Cymru Premier opening weekend preview

New Saints won the Cymru Premier title for a 17th time last season

Friday, 8 August

Bala Town v Flint Town United; 19:45 BST: Bala begin the post-Colin Caton era at home to Flint Town United at Maes Tegid. Caton stepped down in June after 22 years and 880 games and assistant Steve Fisher along with Ryan Valentine had taken over. Despite a number of notable departures including forward George Newell, Egyptian forward Hussein Mehasseb is back at the club. Flint finished ninth last season in their first season back in the top-flight following promotion. Defender Isaac Lee has been linked with a move to the EFL but manager Lee Fowler has made some shrewd signings including experienced Cymru Premier campaigners Jack Thorn and Joe Faux while Cameron Ferguson, son of former Everton striker Duncan, has joined from Connah's Quay.

Haverfordwest County v Penybont: 19:45 BST: Both sides go into the new Cymru Premier season on the back of disappointing European campaigns – the two teams exited the Uefa Conference League at the first qualifying round stage. County finished third last season but went on to win the play-offs for the second time in three years. But Tony Pennock has seen a number of notable players leave during the summer including keeper Zak Jones who has been replaced by Luc Rees. Lee Jenkins, Jacob Owen and Luke Tabone have also left. Rhys Griffiths' Penybont ran TNS close until the champions pulled away during phase two but finishing second was a big achievement for the club only formed in 2013 and were promoted to the top-flight six years later. Nathan Wood returns to the club on a permanent deal after a spell at Newport County while James Crole will be looking to be among the goals once again.

Llanelli Town v Barry Town United; 19:45 BST: Llanelli return to Welsh football's top-flight for the first time since the 2018-19 season after winning the JD Cymru South title. Last season's top scorer Liam Eason has departed but manager Lee John has added experienced forward Alex Bonthron to his squad with Harrison Bright, Josh Yorwerth and keeper Mike Lewis also have Cymru Premier experience. Kayne McLaggon will be a notable absence when Barry start the season with the striker leaving during the summer but new face at Jenner Park include Keston Davies and keeper George Ratcliffe, who returns to the club after a previous loan spell during his time at Cardiff City.

Saturday, 9 August

Cardiff Met v Caernarfon Town; 14:30 BST: Both sides finished in the top six last season with Caernarfon defeating Cardiff Met in the play-offs before themselves losing to Haverfordwest in the final. Ryan Jenkins' Met have added talented former Newtown and Connah's Quay forward Lifumpa Mwandwe to a squad featuring Ryan Reynolds, CJ Craven, Adam Roscrow and Eliot Evans - celebrating 10 years with the club. Caernarfon lost last season's top scorer Louis Lloyd to St Johnstone during the summer but Zack Clarke has returned on loan from The New Saints, whose keeper last season – Connor Roberts – has also joined the Canaries.

Sunday, 10 August

The New Saints v Briton Ferry Llansawel; 14:30 BST: Saints' European hopes are over for another year but last season's treble winners bounced back in style with a 7-0 win over Airbus UK in the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend in which record signing Ben Wilson finally got off the mark. TNS will once again be favourites to win the Cymru Premier even after their Euro disappointment. Briton Ferry beat Saints last season during a campaign which saw them secure their spot in the top-flight after promotion. Top scorer Luke Bowen has left but Daniel Jefferies, Sam Snaith and Jonathan Evans are experienced Cymru Premier players that manager Andy Dyer has signed over the summer.

Colwyn Bay v Connah's Quay Nomads; 17:00 BST: Colwyn Bay are back in the top-flight after winning promotion at the first time of asking and manager Mike Wilde has been busy adding to his squad with 13 players arriving, notably Jordan Davies, Louis Robles, Aaron Williams, Aeron Edwards and Nathan Peate joining. Wilde will be up against former Nomads team-mate John Disney who was appointed manager in May after making his final appearance in the Welsh Cup final loss to TNS. Nomads are boosted by the return of Harry Franklin while Zele Ismail arrives from Newtown.