Fulham, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest will target a first once they discover their opponents on Thursday

The fans of the three promoted clubs will be counting down the hours until 09:00 BST on Thursday 16 June, when they will learn the fixtures for their first season back in the Premier League. 

Naturally, their eyes will be drawn to their first opponents on the weekend of 6 August, when Fulham, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest will aim to make history as a promoted trio. 

Indeed, never before have all three promoted clubs won their first match back in the competition, although the teams of 2021/22 came mightily close. 

Last season, Brentford beating Arsenal and Watford overcoming Aston Villa equalled the Premier League record of six points gained from the promoted teams in Matchweek 1. The only time it had happened previously was in 1997/98, when Bolton Wanderers and Crystal Palace also won.

Promoted teams in Matchweek 1

Could this be the year?

While Forest have had to wait the longest for a chance at this record, with their 23-year absence being the biggest gap between Premier League seasons for one club, their history on the opening weekend suggests they can hold up their end of the bargain.

Indeed, they should not fear whomever they are scheduled to play on 6 August because they have won four of their five previous opening-weekend Premier League matches. 

MW1 record 2022/23 promoted clubs

And while Fulham and AFC Bournemouth have won only a third and fifth of their season openers respectively, they need only look to the likes of Brentford, Huddersfield Town and Blackpool for inspiration.

These teams are among those who have produced some of the most iconic returns to the Premier League for promoted clubs.

Tomorrow: How defending champions fare in MW1

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