Welcome back, soccer fans. It’s been a few weeks since the 2010-2011 English Premier League fixture list was released. While we’ve been caught up in the World Cup for the past month, it will be ending in a week, and the new Premier League season will begin on August 8^th with the FA Community Shield between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley. Then on the 14^th, Gameweek 1 commences with some real crackers of opening matches. I’ve gone through the schedule for the top division and picked out the notable matches of the season. Enjoy.

(Home team listed first)

August 14^th

• Blackpool v Wigan: The first ever game in the EPL for Blackpool and a definite chance to pick up three points right out of the gate. Roberto Martinez’s side, who finished 16^th last season, should be favorites but expect “The Seasiders” to come out charged to make an impression on their new league. If anyone should get on the scoresheet for Blackpool, it would be Charlie Adam, their experienced Scottish midfielder. Prediction: Blackpool 1, Wigan 1

• Liverpool v Arsenal: The headline fixture of the opening day pits Liverpool, with new manager Roy Hodgson against Arsene Wegner’s Arsenal, who finished 5^th and 3^rd respectively last season. It will likely be to see who isn’t playing in this match come August than who is. Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, and Javier Mascherano are all rumored to be leaving the club, each not surprisingly being linked to a move to Inter Milan to follow their ex-manager, Rafael Benitez. For Arsenal, the only real question is whether their most important player, Cesc Fabregas will still be in red and white for the upcoming season. Forever linked to a return home to Barcelona, the Spanish superstar’s presence is simply a prerequisite to any success the Gunners will have this year. Also expect Moroccan international Marouane Chamakh to make his debut for Arsenal after his summer transfer from Bordeaux. Prediction: Arsenal 3, Liverpool 1

• Tottenham v Man City: An instant rematch of last-years virtual playoff game for 4^th place and a Champions League qualifying spot, these two sides meet in what will be the most competitive fixture of the weekend. Manchester City have already added two more young stars to their ranks in David Silva and Yaya Toure. Tottenham, for the moment, remain unchanged. However, that looks likely to change. Harry Redknapp has publicly admitted interest in Joe Cole as well as Diego Forlan, the Uruguayan striker who has led his side to a World Cup semifinal spot. While the new lineup at Eastlands looks title-worthy, don’t expect them to fly out of the gates, especially if goalkeeper Shay Given, isn’t 100% fit. Prediction: Tottenham 2, Man City 2

August 21^st

• Man City v Liverpool: A meeting of one team on the rise and one team on the decline, one team of future promise and one team of past glory. One team that spends its new money furiously and one that adheres to tried and tested tradition. In what is sure to become the “battle for fourth” for many years to come, Man City and Liverpool will meet at Eastlands. Liverpool will likely be reeling from a loss at Arsenal, and Man City will be looking for its first win as well. Expect and open game, and if Liverpool lose squad depth, it could be over before it starts. Prediction: Man City 2, Liverpool 1

September 11^th

• Birmingham v Liverpool: Will Liverpool be still looking for their first win? What sort of Birmingham side will we see now that Joe Hart is gone? Could Birmingham be sitting atop the EPL after two wins? How will new signings Ben Foster and Nikola Zigic fare in their first true tests? Expect none of these questions to be answered. Prediction: Birmingham 0, Liverpool 1

• Newcastle v Blackpool: Ah, yes. The first matchup of the year between two promoted teams. This game should give us an idea of what sort of seasons we can expect from these two sides. It will also be the best opportunity for Blackpool to get its first win of the season if they fail to do so the opening weekend. Neither side has many any significant transfers yet this summer, though Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is lining up a move for Newcastle’s Steven Taylor. Prediction: Blackpool 0, Newcastle 0

September 18^th

• Manchester United v Liverpool: The first significant challenge for last year’s runners-up comes in the form of Liverpool. One of the main questions regarding the Red Devils’ season this year will be the form of Wayne Rooney. Will we see the striker that simply could not stop scoring for club and country last year or will we see the absolute flop he was in South Africa, not even scoring once? In this writer’s opinion, expect the “old” Rooney to return next year and lead Manchester United well. Prediction: Manchester United 2, Liverpool 0

