Indyplus preview: Premier League games
A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixtures
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Your support makes all the difference.The Independent brings you all the previews for the upcoming Premier League fixtures kicking off the season this weekend.
Liverpool v Stoke, Saturday, 12.45pm
Liverpool host Stoke looking to put a turbulent off-season behind them as they seek to improve on last season’s seventh place. For Stoke, new manager Mark Hughes' appointment drew criticism from supporters but Stoke have offered their fans free coach travel to all away games this season.
Arsenal v Aston Villa, Saturday, 3pm
No major new signings for Arsenal - but they do start the season with the bonus of having Jack Wilshere ready to go, after the midfielder completed a full pre-season. Aston Villa struggled away from home last season and Villa fans will hope the additions of Jores Okore and Antonio Luna strengthen their defence.
Norwich v Everton, Saturday, 3pm
Roberto Martinez will be looking for a positive start to his Everton reign, while Norwich will be boosted by new strikers Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
Sunderland v Fulham, Saturday, 3pm
Paolo Di Canio has 10 new signings to choose from in the first match of his first full season as Sunderland manager. Fulham begin the season under new ownership after Mohamed Al Fayed ended his 16 year stint by selling the club to Shahid Khan.
West Brom v Southampton, Saturday, 3pm
Eyes will be on new West Brom signing Nicholas Anelka to see if he can still pose a strong attacking threat. Southampton have strengthened their squad, spending over £20m with the acquisition of defender Dejan Lovran and midfielder Victor Wanyama from Lyons and Celtic respectively.
West Ham v Cardiff City, Saturday, 3pm
West Ham Sam Allardyce has said this “has been one of the quietest summers I’ve had,” though he will be hoping that new signing Stewart Downing flourishes at Upton Park. Malky Mackay has spent over £25m on new players at Cardiff over the summer including the club-record £11m signing of Seville midfielder Gary Medel.
Swansea City v Manchester United, Saturday, 5.30pm
David Moyes makes his league bow as United manager after a frustrating summer, having failed to add any big-name reinforcements. Swansea fans will also be looking forward to seeing new £12m striker Wilfried Bony.
Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday, 1.30pm
Crystal Palace return to the top flight after eight seasons in the Championship and will be hoping to survive a season in the Premier League for the first time. Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has spent the summer dealing with constant speculation about the future of star player Gareth Bale, who will miss the match with a foot injury.
Chelsea v Hull, Sunday, 4pm
Jose Mourinho, now the "Happy One", returns to Chelsea for his second spell as Blues manager. In his previous time at the club, Chelsea never lost in all 60 of their Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge so Steve Bruce's newly promoted Hull side face a tough ask in their first match back in the top flight.
Manchester City v Newcastle United, Monday, 8pm
Having spent in excess of £70m on new players over the summer expectations will be high for Manuel Pellegrini's new-look Manchester City. Joe Kinnear re-joined Newcastle as director of football in what has been seen as a controversial appointment.
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