack of cover in defence.

<h2>Chelsea</h2>

By far the biggest spenders of the transfer window across Europe, the Blues have splashed out nearly £200 million on Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell and bolstered a leaky defence with the signing of former PSG and Brazil captain Thiago Silva on a free transfer.

More could still be to come with Rennes' Edouard Mendy reportedly top of Chelsea's list in their hunt for a new goalkeeper.

Frank Lampard achieved his main goal during his first season in charge by securing a place in the Champions League despite a transfer ban and the loss of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid.

But expectations on the former England international will be far higher this season as owner Roman Abramovich will demand to see a return on his investment.

Lampard cannot afford for the attacking talents of Werner, Havertz and Ziyech to take their time to adjust to the Premier League.

However, most importantly, he must find the right balance to improve a defence that conceded 54 goals last season, more than any other side in the top half of the table.

Liverpool and Manchester City remain the teams to beat after three seasons of total dominance but a rejuvenated Manchester United and free-spending Chelsea could force themselves into a four-way race for the title.

Liverpool and Manchester City remain the teams to beat after three seasons of total dominance but a rejuvenated Manchester United and free-spending Chelsea could force themselves into a four-way race for the title. AFP Sport looks at how last season's top four are shaping up ahead of the new season. Liverpool After a first league title in 30 years, Liverpool's challenge will change radically. The club have freed themselves from the burden of history but must ensure the 2020/21 season does not become a huge anti-climax. A lack of fresh blood for the second consecutive season is a risk for Jurgen Klopp's men, who have amassed 196 points over the past two seasons. Left-back Kostas Tsimikas is the only addition so far, as back up to Andy Robertson. The financial fallout from the coronavirus pandemic meant the arrival of Timo Werner never transpired as the German instead headed for Chelsea, again leaving Liverpool with little as back-up for the front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. However, ahead of a season that will offer precious little time for respite, Klopp has at least had longer to prepare his squad, with his three major title rivals involved in European action in August. Manchester City City will not have Lionel Messi to take the title fight to Liverpool after the Argentine opted to remain in Barcelona, but it is at the other end of the pitch that Pep Guardiola's men needed to improve anyway to bounce back from a disappointing campaign. Despite scoring 17 more goals than Liverpool, the dethroned champions finished 18 points behind in second last season. One addition to the defence has already been made, with the £40 million ($52 million) signing of Nathan Ake from Bournemouth to provide cover at centre-back and left-back. A marquee central defender is expected to arrive at the Etihad before the window closes in October, with Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly top of their wishlist. Spanish international Ferran Torres had been added to a stellar cast of attacking talent to replace Leroy Sane, while David Silva's departure opens the door for 20-year-old Phil Foden to build on his impressive performances in the final stretch of last season. City could be distracted by their desire to finally claim the Champions League in what could be Guardiola's final season in charge. The Catalan is entering the final year of his contract and has been heavily criticised for failing to get City beyond the quarter-finals of Europe's top club competition over the past four years. Manchester United United shot up to third in the second half of last season on the back of a 14-game unbeaten run in the Premier League after the January signing of Bruno Fernandes. A flourishing young front three of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood and more midfield depth with the signing of Donny van de Beek offers United some hope that they will not be left in the shade of their two biggest rivals, Liverpool and City, for much longer. However, the manner in which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men ended the season in mid-August, physically exhausted after a Europa League semi-final defeat to Sevilla, raises questions over whether they can maintain a title challenge in a crammed calendar over the next nine months. An ambitious attempt to land Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund has stalled, leaving Solskjaer short on options beyond his preferred front three, while there is also a lack of cover in defence. Chelsea By far the biggest spenders of the transfer window across Europe, the Blues have splashed out nearly £200 million on Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell and bolstered a leaky defence with the signing of former PSG and Brazil captain Thiago Silva on a free transfer. More could still be to come with Rennes' Edouard Mendy reportedly top of Chelsea's list in their hunt for a new goalkeeper. Frank Lampard achieved his main goal during his first season in charge by securing a place in the Champions League despite a transfer ban and the loss of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid. But expectations on the former England international will be far higher this season as owner Roman Abramovich will demand to see a return on his investment. Lampard cannot afford for the attacking talents of Werner, Havertz and Ziyech to take their time to adjust to the Premier League. However, most importantly, he must find the right balance to improve a defence that conceded 54 goals last season, more than any other side in the top half of the table.

Liverpool, Man City face tough battle from Premier League challengers

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> on Thursday announced the fixture and complete schedule for the 2020-21 season starting September 12. While Manchester United and Manchester City have been given an added break due to their participation in the Europa League and Champions League this season, all eyes are on the encounters when the ‘Big Six’ will take on each other.

