Ah, it’s finally here! The wait is over, the most competitive league in the world has kicked off. After Arsenal beat cross-city opponents Crystal Palace on Friday night, we’ve got six fixtures to enjoy as the first weekend of the new season picks up pace.All three promoted clubs are in action today, with Fulham presented with the most challenging task – a home match against Liverpool.The EPL is Back, Bigger and BetterThe biggest question hanging over the Cottagers is whether they can finally remain in the division. Each of their last three seasons in the English top tier ended in relegations. Last season, Marco Silva’s team dominated the EFL Championship, with striker Aleksandar Mitrovic breaking all goalscoring records. Still, we’ll have to see if their six new players will improve the team enough for them to avoid being stuck in the bottom three come the final day of the season.The Cottagers will host Liverpool, who will be challenging for the title again. If they want to finish above Manchester City this time around, they mustn’t drop points in the games such as this one. But it’s the opening weekend – so anything can happen.##NAJAVA_MECA_6548832##Fulham are set to be without Harry Wilson and Nathaniel Chalobah, who have both picked up injuries in pre-season. For Jurgen Klopp’s team, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas have all been ruled out. The Reds will also be without Diogo Jota, Caoimhin Kelleher and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who are all injured.Bournemouth, who finished second in the Championship last season, will host Aston Villa at their Vitality Stadium. The teams will be managed by Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard, respectively. Two former midfielders and England teammates will test their wit against each other in what is still a relatively new role for them.Real talk, @DomSolanke ✊ pic.twitter.com/QhdKy9h23X— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 3, 2022 Bournemouth will be without new signings, Joe Rothwell and Ryan Fredericks, who are both injured. But midfielder Marcus Tavernier could make his debut after signing for $12 million from Middlesbrough earlier this week. Aston Villa have a fully fit squad with Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings recovering from their injury niggles.Nottingham Forest will travel to St James’ Park in one of the more intriguing matches. Simply put, you don’t know what to expect from either of these teams. Will Newcastle continue their fine form from the end of the last season? How will Forest do after being 23 years away from the Premier League?
Big spenders Chelsea will travel to Liverpool to clash with Everton, managed by their former star Frank Lampard. Toffees forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss the next six weeks after picking up a “freak” knee injury in training on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly could make their competitive debuts for Chelsea.Elsewhere, Leeds will host Wolves, and Antonio Conte’s ambitious Spurs will welcome Southampton to their north London home.May the action commence!PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 1FridayCrystal Palace – Arsenal 0-2 (0-1)/Martinelli 20, Guehi 85 og/Saturday14.30: (11.0) Fulham (6.00) Liverpool (1.30)17.00: (1.40) Tottenham (4.90) Southampton (9.00)17.00: (1.70) Newcastle (3.80) Nott.Forest (5.70)17.00: (2.35) Leeds (3.25) Wolverhampton (3.40)17.00: (3.90) Bournemouth (3.40) Aston Villa (2.10)19.30: (5.70) Everton (3.80) Chelsea (1.70)Sunday16.00: (2.05) Leicester (3.60) Brentford (3.80)16.00: (1.57) Man.Utd. (4.00) Brighton (7.00)18.30: (9.50) West Ham (5.50) Man.City (1.35)***odds are subject to change