Premier League Week 1 Predictions: Underrated Teams Who Will Shock Contenders

Finally those tedious, long summer days without regular competitive football are over. The Premier League returns this weekend with a full set of fixtures.

Up until now, there's little to gauge exactly how strong each 2013-14 brand of team will be. Preseason friendly wins and transfer success look good on paper, but they rarely give an accurate assessment of how each team will fare.

With less material for opponents to study and less information about new signings, underdogs have a greater chance of success during the early weeks of the season.

The opening set of games are deprived of any marquee fixtures, meaning every top side faces a less-fancied opponent most expect them to beat.

Here's a look at three of those opening fixtures in which the underdog may just prevail.

Swansea vs. Manchester United

Swansea welcome a Manchester United side under new leadership to the Liberty Stadium, in what will be David Moyes' first Premier League game in charge of the Red Devils.

United are yet to significantly bolster their roster during the transfer window, which will be a concern to their fans. Swansea, meanwhile, have spent well over the summer, adding the likes of Wilfried Bony and Jonjo Shelvey to their squad, who will undoubtedly improve them.

Following on from Sir Alex Ferguson is no small task, and Moyes may take time getting his own influence across on his squad. Though never a reliable indicator, his side's preseason form has been poor thus far and his new team have struggled at the back.

Moyes was often a slow starter at Everton, and it wouldn't be the greatest surprise if the pressure surrounding this first game helps Swansea claim the prize scalp in Week 1.

Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham

Champions League chasing Spurs make the short journey across London to tackle newly-promoted Crystal Palace.

Andre Villas-Boas' side will certainly be favourites, but the lingering confusion surrounding Gareth Bale may just serve as a distraction for his squad.

Without Premier League football for the past eight seasons there will be a genuine feel-good factor permeating the stands at Selhurst Park.

That, coupled with a general low expectancy, may just inspire the Eagles to pull off one of the shocks of Week 1.

Liverpool vs. Stoke

The curtain raiser for the new season sees Stoke travel to Anfield under a new guise, with Mark Hughes now in charge.

Liverpool will be favourites but the Potters are unbeaten in their past four Premier League clashes with the Reds.

Brendan Rodgers also has the continuing Luis Suarez transfer saga to contend with, and spending time scouting a potential replacement may see his preparation a little less thorough.

Unlike David Moyes, Hughes is taking on a job without such hefty expectancy around him. He won't be dealing with such considerable pressure and a bout of new manager syndrome may just help him sneak a result here.