The Premier League is back, for real! No more watching the International Champions Cup and wondering if star players lost a step or just can’t be bothered with friendlies. The real thing starts on Saturday, a week earlier than usual so they can finish in time to let players go to Euro 2016. The scheduling gods have been kind to us, giving all of the big teams serious tests, kicking off with a pair of teams expected to finish in the top six.
Your guide to watching Premier League Week 1: How good are Manchester United, anyway?
Bastian Schweinsteiger in a Manchester United shirt is very cool and very weird.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
All games can be seen on NBC Sports Live Extra and Deportes Telemundo En Vivo Extra in the United States. For listings from more countries, check out Live Soccer TV.
| Match | Date/Time (ET) | TV |
| Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur | Saturday, 7:45 a.m. | NBCSN |
| AFC Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa | Saturday, 10 a.m. | NBCSN |
| Everton vs. Watford FC | Saturday, 10 a.m. | USA Network |
| Leicester City vs. Sunderland | Saturday, 10 a.m. | Live Extra/Extra Time only |
| Norwich City vs. Crystal Palace | Saturday, 10 a.m. | Live Extra/Extra Time only |
| Chelsea vs. Swansea City | Saturday, 12:30 p.m. | NBC |
| Arsenal vs. West Ham United | Sunday, 8:30 a.m. | NBCSN |
| Newcastle vs. Southampton | Sunday, 8:30 a.m. | Live Extra/Extra Time only |
| Stoke City vs. Liverpool | Sunday, 11 a.m. | NBCSN |
| West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester City | Monday, 3 p.m. | NBCSN |
Must-watch: Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
There's been minor upheaval at both of these clubs and it's not easy to figure out what either manager is thinking. Tottenham have spent their summer clearing dead weight -- and doing quite a good job of it -- though they still have to get Emmanuel Adebayor, Roberto Soldado and Aaron Lennon out the door. They haven't bought a new midfielder yet, so they're experimenting with playing 22-year-old central defender Eric Dier in that spot. He hasn't looked good, while Ryan Mason is injured, so expect 19-year-old Dele Alli to make his Premier League debut at Old Trafford. No pressure, kid.
United have made a big splash by signing Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin to bolster their midfield, but they're still in search of a big name superstar. Cristiano Ronaldo and Thomas Müller are on their radar, but yet to sign up. The Red Devils haven't added a central defender, either, when they're in serious need of two.
This match isn’t just a must-watch because it features two of the best teams in the league, but because they’re both in the middle of their transfer business. The return fixture might be a higher quality game, featuring a new central midfielder for Spurs and a couple of new superstars for United, but this game should be the more fun of their two matches. Expect both teams to score.
Next best: Stoke City vs. Liverpool
The Barcelonafication of Stoke has happened swiftly, and manager Mark Hughes is going all-in on trying to play a fluid, possession-oriented 4-3-3 this season. And yet, they still have characters like Charlie Adam, Ryan Shawcross and Jon Walters in the side, plus one of the most intimidating atmospheres in England at the Brittania Stadium. They entertain AND punch people in the mouth!
They will, however, probably struggle against Liverpool. Don't tell anyone, but Steven Gerrard has been bad for a couple of years. Emre Can and James Milner are huge improvements over him in the center of midfield. And while Raheem Sterling might develop into the best English player since Alan Shearer, Roberto Firmino is probably better right now. Plus, Danny Ings and Christian Benteke are miles better than what Liverpool had up top last season.
I’m not saying Liverpool will make top four (they’re clearly short a good central defender), and they might take some time to get their chemistry right, but they have a really strong team. They are undoubtedly better than last season. Winning at the Brittania is never easy for anyone, but Liverpool are certainly good enough to do it.
Pick of the 10 a.m. kickoffs: Norwich City vs. Crystal Palace
If you didn't catch Alex Neil's Norwich in the Championship last season, they were a blast to watch. Much like Andy Carroll, Nathan Redmond was a top prospect who struggled in his first season as a Premier League regular, benefited greatly from a drop down to the Championship, and now re-enters the top flight ready to become a star. He'll be the centerpiece of a team that features a bunch of Premier League veterans, most of whom you saw with Norwich last time they were in the top flight.
Crystal Palace made a big splash by picking up Yohan Cabaye this summer, but their transfer window has been defined by not losing players. Scott Dann signed a new contract, while Yannick Bolasie doesn't look close to a move despite links to top half clubs. Alan Pardew is banking on his existing stars maintaining their levels or improving, and if he's right about that, his team should finish in the top half.
These are two sides that, financially, should probably be in the relegation battle. But thanks to some shrewd management, they might be able to get to 40 points pretty early in the season, and they’ll do it playing fun soccer. This has the most entertainment potential off the Saturday midday matches.
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