The unveiling of the Premier League schedule is a peculiar time for football fans. The excitement of seeing a favourite team's list of opponents is often followed by the sad realization that the season is more than a month away.
Beyond finding out where the likes of champion Leicester City will play or the list of holiday fixtures, ahead of this highly anticipated Premier League season, the limelight belongs to the managers following the arrival of the sport's most charismatic leaders.
While the race for the championship appears wide open, along with guessing candidates for relegation, it's probably a safe bet that the weekly press conferences with the likes of Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, et al will be more entertaining than Aston Villa's miserable 2015-16 season.
Here are 10 unmissable matches to look forward to:
Leicester City vs. Arsenal - Aug. 20
The KP Stadium is the sight of the first marquee clash of the season as Arsenal looks to continue its dominance over last season's champions. Although Arsene Wenger's team was the only opponent to collect all six points from both matches last season, those associated with Leicester will likely cite the championship parade as a far superior memory from the last term if Arsenal's double is brought up.
Manchester United vs. Southampton - Aug. 20
Jose Mourinho will grace Old Trafford for the first time as Manchester United manager when the Red Devils take on Southampton. It will be the former Chelsea manager's first match in front of fans desperate to put the last three seasons behind them.
Manchester United vs. Manchester City - Sept. 10
Two of the most prominent managers in the sport will lock horns in the season's first Manchester derby. The timing is perfect for football fans desperate to see the two revive a rivalry made famous when Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola roamed the touchlines in Spain with Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.
Chelsea vs. Manchester United - Oct. 22
Mourinho will get top billing once again when he leads United into Stamford Bridge for the first time since he was fired by Chelsea last season. Not far behind Mourinho on the marquee is Antonio Conte, set for his first season managing outside of Italy with one of England's most celebrated teams in the 21st century.
Southampton vs. Everton - Nov. 26
Chances are there will be a toxic atmosphere inside the St. Mary's Stadium when Everton manager Ronald Koeman emerges from the tunnel for the first time since leaving Southampton - a somewhat surprising move, considering Everton finished below the Saints last season. Koeman could get a nasty reception, with reports suggesting he left Southampton due to a disagreement over his wages.
West Ham United vs. Chelsea - March 4
The District Line derby will take place in a completely different venue for the first time in over 100 years when West Ham United hosts Chelsea at its new ground, Olympic Stadium.
Middlesbrough vs. Sunderland - March 11
Middlesbrough's promotion, combined with Sunderland's heroic efforts to remain in the top flight, paved the way for the renewal of old resentments. With neighbours Newcastle out of the Premier League, Middlesbrough represents the closest geographical rival for the Black Cats as the Tees–Wear derby resumes for the first time since 2012.
Liverpool vs. Everton - April 1
Arguably one of the fiercest derbies in the country will have its final league match late in the season when Liverpool and Everton go up against each another at Anfield on April Fools' Day. Koeman will hope the joke is on Liverpool this time: Everton enters the season without a victory in the Merseyside derby since 2010.
Tottenham vs. Arsenal - April 29
A late north London derby at White Hart Lane could be vital if last season is any indication. After Arsenal and Tottenham finished second and third, respectively, this match could have a massive impact on where each side finishes.
Manchester City vs. Leicester City - May 13
A repeat of one of the most exciting matches of the 2015-16 season will take place at the Etihad Stadium during the penultimate matchday when Manchester City hosts Leicester City. The Citizens will be desperate to avoid the same scoreline, though, and when the match rolls around, they'll hope to be in a position to edge closer to lifting the Premier League title with its result.