English Premier League: Likely Lineups for the First Day of Games

Just under an hour to go until the EPL gets under way yet again. So let us take a look at the most likely lineups of each of the teams playing in the first few games...

BLACKBURN vs. WOLVERHAMTON

Rovers: Robinson, Salgado, Hanley, Samba, Givet , Hoilett, N'zonzi, Emerton, Olsson, Rochina, Roberts

Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Johnson, Berra, Elokobi, Jarvis, O'Hara, Milijas, Henry, Hunt, Fletcher

Blackburn have a strong record against Wolves in recent times, not losing in the last eight matches between the two.

FULHAM vs. ASTON VILLA

Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, A. Hughes, Hangeland, J. Riise , Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey , Dembele, Zamora

Villa: Given, Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Albrighton, Petrov, Bannan, N'Zogbia, Heskey, Bent

Fulham will be looking to keep a little bit of history in tact. They have never lost at Craven Cottage on the opening day of the English Premier League. 

LIVERPOOL vs. SUNDERLAND

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Adam, Lucas, Henderson, Downing, Suarez, Carroll

Sunderland: Mignolet, Elmohamady, Ferdinand, Brown, Bardsley, Larsson, Colback, Cattermole, Gardner, Sessegnon, Gyan

Don't be surprised to see Suazrez start from the bench after only recently returning from the Copa America. Sunderland will come into the match on the back of only one win in their eight preseason friendlies.

QUEENS PARK RANGERS vs. BOLTON

QPR: Kenny, Orr, Connolly, Gorkss, Hill , Faurlin, Derry, Smith, Taarabt, Campbell, Bothroyd

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Robinson, Cahill, Knight, Steinsson, Eagles, Reo-Coker, Muamba, Petrov, Davies, Klasnic

Bolton may be in for more than they bargained against QPR. The promoted side had the best defence in the Championship last campaign. Combine the fact that Bolton have only won one of their last eighteen away matches and you have a big challenge on the opening match day. 

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs. NORWICH CITY

Wigan: Al Habsi, Boyce, G Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa , Gomez, McArthur, Watson, Jones, Moses , Rodallega

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Barnett, De Laet, Naughton, Fox, Bennett, Crofts, Hoolahan, Holt, Jackson

Norwich will be looking to continue their great run of form in recent seasons against a Wigan side who are not very strong at home. Last season, home games proved to be a constant struggle to win. It will be good to see how they fair without Zogbia. 

NEWCASTLE vs. ARSENAL

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Coloccini, S Taylor, R Taylor, Gutierrez, Barton, Cabaye, Tiote, Ameobi, Ba 

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Djourou, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Gervinho, Walcott, Van Persie

Can Arsenal do it without Cesc and Samir? Wenger will hope so. The Arsenal coach has received much criticism of late due to his lack of activity in the transfer market. This is Arsenal's sixth consecutive season having not won a trophy. Newcastle will look to start off on the right note at St. James