The Barclay’s Premier League is back for another season, and it starts off today with six matches. Earlier this week, the Premier league kick off was in jeopardy as officials were considering postponing matches due the unrest in parts of London. Only one match was eventually postponed, Tottenham vs Everton, all other matches will start at their scheduled time.
Saturday
Blackburn vs Wolves
Last season these two sides were separated by just three points and they both want to get off to a flyer in their first match. Both sides can possibly field their strongest eleven as injuries have been at a minimum, they both had a good pre-season and will want to secure as many points as soon as possible this time in order to avoid any relegation battle come May.
Fulham vs Aston Villa
These two teams will face off with two new managers, Martin Jol and Alex Mcleish, eager to prove they are the right men for the job. Two high profile departures, Stewart Downing (Liverpool) and Ashely Young (Manchester United) from Aston Villa leaves a lingering taste of disappointment for a club that wants Champion League football.
That taste may have been worst if not for the arrival of the talented Charles N’zogbia. Fulham on the other hand have capturedpremier league returnee, John Arne Risse and is the only new face that may feature in the Fulham’s starting lineup. This may turn out to be an entertaining opening match after all.
Liverpool vs Sunderland
Liverpool will hope to continue where they left off last season, and without a ball being kicked, talks of Champions League football is on the way. Many expect Liverpool to finish somewhere in the top four and Kenny Danglish has made some summer signing (Charlie Adams, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Alexander Doni) that may deliver just that.
Danglish has also made a late defensive signing, Jose Enrique, to make sure their horrible preseason defensive problems don’t carry over into the season’s opener.
Sunderland has brought in ten new players so far, and Steve Bruce will hope that this new crop can deliver the goods this season. The last time these two teams met, Sunderland secured a 2-2 draw and they will be hoping that they can do one over on the Reds this time around.
QPR vs Bolton
Queens Park Rangers return to the Premier League and will want to continue where they left off in the Championship last season.
They will face a Bolton side that finished the last campaign in a horrible fashion, five straight defeats and QPR will be hoping that form continues.
One of Bolton's promising players Lee Chung-Yung, pre-season was ended after his leg was broken. But no fears for Bolton, as thier last meeting with QPR ended in victory.
Wigan vs Norwich
Another new comer, Norwich, kicks off to Wigan who survived the drop last season on the last day. Norwich last played in the premier League in 2005 and will be hoping that they secure three points today, as the season will only get tougher.
Newcastle vs Arsenal
To close off Saturday's games, is the meeting of the teams that served up one the most entertaining matches last season. a thrilling 4-4 was the score, Newcastle coming from 4-0 to earn a draw.
Newcastle's badboy Barton will most likely be the key, if he plays, if Newcastle wants to win. And the Gunner will be without el captain Cesc Fabregas and midfielder maestro Samir Nasri (both want to leave Arsenal), so it will be a tough task for Ramsey (the only proven creative central midfielder they have available to run the midfield on his own.
An interesting match it will be.
Sunday
Stoke vs Chelsea
The runners up of last season, will travel to hard playing, ruby tackling (according to Arsenal), man kicking (according to Arsenal...again) Stoke. It will be a tough match for both teams and a nervous starter for Chelsea's new boss Boas.
West Brom vs Manchester United
The Champions will open against ex-Liverpool manager, Roy Hogdson, and if beating Barcelona wasnt proof of united's metal, then last Sundays destruction of Manchester City in the Community Shield was.
West Brom will be hoping to keep it tight and avoid any embarrassment, not to say they cant nick a winner, but it will be a uphill task.
Monday
Manchester City vs Swansea
Swansea will be hoping, praying an begging (big money, we buy everything, we buy our rivals best player to weaken them, (shout this one) we hate Manchester United) manchester City are in a kind mood and don't run them over. Signings of Gael Clichy and Sergio Aguero will be on display come Monday so its a test to see how well ManCity's new multi-million squad play together
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