When is the Manchester Derby? When is the Liverpool vs Man City fixture? When is the North London Derby? When will Jose Mourinho’s Spurs take on his former club Manchester United and Chelsea? A lot of questions were answered as soon as the fixtures for the 2020-21 season were revealed on Thursday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-announce-fixtures-for-2020-21-season-here-is-full-schedule-list-321885" hreflang="en">Premier League announce fixtures for 2020-21 season: Here is full schedule list</a>&nbsp;

<h2>‘Big Six’ full schedule and dates</h2>

(Dates subject to change due to TV scheduling)

<ul>
	<li>19 September: Chelsea v Liverpool</li>
	<li>26 September: Liverpool v Arsenal</li>
	<li>3 October: Man Utd v Tottenham</li>
	<li>17 October: Man City v Arsenal</li>
	<li>24 October: Man Utd v Chelsea</li>
	<li>31 October: Man Utd v Arsenal</li>
	<li>7 November: Man City v Liverpool</li>
	<li>21 November: Tottenham v Man City</li>
	<li>28 November: Chelsea v Tottenham</li>
	<li>5 December: Tottenham v Arsenal</li>
	<li>12 December: Man Utd v Man City</li>
	<li>16 December: Liverpool v Tottenham</li>
	<li>26 December: Arsenal v Chelsea</li>
	<li>2 January: Chelsea v Man City</li>
	<li>16 January: Liverpool v Man Utd</li>
	<li>27 January: Tottenham v Liverpool</li>
	<li>30 January: Arsenal v Man Utd</li>
	<li>3 February: Tottenham v Chelsea</li>
	<li>6 February: Liverpool v Man City</li>
	<li>13 February: Man City v Tottenham</li>
	<li>20 February: Arsenal v Man City</li>
	<li>27 February: Chelsea v Man Utd</li>
	<li>6 March: Man City v Man Utd</li>
	<li>13 March: Arsenal v Tottenham</li>
	<li>3 April: Arsenal v Liverpool</li>
	<li>10 April: Tottenham v Man Utd</li>
	<li>1 May: Man Utd v Liverpool</li>
	<li>8 May: Man City v Chelsea</li>
	<li>12 May: Chelsea v Arsenal</li>
</ul>

Can Liverpool defend their Premier League triumph or will there be a new champion in England’s top-flight? 
&nbsp;

The Premier League on Thursday announced the fixture and complete schedule for the 2020-21 season starting September 12. While Manchester United and Manchester City have been given an added break due to their participation in the Europa League and Champions League this season, all eyes are on the encounters when the ‘Big Six’ will take on each other.

The Premier League on Thursday announced the fixture and complete schedule for the 2020-21 season starting September 12. While Manchester United and Manchester City have been given an added break due to their participation in the Europa League and Champions League this season, all eyes are on the encounters when the ‘Big Six’ will take on each other. When is the Manchester Derby? When is the Liverpool vs Man City fixture? When is the North London Derby? When will Jose Mourinho’s Spurs take on his former club Manchester United and Chelsea? A lot of questions were answered as soon as the fixtures for the 2020-21 season were revealed on Thursday. ALSO READ: Premier League announce fixtures for 2020-21 season: Here is full schedule list ‘Big Six’ full schedule and dates (Dates subject to change due to TV scheduling) 19 September: Chelsea v Liverpool 26 September: Liverpool v Arsenal 3 October: Man Utd v Tottenham 17 October: Man City v Arsenal 24 October: Man Utd v Chelsea 31 October: Man Utd v Arsenal 7 November: Man City v Liverpool 21 November: Tottenham v Man City 28 November: Chelsea v Tottenham 5 December: Tottenham v Arsenal 12 December: Man Utd v Man City 16 December: Liverpool v Tottenham 26 December: Arsenal v Chelsea 2 January: Chelsea v Man City 16 January: Liverpool v Man Utd 27 January: Tottenham v Liverpool 30 January: Arsenal v Man Utd 3 February: Tottenham v Chelsea 6 February: Liverpool v Man City 13 February: Man City v Tottenham 20 February: Arsenal v Man City 27 February: Chelsea v Man Utd 6 March: Man City v Man Utd 13 March: Arsenal v Tottenham 3 April: Arsenal v Liverpool 10 April: Tottenham v Man Utd 1 May: Man Utd v Liverpool 8 May: Man City v Chelsea 12 May: Chelsea v Arsenal Can Liverpool defend their Premier League triumph or will there be a new champion in England’s top-flight?