Premiership Starts With Twists

Posted on 8/13/2010

Premiershi Starts With Twists

The English Premier League gets underway this weekend and there are several delicious stories that surround the opening fixtures.

The latest has James Milnerincluded in the Aston Villa squad against West Ham, even though the want-away English midfielder is close to signing a deal with Manchester City. In the same week that Martin O’Neill resigned as manager due to his unhappiness with the club’s direction under American owner Randy Lerner, the Milner twist adds a dash of spice at Villa Park. It will be curious to see if he gets a final run out at home, or if the jeers will be saved for when he returns with City on January 11th.

A London battle is brewing between Fulham and Arsenal over goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. The Australian World Cup star has been with Fulham since 2008 but wants a switch to their city rival for a chance to shine at Emirates. Arsenal seems desperate for an experienced keeper since faith in Manuel Almunia has disappeared. The 37-year old Scwarzer is ready to lend his hands to the cause, but new Craven Cottage boss Mark Hughes isn’t keen to lose his man.

Fulham opens away to Reebok Stadium, the home of this summer’s Toronto and BMO Field visitor Bolton Wanderers. Meanwhile, Arsenal travels to Anfield for a clash of titans in the opening weekend versus former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson and Liverpool.

Last season’s Premiership champion Chelsea opens the season at home in Stamford Bridge against newly promoted West Bromwich Albion on their return to the top flight. Runner-up Manchester United doesn’t play until Monday at Old Trafford. They also open against a new but familiar EPL name in Newcastle United.