How is Premier League fixture order decided? Myths dispelled about how schedule is made

Is it a fix? Is it a completely random computer? How can my team get such a tough run at the end of the season?

Those are just some of the questions that are often asked around the Premier League fixture release every single year.

But fear not, we have the myths dispelled and can reveal exactly how the fixtures have been decided for the new Premier League season.

So if you are concerned about an especially tough run that Manchester United go on, or you don't fancy Arsenal's back-to-back trips to Bournemouth and Newcastle , then at least you have the answers as to how they are decided.

Here is how the Premier League fixture order is decided...

Arsenal and Tottenham's clash is decided by a random fixture computer (PA)

How is the Premier League fixture order decided?

The order is decided by a method called 'sequencing' and is broken into five different sets which are then reversed for the second part of the season.

The 'golden rules' of the method states that there is a split of three home fixtures and two away in any five matches - or the other way around.

Most clubs will have a partner club that they cannot clash with, for example local rivals Manchester United and Manchester City will not play at home on the same day.

Both Man City and Man Utd will never play at home on the same weekend (AMA/Getty)

Another aspect is that if you are at home on boxing day, you will be away on New Year’s Day, and vice-versa. Where possible a club will not have more than two home or two away matches in a row.

When are the Premier League TV fixtures decided?

There are not set dates for when the TV fixtures are decided.

However, based on last season, they are likely to be announced about four weeks before the start of the season.