English Premiership set for kick-off

BBC ^ | August 16 | n/a

[jjbrouwer]

The new Premiership season starts on Saturday, with Manchester United and Arsenal again set to go head-to-head for the title.

United, who pipped Arsenal to top spot last season, begin the defence of their championship at home to Bolton, while the Gunners host Everton at Highbury.

But arguably the biggest game of the first weekend is Sunday's clash between Chelsea and Liverpool at Anfield.

Chelsea have spent nearly £75m in the close season on seven new players, and coach Claudio Ranieri knows his side will be expected to win some silverware this year.

Many of the Blues' big signings are likely to be on show, while Liverpool fans will be looking forward to seeing Harry Kewell.

Both clubs, as well as Newcastle, who finished third last season, will want a good start as they aim to break the grip United and Arsenal have held over the league in recent years.

Birmingham and Spurs actually kick off the new Premiership campaign at 1200 BST, while promoted Portsmouth host Aston Villa in their first Premiership match at 1230 BST.

Elsewhere on Saturday, fellow new boys Wolves travel to Blackburn, while Leicester, who are back in the top flight after a year away, take on Southampton.

And Fulham boss Chris Coleman, the youngest manager in the Premiership, begins his first full season in charge at home to Middlesbrough.

Coleman is second favourite with bookmakers to be the first boss to get the sack this season, with only Glenn Hoddle at Spurs and Ranieri, given the huge weight of expectation on Chelsea following their spending spree, given shorter odds.

Another man with a big job on his hands is Leeds boss Peter Reid.

After a year of turmoil, Reid will be hoping for a more settled season, but faces a tough test on Sunday at home to Newcastle, who are likely to include ex-Elland Road star Lee Bowyer in their midfield.

Sunday's other early match is at The Valley, where Paolo di Canio could make his debut for Charlton against Manchester City.

ODDS FOR THE SEASON Favourites for the title Manchester United 11-10, Arsenal 9-4, Chelsea 4-1, Liverpool 8-1, Newcastle 12-1 Favourites for relegation Wolves 8-11, Leicester 4-6, Bolton, Portsmouth 11-8, Fulham 9-4 (Odds from William Hill)

[jjbrouwer]

*

[dogbyte12]

I might throw some money down on chelski. 4-1 odds aren't that great of a gamble. Getting all pumped up for tomorrow. I have all 4 of my fantasy squads lined up, got links to live audio streams of the games I want to listen to, and I just need to sleep tonight, so I will be up fresh in the morning. Nothing like first day. Even Fulham is tied for first place right now.

[jjbrouwer]

This will probably be the last time in the season that Fulham are tied for first place...

I think Chelsea could give the big two a run for their money this season. We'll certainly match them in the Champions League, where they always under-achieve.

[dogbyte12]

David Dunn with the first goal of the season. Robbie Savage dumped in the box, Dunn with the PK, beating Kasey Keller. Birmingham is up 1-0 just starting the second half. No score so far in the Portsmouth-Aston Villa game.

[jjbrouwer]

You're up early! I'm watching the Portsmouth game on Fox.

I'm popping down to the pub later to watch the Everton Arsenal game on tape delay.

Good to hear some of those "witty" football chants. Some guy in the crowd with a horn going to the tune of that comedy classic "The referees a w**ker..."

[jjbrouwer]

Sherringham just bundled it in for Pompey. Not bad for an old geezer.

[dogbyte12]

Must have felt good for Teddy. Nothing better than to show that you aren't over the hill.

[jjbrouwer]

He came close with a free kick too - although the Villa fans went into a charming rendition of that other football classic "What the ****in' hell was that...?"

[dogbyte12]

From the BBC text commentary, the Tottenham/Birmingham game sounds especially dreary.

[jjbrouwer]

I used to watch Spurs' home games a lot as a kid. Those were the days when they could play football. Ardiles, Villa, Hoddle, Hazard etc.

Berger's made it 2-0 for Portsmouth.

[foreverfree]

Dear BBC America...

BRING BACH "THE SOCCER SHOW"!!!!

foreverfree

[dogbyte12]

Well, I am off to get supplies (beer and chips), before the main games kick off in an hour. Looks like Portsmouth are in control of their game.

I need Ruud to score a hat trick today, and for Desailly to get an assist and I should be ok in Fantasy Premiereship for the week.

[jjbrouwer]

Good plan. I did find some great site on the Net the other day which gives the web addresses for the local stations who cover their team's matches each Saturday.

I'll try to dig it out.

[dogbyte12]

Any idea of the Chelski line up tomorrow? ManU is going with the exact line up they used in the community shield.

Did Portsmouth look decent? Or was Aston Villa that bad?

[jjbrouwer]

Portsmouth looked ordinary but Villa were even worse. Both pretty good relegation candidates.

Not sure what the Chelsea line-up will be yet. Last season we played them at Anfield and Owen nicked one in the last minute to win the game.

[dogbyte12]

Blackburn 1 Wolverhampton 0
Fulham 1 Middlesborough 1
Leicester 2 Southampton 0

23rd minute

[dogbyte12]

Sol Campbell sent off for Arsenal. Red card in the 27th minute! Still no score with Arsenal and Everton

[jjbrouwer]

Excellent. I don't want to know the score in that one as I'm watching it with some scousers on tape delay. I'm sure they'll enjoy that little incident.

[dogbyte12]

Manchester United 1 Bolton 0

Giggsy with a free kick, after Ruud was brought down.