EPL Week 1 Picks: Teams on Upset Alert Right Away

There's now only a few more days to wait until the Premier League makes its return after almost a three-month absence.

But while fans all over the world eagerly anticipate their favourite club's first game of the new season, some of the league's big boys may well have reason to be nervous rather than excited ahead of kickoff.

The top flight often throws up surprising results, and the opening weekend of fixtures has plenty of potential for upsets up and down the country.

Here we take a look at three games where the favourites could be in for a harsh welcome to the new campaign.

Liverpool vs. Stoke City: Saturday, Aug. 17, 12:45 p.m. BST

Despite a positive preseason on the pitch, Liverpool have endured a difficult one off it.

The Luis Suarez transfer saga is still hanging over them just days before their season opener, and there is no guarantee that the Uruguayan will play a part on Saturday.

Their transfer business has been encouraging, though, with Iago Aspas, Kolo Toure, Simon Mignolet and Luis Alberto all added to the squad.

However, Suarez remains their best and most influential player. Even if he plays it is unlikely that his mental state will allow him to put in the sort of eye-catching display we became accustomed to last season.

Stoke, under new boss Mark Hughes, will be looking to recapture the hard-to-beat nature they developed at the start of last season.

With a five-man midfield full of energy and eagerness to impress, the Potters will give the home side little time on the ball at Anfield.

And, with one of Peter Crouch and Kenwyne Jones up front, expect them to continue to pose a threat from long balls and set pieces.

They might not manage a win, but expect the visitors to leave with at least a point.

Swansea City vs. Manchester United: Saturday, Aug. 17, 5:30 p.m. BST

Even though they lifted the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday, Manchester United's preparations for the new campaign have been largely disappointing.

Some poor preseason results and a failure to sign any new senior players has been a difficult start for new boss David Moyes as he looks to assert himself at Old Trafford.

He also has the Wayne Rooney transfer saga hanging over him, with the striker looking desperate to leave and Chelsea continuing their pursuit.

Add in a challenging trip to Swansea on the opening day, and the ingredients for an upset are in place.

The Swans had an excellent 2012/13 season, lifting the Capital One Cup and finishing in the top half of the league.

They have strengthened their squad considerably over the summer, with new signings Wilfried Bony, Jonjo Shelvey and Jordi Amat in particular adding goals and creativity.

Michael Laudrup's side are unbeaten in preseason and already have competitive matches under their belt after beating Malmo in qualifying for the Europa League.

In front of a packed Liberty Stadium, Swansea can start Moyes' reign at United with a defeat.

Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Sunday, Aug. 18, 1:30 p.m. BST

Another club with a long-running transfer saga hanging over them, Tottenham travel to newly promoted Crystal Palace for their first fixture of the new season.

Whether Gareth Bale is involved remains to be seen. The Welshman seems desperate for a move to Real Madrid and may not be willing to risk injury if his dream transfer is still a possibility.

Even without Bale, Spurs go into the game with a heavily improved squad after the signings of Paulinho, Roberto Soldado and Nacer Chadli.

But they will face a side determined to make the most of their return to the big time, with the atmosphere at Selhurst Park certain to be electric.

Ian Holloway has added six new players to his squad this summer, but the Eagles still look short of the necessary quality needed for Premier League survival.

However, buoyed by the home crowd and a desire to get off to a good start, Palace can upset the odds and claim at least a point against Andre Villas-Boas' new-look side.