EPL: Ranking the Best of This Weekend's Fixtures

On Saturday, Aug. 13, the first of the upcoming Premier League season's fixtures will take place.   This is an event fans have been waiting nearly three months for.  

I will be ranking each fixture (bar Tottenham vs. Everton, which has been called off because of the London riots) in terms of the quality of the game and how entertaining each game should be.  Let's begin, shall we?

9. Wigan Athletic vs. Norwich City

Last year Wigan Athletic had to record a 1-0 victory to remain in the top flight.  This year, they start off the new season against newly promoted Norwich City, who finished second in the long, grueling Championship and are looking to get as many points on the table as soon as possible.  

Personally, I feel both of these teams will be relegated this season, along with Swansea City, but a win in this match up could be a step in the right direction.  And hey, Wigan are known to give up a lot of goals. So maybe this is a better game than advertised.

Prediction: Wigan Athletic 3 x 1 Norwich City 

8. Blackburn Rovers vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Blackburn and Wolverhampton were both able to survive relegation during their clash on the final match day of the English Premier League season last year. 

This season they meet on Blackburn's ground. After losing young center back Phil Jones, things may be very tough for the club, with few attacking options left.  Wolves had a tough year but were the first team to beat Manchester United, showing their discipline and potential.  

Kevin Doyle is one of the most underrated strikers in the league with an unbelievable work rate.  This result will mirror the one at the end of last season.

Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 2 x 3 Wolverhampton Wolves 

7. QPR vs. Bolton Wanderers

As an introduction to the top flight of English football, Queens Park Rangers welcome Bolton to London. The Wanderers are looking to improve on what was a mid table finish last season, while I'm sure QPR would be happy with just remaining in the Barclays Premier League.

Stuart Holden's injury is a big loss for this team, and London should be rocking for QPR's first appearance in the BPL.  This will no doubt be a good watch, and should be a hotly contested game.

Prediction: QPR 1 x 1 Bolton Wanderers

6. Manchester City vs. Swansea City

I'm a huge Man City supporter.  There.  Just getting that out of the way.  Anyway, Manchester City ended their 35-year trophy drought with an FA Cup win.  This year, the club is hungry for more silverware.

The trio of Aguero, Tevez and Silva could be the best offensive trio in the Premiership this campaign. Swansea City beat out Cardiff City in a thrilling playoff game, but I think they will find the top flight tough and face relegation.

Prediction: Manchester City 2 x 0 Swansea City 

5. Liverpool vs. Sunderland

Last year, Kenny Dalglish guided Liverpool to an amazing comeback and a finish good enough for fifth on the table.  This year, though, things are different.  There is pressure.  Liverpool have so many threats on attack that they may lead the Premiership in goals.  

Sunderland, on the other hand, had a disappointing drop in form at the end of the season and the Black Cats are going to rely heavily on star forward Asamoah Gyan for offense.  This could be a very down year for them.

Prediction: Liverpool 3 x 0 Sunderland 

4. Stoke City vs. Chelsea

Last season, Chelsea were a bit of a disappointment.  They finished second in the Premier League and only reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League.  Despite winning the double the campaign prior, Carlo Ancelotti was sacked.  

This year the young, savvy Andre Villas-Boas will have to find a way to mix the extremely talented set of forwards at Stamford Bridge, including Fernando Torres (who may not play on Saturday).  

As for Stoke City, while they finished mid table, making it to the FA Cup Final was an achievement in itself and warranted a spot in the Europa League.  Stoke City have some very crafty players and can kill you on long balls and set pieces.  Chelsea better watch out.

The Verdict: Stoke City 2 x 4 Chelsea

3. Fulham vs. Aston Villa

Fulham and Aston Villa are two fairly evenly matched sides, which makes this game interesting. Fulham striker Clint Dempsey became Fulham's all-time leader in career goals last season, and he looks to do even better this time around.  

New manager Martin Jol will want to impress the fans with a good result in his first Premier League match at Craven Cottage.  

Aston Villa made a bold move in signing Darren Bent last January, and the striker will look to have his best goal scoring season to date.  With losses of key players like Stuart Downing and Ashley Young, it may not get too much better for Villa this time around.

Prediction: Fulham 2 x 1 Aston Villa 

2. West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester United

How can the title holders opener not be high on this list? Manchester United had a terrific preseason tour in the United States, and are ready to start the new English Premier League season.  

While they will probably mostly focus on the Champions League this time around, Sir Alex's men want to start the season strong with a road victory, especially after last year's away record.  

Albion walk in to this match as underdogs, but remember, they were the only team (Wow!) to get a result at Old Trafford last year with a 2-2 draw.  

They can also feel good about the fact United will be without breakout striker Javier Hernandez, who is still recovering from a concussion.

Prediction: West Bromwich Albion 0 x Manchester United 2

1. Newcastle United vs. Arsenal

This game is the most entertaining for a lot of reasons.  We all remember Newcastle's epic comeback to overcome a four-goal deficit with only 20 minutes left to get a 4-4 result.  Following this, Arsenal slowly began descending down the table and out of the Premier League race.  

Newcastle's talented attacking midfielder Joey Barton has been a distraction at the club lately, and it will be interesting to see how and if he features.

As for Arsenal, both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri's futures are in serious doubt.  After going without a trophy since 2005, Arsene Wenger is desperate to start of the campaign with three points.

However, the midweek Champions League fixture with Italian side Udinese may prove to be a distraction.

Prediction: Newcastle 1 x 3 Arsenal