September 25^th

• Man City v Chelsea: A reprise of two matches that were key in determining last year’s final standings. Man City did the double over Chelsea, winning 2-1 and 4-2. With the two above additions, Man City looks primed to repeat that feat. This match could have real title implications, regardless of how early it is in the season. However, an in-from Didier Drogba could win the game on his own for Chelsea. Prediction: Chelsea 3, Manchester City 2

October 2^nd

• Chelsea v Arsenal: The first true title test for the Gunners. An aging Chelsea side. Youth and offensive flair for Arsenal. One of the Premier League’s greatest derbies. Should be a classic. Prediction: Arsenal 2: Chelsea 1

October 16^th

• Everton v Liverpool: Another classic derby match pits two teams that will be competing in the multi-team clash for fourth place. One interesting element of this match will be if Landon Donovan has rejoined Everton by this point. The American star shined incredibly at this summer’s World Cup; we all know of his dramatic stoppage-time goal to send the USA through to the knockout round. Additionally, Donovan became a fan favorite in his brief 10-week stint at Everton, scoring twice and adding a strong wide attacking option for the Toffees. If he can bring his influence to bear again with Everton, look for the club to really sizzle. Prediction: Everton 2, Liverpool 1

October 23^rd

• Man City v Arsenal: Arsenal’s final test of a stretch of three challenging matches (Home to Birmingham on the 16^th). The rivalry between these two clubs has intensified greatly over the past 18 months, as both Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure have switch from the Emirates to Eastlands. Adebayor sparked massive furor in the Arsenal camp when he ostentatiously celebrated his goal against the Gunners in the Citizens 4-2 win in September. This game could be one of the most crucial fixtures Arsenal play all season. Prediction: Manchester City 2, Arsenal 3

October 30^th

• Blackpool v West Brom: A real chance here for Blackpool to pick up vital points they will need to survive the relegation battle. West Brom are likely the least experienced and weakest of the promoted teams and Blackpool can surely beat them. However, don’t expect too much excitement from this fixture. Prediction: Blackpool 1, West Brom

November 6^th 

• Liverpool v Chelsea: A classic matchup as the colder weather begins to set in throughout England. These two teams have had some incredible battles in recent years, not only in the EPL but in the Champions League as well. This year however, there will be no Champions League for Liverpool. This game also represent Liverpool super-sub Yossi Benayoun's return to Anfield since his departure to Chelsea this summer. It will be interesting to see how much, if any, playing time the Israeli winger will have recieved at Stamford Bridge. Prediction: Chelsea 2, Liverpool 1

November 9th

• West Ham v West Brom: One of those sorts of games where West Brom must pick up points if they are to survive the relegation battle. An opportunity looms in West Ham, who have recently added former Lyon/Portsmouth forward Frederic Piquionne to their side, which still boasts influential players like Scott Parker and Matthew Upson, and recent addition Thomas Hitzlsperger. Prediction: West Ham 2, West Brom 2

November 10th

• Man CIty v Man United: The first Manchester Derby of the year represents the battle between the rising stars of the EPL and the proven class of the league. Will we have any stoppage-time dramatics as we did last year or will the referee decide to end the match when stoppage time has run out, as instructed? Be sure to tune in for this match, and don't be suprised if it turns into an absolute Goalfest. Prediction: Man United 4, Man City 2

November 20th

•  Arsenal v Tottenham: The first North London Derby of the year should be filled with young stars. Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri lead the Gunners against Gareth Bale and Michael Dawson of Tottenham. A crucial game for both sides, who are competing for very different rewards (Arsenal: The title, Spurs: Champions League). Expect a fluid and pulsating game with some absolute stunning goals. Prediction: Arsenal 3, Tottenham 2