Premier League Week 1 Fixtures: Opening EPL TV Schedule, Live Stream and Picks

Pre-season is over, and while the interminable transfer window rumbles on, the perfect distraction comes in the shape of the new Premier League term this weekend.

Each team will be hopeful of making a fast start to the 2015-16 campaign, and there are some intriguing fixtures to keep an eye on.

Champions Chelsea kick off their defence against Swansea City, and it will be interesting to see how Manchester United fare versus Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday after adding some high-profile summer signings to their squad.

Here we take a closer look at both those fixtures, while also providing predictions, television and live streaming information for all 10 matches this weekend.

Date	Time	Fixture	Prediction	TV Info
Saturday, Aug. 8	12:45 p.m. BST/7:45 a.m. ET	Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur	2-1	BT Sport 1, NBCSN
Saturday, Aug. 8	3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET	Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa	0-1	NBC Sports Live Extra
Saturday, Aug. 8	3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET	Everton vs. Watford	3-1	NBC Sports Live Extra
Saturday, Aug. 8	3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET	Leicester City vs. Sunderland	1-1	NBC Sports Live Extra
Saturday, Aug. 8	3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET	Norwich City vs. Crystal Palace	1-2	NBC Sports Live Extra
Saturday, Aug. 8	5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET	Chelsea vs. Swansea	2-1	Sky Sports 1, NBC
Sunday, Aug. 9	1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET	Arsenal vs. West Ham United	3-1	Sky Sports 1, NBCSN
Sunday, Aug. 9	1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET	Newcastle United vs. Southampton	0-2	NBC Sports Live Extra
Sunday, Aug. 9	4 p.m. BST/11 a.m. ET	Stoke City vs. Liverpool	2-2	Sky Sports 1, NBCSN
Monday, Aug. 10	8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET	West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester City	1-2	Sky Sports 1, NBCSN

Live streaming available via Sky Go, BT Sport Player and NBC Sports Live Extra.

Chelsea vs. Swansea

Jose Mourinho's Blues are still most definitely the team to beat in the Premier League this season after they ran away with the title last season.

Indeed, Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe believes Chelsea will be triumphant once again this term, although he predicts a much tighter race:

But Swansea pose a significant threat to the Stamford Bridge outfit on the first day of the season, Garry Monk's men having finished a very respectable eighth last season.

New signing Andre Ayew will be one to watch for the Swans, and if he can strike up an effective partnership with Bafetimbi Gomis, they could cause Chelsea's defence some real problems.

One of the Blues' few weaknesses heading into the new season is their lack of depth up front, and that could be tested straight away, as main man Diego Costa is a doubt, per Sky Sports News HQ:

Loic Remy or Radamel Falcao may be called upon to deputise, and should Costa indeed be unavailable, Swansea will be massively buoyed.

It should be a tight occasion, especially if Costa is out. But the likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Cesc Fabregas should be able to get the job done for Mourinho. 

This fixture last season saw Chelsea win 4-2, with Costa netting a hat-trick. A similar goal-fest is unlikely this time around, but the Blues should still be able to grab an opening three points.

Prediction: 2-1

Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Much like Chelsea, United and Spurs have limitations in their striking departments. But Saturday's lunchtime clash between the two sides could well be the story of Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane.

After the departures of Robin van Persie and Falcao over the summer, Rooney looks finally set to have a prolonged run in the main striker role, and he should thrive.

The 29-year-old has been played out of position so often in the past that it is sometimes easy to forget he is a devastating goalscorer when leading the line.

He should get his opportunity to flourish against Spurs, and the north London team should be concerned—Rooney has a penchant for an opening-day goal, per ESPN FC:

Spurs have their own superstar striker, of course, in the shape of Kane. After his breakthrough season in 2014-15, some are predicting a drop-off in form in the new term. However, he has continued his impressive goalscoring form in pre-season and will be raring to go on Saturday.

Mauricio Pochettino's men have a slight concern in that they were delayed in returning from their final pre-season game in Munich on Wednesday, per the Daily Telegraph's Matt Law:

This could have a negative impact on their preparations, especially as they are facing United at Old Trafford rather than at White Hart Lane.

It will be interesting to see how United's new signings get on in their first Premier League game in front of their home crowd, with Memphis Depay a particularly exciting prospect.

If he can link up well with Rooney, Spurs could be in trouble, and Louis van Gaal's United look to have the edge ahead of the first match of the new season.

Prediction: 2-1