Get yourself into gear for the opening weekend of the new season with the Off The Ball Friday Football podcast. Adrian Barry, Nathan Murphy and Dave McIntyre are on hand
Manchester United v Swansea
Louis Van Gaal has the honour of getting this season underway when his Manchester United side welcome Swansea to Old Trafford.
This time last year, David Moyes led United to a 4 - 1 win over Swansea before the campaign turned into an unmitigated disaster, but there is more optimism ahead of this season.
However, Van Gaal will have a number of concerns ahead of tomorrow's 12.45pm kick off given that three members of his back five are ruled out. With a lack of depth in defence and the absences of left-back Luke Shaw, right wing-back Antonio Valencia and centre-back Jonny Evans, the Dutchman could bring in youngster Tyler Blackett if he sticks to a back five with Ashley Young at left wing-back. But with no recognised right-back, perhaps he will be tempted to return to a back four temporarily - but that is an added complication as Young might not adapt to a more traditional left-back role.
A mammoth billboard welcoming Manchester United new head coach Louis van Gaal has been erected by a betting firm in Lever Street in Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens, Britain, 12 August 2014. The poster shows a photograph of the Manchester United manager above the headline "Welcome to Vanchester" in Manchester. EPA/PETER POWELL
That new look defence may encourage Swansea's top scorer from last season, Wilfried Bony, especially if he can ruffle a few feathers with his physicality.
Ander Herrera and an in-form Darren Fletcher are likely to be the men in the middle of the field.
With Robin Van Persie not involved, two-thirds of the potent triumvirate of (Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata) could be joined by Chicharito Hernandez in the forward line (Danny Welbeck is injured) if he sticks to the No 10 behind two strikers strategy.
Due to Herrera's energetic style of play and the lack of a sprinter-like forward in the Arjen Robben mould, it would be no surprise if United pressed high up the field, both to disrupt Swansea's pattern of play but also to bring Mata and Rooney closer to the opposition goal where they can interchange.
While the pressure will be on the home side as they look to lay down an early marker, Swansea's approach under Garry Monk will be fascinating as he begins his role as a full-time manager.
2 - 1 to Man United
West Ham v Tottenham
For some reason, I am optimistic about Tottenham's season and it is mostly to do with their relative lack of transfer activity. While their splurge last summer was more miss than hit and also caused the side not to gel fully, keeping the current squad intact should help cohesion.
That is especially vital given that Mauricio Pochettino's high pressing game is best suited to teams that can blend well together and press as a collective. Erik Lamela has also performed reasonably well this summer and if his potential can be harnessed, he could be dangerous against West Ham and during the season-at-large.
West Ham may have done the double over Spurs last season but they have serious problems. The sword of Damocles hangs over manager Sam Allardyce with the owners putting him under pressure and forcing him to play a more attacking game.
Tomorrow, the Hammers will be light up front due to Andy Carroll's long-term injury and new signing Enner Valencia's lack of fitness and that could swing things in Tottenahm's favour.
2 - 1 to Tottenham
Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace's preparations for the new season could not have got off to a worse start after the most important figure at the club, Tony Pulis, departed last night.
David Kemp, who will take charge of the team tomorrow, will have his work cut out against an Arsenal side in buoyant mood following their Community Shield success.
Their fine home record and their general dominance over sides weaker than them last season will make the Gunners clear favourites tomorrow, although Pulis' departure also makes the current Palace side an unknown quantity in the short-term.
But Arsenal should have too much firepower for the Eagles and will dominate the ball. The only concern could be at the back where 6 foot 6 Per Mertesacker is absent against a Palace side which had a 40 per cent goal rate from set pieces last season.
2 - 0 to Arsenal
Liverpool v Southampton
Of the three non-perishable items, Brendan Rodgers carried off from the Southampton cash and carry, only Dejan Lovren is likely to start Sunday's game which is live on Off The Ball.
Adam Lallana is not back to full fitness and Rickie Lambert is likely to start from the bench. While some may be comparing Liverpool's eight-man summer recruitment drive to Tottenham's efforts last summer, many of the Reds' purchases are unlikely to be going straight into the starting lineup and that means cohesion should not be greatly affected initially. Lovren is also tipped to provide the leadership at the back that was lacking at times.
The biggest issue for the club is how much of an impact Luis Suarez' departure will have given that he provided the spark and 31 league goals last season.
But with Philippe Coutinho in good pre-season form and Daniel Sturridge up front, goals should not be an issue against a Southampton side who have had their heart ripped out over the summer.
While new arrival Shane Long's contribution is likely to be based around work-rate rather than goals, Ronald Koeman's signings like Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic are unknown quantities from a Premier League perspective. And with key midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin "distracted" and Jay Rodriguez injured, the Saints will be up against it when they travel to Anfield where Liverpool often blew teams away last season.
3 - 1 to Liverpool
Newcastle v Manchester City
As we heard on Off The Ball earlier this week, the circus continues to an extent for the Magpies. But having said that, Newcastle have recruited relatively well this summer with Netherlands full-back Daryl Janmaat, ex-Ajax captain Siem De Jong and attacking midfielder Remy Cabella promising additions.
They should be more creative than during the tail end of 2013/14 when they became very direct - or directionless as results testified.
But City should have more than enough to see off Newcastle, given the talent at their disposal. Although Sergio Aguero is not fully fit, Edin Dzeko is available and Stevan Jovetic has had a very strong pre-season.
2 - 0 to City
I will look ahead to Chelsea's opening fixture against Burnley on Monday.
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