Welcome to 2011-12
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It always feels like the longest 10 weeks in history when the football season’s finished. Just what is there to do over the summer? The only thing to read about is transfer rumours dreamt up by the club’s tea lady, or how your favourite stars sandcastle skills seem to be dwindling to say the least.
So, Hallelujah! It’s here! The Premiership season is a mere week away and the tribulations gets underway with the Community Shield, live on Sky Sports HD.
So, what do we have to look forward to on the box?
August 2011
The first game to be to be shown live on Sky Sports HD is Stoke City’s confrontation against Andre Villas-Boas’ Chelsea. Stoke have made some interesting signings this summer, notably the arrival of former Leeds, Newcastle, Real Madrid, Middlesbrough and Tottenham star, Jonathan Woodgate. Chelsea travel to the midlands with renewed hope and expectation following the arrival of their new youthful manager.
The first showcase game comes on the 20th when Arsenal host Liverpool in the re-run of that epic injury time fiasco from last season. Arsène will be gunning for revenge over the Merseyside outfit following that 98th minute equaliser from Dirk Kuyt.
Just two days later, Manchester United take on Spurs at Old Trafford and the two sides generally put on a good show. United, the champions, will have their usual roster of ex-Tottenham players in their side, notably Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Carrick while rumours continue that they could well add Luka Modric to that list – although Chelsea remain favourites if he does leave White Hart Lane.
On the 28th, United feature again as they take on the other north London club in Arsenal. The Gunners travel to Old Trafford and face a side whom they have had little success against in recent years. However, having won their last meeting thanks to a Ramsay strike, Arsenal will be hoping to repeat that feat.
Three must watch games: Arsenal v Liverpool (20/08/11), Man Utd V Spurs (22/08/11), Man Utd v Arsenal (28/08/11)
September
Two sides who are favourites with the bookies meet 12th in QPR and Newcastle. The Magpies have lost their talismanic captain of the last two campaigns in Kevin Nolan, and may well lose Joey Barton to boot. Add that to the loss of Andy Carroll in January and the pre-season injury of Hatem Ben-Arfa, it could be a long season for the Toon.
On the 18th, Sky Sports HD host a Super Sunday event. Manchester United face big spending Chelsea in a 4pm kick-off. It will be the first time that Sir Alex Ferguson will get to share that famous bottle of red with Portuguese boss, Andre Villas-Boas and the Scot will be desperate to set a marker for the young Portuguese boss to adhere.
Everton notoriously get off to a stuttering start in the Premiership, but this year David Moyes’ men will be looking to correct that typical start. The meet Manchester City on September 24th live on Sky Sports HD at The Etihad Stadium, with City aiming to be challenging for the title early.
Three must watch games: Blackburn V Arsenal (17/09/11), Man Utd V Chelsea (18/09/11), Man City V Everton (24/09/11)
October
There are 12 live Premiership games scheduled in October and arguably the highlight of those dozen is the meeting on the 1st between the two Merseyside clubs, Everton and Liverpool. It’s never a dull affair when these two rivals meet and with two Scottish managers in the dugout, there is more than just pride riding on this one.
The 23rd brings the Manchester derby as City travel across town to face United at Old Trafford. It’s expected that by the time this game comes around, it will be Tevezless, but nevertheless it is sure to be a feisty affair that usually provides a decent talking point the next morning.
The final derby to take note of is the London meeting between Chelsea and Arsenal on the 29th. Arsenal will probably go into the game as second favourites, however if they can get off to a good start then by the time this fixture arrives, betting odds might well be closer than we’d predict today.
Three must watch games: Everton V Liverpool (01/10/11), Liverpool V Manchester United (15/10/11), QPR V Chelsea (23/10/11)
November
As Sky Sports HD heads into its fourth month of Premiership football, it’s likely that managers will have been axed, and clubs’ seasons will be starting to take shape. On the 6th, Wolves take on Wigan at Molineux in what could well be an early season relegation battle.
Elsewhere, on the 29th, Arsenal’s trip to Carrow Road against Paul Lambert’s side is another game that could well provide entertainment, either with a shock, or with a rout – depending on how the early exchanges go.
Swansea invite Aston Villa to The Liberty Stadium on the 27th and Brendan Rodgers’ side will be looking for an upset. The Villans’ game is followed by Manchester City’s trip to Anfield in what is likely to be a Champions League battle, however both clubs will be hoping to be challenging for the top spot.
Three must watch games: Newcastle V Everton (05/11/11), Chelsea V Liverpool (20/11/11), Liverpool V Man City (27/11/11)
With all those exciting fixtures in the battle for the Premier League title ahead, there’s only one place to be, Sky Sports!
Get started with Sky Sports Football and watch the best of the 2011/2012 Premier League season in HD
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