The build up and hype is just about over as the English Premier League returns tomorrow. I can’t wait!
I cannot remember a season with so many questions marks. How will Manchester United fare without Sir Alex Ferguson in the dugout for the first time in the Premier League era? Will it be a warm homecoming for Jose Mourinho? Can Manuel Pellegrini return Man City to the top of the Premier League again?
And what about the introduction of goal-line technology with Hawk-Eye systems now in place at all 20 Premier League grounds. When we will we see it used for the first time?
At the bottom of the table, mewly promoted sides Cardiff, Hull and Crystal Palace all seemed destined to have difficult seasons. Which one of them will surprise and finish comfortably in mid table?
With two weeks left in the transfer window, so that means two more weeks of wondering whether Gareth Bale really will be the most expensive player in history and whether Arsenal and Manchester United will actually sign some players?
The new season kicks off at Anfield, where Liverpool come up against a Stoke City side with a new manager in Mark Hughes.
With Luis Suarez still suspended for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic last season, Rodgers has been boosted by the news that Daniel Sturridge has overcome an ankle problem.
Former Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez takes his new club Everton to Norwich City on Saturday, while Cardiff City, promoted as winners of the second-tier Championship, visit West Ham United for their first top-level match since 1962.
Paolo Di Canio’s Sunderland, and their 10 new signings, begin the campaign at home to Fulham, while Southampton will have club-record £12.5 million signing Victor Wanyama on board for their trip to West Bromwich Albion.
Sunday will also witness another encounter between a promoted club and a budding title contender, with Tottenham Hotspur travelling from north to south London to take on Crystal Palace.
English Premier League fixtures
Saturday
Liverpool v Stoke City
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Norwich City v Everton
Sunderland v Fulham
West Bromwich Albion v Southampton
West Ham United v Cardiff City
Swansea City v Manchester United
Sunday
Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea v Hull City
Monday
Manchester City v Newcastle United
