Antonio Conte now knows the structure of his Tottenham Hotspur season and the fixtures that are likely to shape his side's destiny, including some awkwardly timed Champions League games.
The Premier League fixtures for the 2022/23 campaign were released on Thursday morning and although some dates and kick-off times will change due to television scheduling and cup matches falling too close to them, Spurs at least know the main shape of their season to come.
Starting with a home match is always the best way to begin a season and, on paper, Tottenham will hope that Southampton present less of a stern test than last season's first visitors Manchester City, although the Lilywhites did win that encounter. It will be Spurs' first Saturday 3pm kick off since December 2019. Conte may also be happy to get the trip to Stamford Bridge out of the way quickly as the second game of the season in the hope that Thomas Tuchel's side will still be trying to stabilise after a summer of flux, with new owners and a number of their experienced players moving on, particularly in defence.
