Opening Day Fixtures for Premier League
First Games in New 2008-09 Football Season in England on 16th August
Aug 10, 2008
The opening day fixtures for the new Premier League season on Saturday, 16th August commence at the Emirates Stadium where Arsenal play newly promoted West Bromwich Albion in a lunch time kick-off. Although Arsenal have lost a number of key players - Alexander Hleb to Barcelona and Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan - it will be a difficult start for Albion who made a quick return to the Premier League after only two seasons in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Hull City's First Premier League Match
Of the other newly promoted teams, Hull City are at home for their first ever Premier League game and entertain Fulham who made a dramatic escape from relegation on the last day of the season. The visitors have been very active in the transfer market during the summer, having signed Bobby Zamora from West Ham United and Andy Johnston from Everton to lead their attack and Mark Schwarzer from Middlesbrough in goal. Stoke City travel to Bolton where Gary Megson’s team will look to improve on last season’s disappointments. The two teams have a similar, hard-working style and will be well matched.
New Manager at Blackburn
Paul Ince, the new manager of Blackburn Rovers, takes his team to play Everton where David Moyes has had a quiet summer where transfers are concerned, with no new signings. Blackburn sold David Bentley to Tottenham but will have the former Spurs player, Paul Robinson, in goal, having sold Brad Friedal to Aston Villa.
The first game of the season for Middlesbrough s against Tottenham Hotspur at the Riverside and they will have an inexperienced side as manager, Gareth Southgate, has sold goalkeeper Schwarzer to Fulham and defender Luke Young to Aston Villa. Spurs lost Robbie Keane to Liverpool but should have new signings, Luka Modric and Gio dos Santos and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes in their team.
West Ham United entertain Wigan Athletic at Upton Park but with a number of injuries carried over from last season may find it difficult to make an impression this year. Steve Bruce, Wigan’s manager has strengthened his side since taking over mid-way through last season.
Liverpool's Challenge Commences at Sunderland
Liverpool will be looking to get their league challenge off to a good start at Sunderland. Both clubs have been active in the transfer market with both looking to Tottenham to sign new players. Liverpool will be hoping that Robbie Keane continues his goal scoring exploits and can also create further opportunities for Fernando Torres. Sunderland strengthened their squad by signing three players from White Hart Lane – Pascal Chimbonda, Steed Malbranque and Teemu Tainio.
Sunday Games
The remaining fixtures will be played on the Sunday. Chelsea’s new manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, has a home match against FA Cup holders, Portsmouth. He will want to maintain the club's undefeated home record that has been built up by the past three managers. Portsmouth have added to their team by signing Peter Crouch from Liverpool to play alongside Jermain Defoe and Chelsea’s challenge for the title has been strengthened by the arrival of Jose Bosingwa from FC Porto and Deco from Barcelona.
Champions - Manchester United
Defending champions, Manchester United play Newcastle United at Old Trafford but must start the season without Christiano Ronaldo who is recovering from an operation. Wayne Rooney is also likely to be absent as he has been struck down with a virus. Newcastle’s manager, Kevin Keegan, has had a quiet summer with transfers as has Sir Alex Ferguson who’s major target has been Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham Hotspur.
The final match is between Aston Villa and Manchester City. Throughout the summer there has been extensive speculation that Villa captain, Gareth Barry, would leave for Liverpool while City’s new manager, Mark Hughes, has been endeavouring to strengthen his squad for the new season, although financial restrictions have required him to sell in order to bring in new players.
