EPL preview: Opening day fixtures
After what seemed like an eternity, the Barclays Premier League kicks off again! These are the fixtures for the opening weekend.
Liverpool vs Stoke City
Stoke City, with a manager looking to prove himself again, are on the road towards change. However, the focus will firmly be on the home side, and on one player in particular, Luis Suarez.
Whether he starts the game or not, one question will be answered with clarity - what the fans think of him. Also expected are debuts for Liverpool’s new signings like Iago Aspas and Simon Mignolet, while Liverpool old boys Peter Crouch and Charlie Adam return to face their former club.
Previous fixtures between these two clubs have been entertaining, with chances flying around everywhere. Let’s hope for more of the same.
Venue: Anfield
Kick off: Saturday, 12.45 GMT
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Arsene Wenger
This could be another match where the fans take their chance to voice their concerns. Arsenal have been active in the transfer window, but only in the departures section. With just one new signing Yaya Sanogo (who is unavailable for this game due to injury), Arsenal’s squad is just one injury/suspension away from a major rejig.
The squad looks extremely thin for now. Despite Wenger’s promises and widespread links, the marquee signing they were planning looks nowhere close to happening. Perhaps, the fans will remind Wenger that time is running out.
On the other hand, Aston Villa have managed to keep hold of Christian Benteke, who will be keen to prove that he isn’t a one-season wonder. This is a match one would expect Arsenal to win, but their current injury concerns does not make it as straightforward as it seems.
Venue: The Emirates Stadium
Kick off: Saturday, 15.00 GMT
Norwich City vs Everton
Norwich have been one of the busiest sides in the country during this transfer season, while Everton start the season with a rare managerial change. A number of debuts are expected here – the likes of Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Gary Hooper, Arouna Kone, Delofeu, Antonio Alcarez for instance.
Another interesting point to note would be the style employed by new Everton manager Roberto Martinez. Will he employ the possession based tactics here, like he did at Wigan? Everton, notorious for their slow starts, will be looking to correct that trend against what looks like, at least on paper, a weaker opposition. Norwich play at home, which balances that out. Both teams are equally likely to win.
Venue: Carrow Road
Kick off: Saturday, 15.00 GMT
Sunderland vs Fulham
The home team will look completely irrecognizable from the squad which flirted with relegation for most parts of last season. With upto 10 new signings and almost an equal number of departures, Sunderland have easily been the busiest club in the league. A winning start can vindicate Di Canio’s activity so far.
Their opponents for the day, Fulham, have not been as active. They were in a freefall towards the end of last season and would be looking to correct the form book with a good start away from home on the opening day. Neither side have too much flair to boast about in their ranks; expect a match high on work-rate and physical play.
Venue: The Stadium of Light
Kick off: Saturday, 15.00 GMT
West Bromwich Albion vs Southampton
West Brom started last season with a 3-0 home win over Liverpool, and continued their stunning form upto mid-season. They faltered a bit towards the end, else they could have definitely challenged for 6th or 7th in the table.
Southampton endured a horror start but climbed up the table as the season progressed. West Brom are a tough side to beat at home, and will look towards new signing Nicolas Anelka to provide assurances in their forward department while partnering him with the hard working Shane Long.
Southampton have kept hold of Luke Shaw, and added quality to their talented midfield by signing Victor Wayanma – signs of a successful shopping window. Both managers played a style that was easy on the eye last season, which makes this fixture one worth waiting with anticipation.
Venue: The Hawthorns
Kick off: Saturday, 15.00 GMT
West Ham United vs Cardiff City
Cardiff City will be the first among the new boys to get a taste of the action. Their opening fixture could not have been more challenging – a visit to Upton Park on the first day.
West Ham, under Sam Allardayce, have shown no inclination towards abandoning their route one tactics, quite understandably. On paper, the signing of Stewart Downing looks perfect to supply crosses to the big centre forward Andy Carroll. However, fans may fear whether this partnership may actually work, given their past struggles together at Liverpool.
Cardiff City are unknown entities in the top flight, with the exception of Craig Bellamy, who returns to face one of his many former clubs. Malkin McKay’s team would like to gain some early momentum in what is expected to be a long fight against the drop. With these promoted teams, you never know what to expect. Fingers crossed for this one.
Venue: Upton Park
Kick off: Saturday, 15.00 GMT