EPL Week 1 Fixtures: Most Important Games on Opening Weekend

Saturday sees the long-awaited return of Premier League football with seven intriguing games to kick off the opening day of the new campaign.

By Monday evening every team will have undergone the first examination of their credentials for the new season, and we may have an ever so slightly better idea of what to expect over the next 10 months.

While the first weekend of fixtures will not determine the fate of any team come May, a positive start to the season can give players the confidence and self-belief to hit form and get points on the board before the busy Christmas period.

Likewise, a poor start can put a major dent in any momentum built up during preseason, making results in the coming weeks even harder to achieve.

Here we take a look at the three most important games on opening weekend. 

Norwich City vs. Everton: Saturday, Aug. 17, 3 p.m. BST

Norwich suffered a difficult end to last season, only securing their Premier League status with a couple of games to spare.

After a promising run of 10 games unbeaten between October and December, Chris Hughton's men managed just four wins from their last 21 fixtures.

That run of form has led the Canaries to invest heavily over the summer, with Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Gary Hooper and former Everton target Leroy Fer among seven new arrivals at the club.

Having spent over £20 million already, Hughton will be under pressure to deliver a more comfortable season and a push toward mid-table.

The visitors to Carrow Road have a new manager in charge for the first time since 2001 after the arrival of Roberto Martinez as a replacement for David Moyes.

The Spaniard inherits a team that finished sixth last season, and he will be expected to achieve a similar feat by the Everton faithful.

Having added Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz, Joel Robles and Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu to his squad already, the former Wigan boss has made his mark on the squad he now calls his own.

Norwich, buoyed by their new signings, will provide a tough test as the Toffees attempt Martinez's possession-heavy brand of football in a competitive game for the first time.

Swansea City vs. Manchester United: Saturday, Aug. 17, 3 p.m. BST

After leaving Goodison Park for Old Trafford earlier this summer, David Moyes would've been hoping for a smooth transition into his new role.

Unfortunately for the ex-Preston North End boss, it's been anything but.

Moyes has endured a disappointing preseason, with poor results on a tour of Asia and even poorer results in the transfer window.

Although Sunday's Community Shield win provided a rare positive, the failure to land any new senior signings ahead of the trip to Swansea will be playing on Moyes' mind. As will the ongoing difficulties with wantaway striker Wayne Rooney.

On Saturday, the Red Devils will face a harder opening game than they would've liked when they take on Michael Laudrup's impressive side.

The Swans are tough to beat on home soil and new signings such as Wilfried Bony, Jonjo Shelvey and Jordi Amat will only make Moyes' first league game even more of a challenge.

Last season's Capital One Cup winners will be fit and raring to go after recent Europa League qualifying success over Malmo.

United's new manager will be desperate for a strong start in his bid to retain the title, but the Welsh side will be confident of an upset on opening day.

Manchester City v Newcastle United: Monday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m. BST

With new manager Manuel Pellegrini in charge of his first competitive fixture, Manchester City will be looking to bounce back after a lacklustre defence of their Premier League crown last season.

The Chilean has spent close to £100 million on new players this summer and is sure to be under pressure to regain the title and improve on City's recent Champions League record.

Starting the season at home is a bonus, but anything other than a win and Pellegrini's suitability is sure to be questioned even after just one game.

Newcastle have been unable to spend like City, with recently appointed director of football Joe Kinnear struggling to bring players to the club so far.

QPR striker Loic Remy has come in on a season-long loan, but injury means he'll miss the Magpies' trip to the Etihad.

Manager Alan Pardew will be keen to ensure his side steer clear of another relegation battle after a disappointing 2012/13 campaign. A good performance on Monday will certainly help his cause.