Premier League opening day

1. Man Utd begin season with 1-0 win over Spurs
2. Ranieri's Leicester beat Sunderland 4-2
3. Villa score late to beat Bournemouth
4. Everton draw 2-2 with Watford
5. Crystal Palace see off promoted Norwich

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Well, I guess Chelsea keep the style on the pitch...

It is time to wrap things up here. However, it is full steam ahead in our dedicated live coverage of Chelsea v Swansea, so I urge you to dive on over there.

See you later!

Claudio's on fire

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Sneaking a reference to an indie band in your first post-match news conference back in the Premier League? Never change Claudio, never change.

Manager Ranieri hails power of Kasabian

Canaries striker rues 'sucker punch'

Who will QPR striker Austin sign for?

HALF-TIME

Advantage Jose Mourinho's lot at the break in their season opener, although Swansea have given them some testing moments. 

The Chelsea boss will surely want better from his players in the second half.

Get the half-time analysis in our dedicated live text commentary on the game.

606

Tune into 606 on BBC Radio 5 live right now with Darren Fletcher and Robbie Savage - they'll be taking your calls on 0500 909 606

Premier League standings

BBC

Troubling times ahead for Sunderland? They were well beaten by Leicester today, and seem to have been just about surviving for ages now.

I wonder if Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat is starting to think he shouldn't have changed his mind about retiring...

Danny Murphy

Former England midfielder, BBC Radio 5 live

Leicester had great energy and good pace. Riyad Mahrez was absolutely sensational. You won't believe some of the Sunderland defending until you see it on Match of the Day.

Claudio Ranieri's season lifts off in style

BBC

"Fancy a lift home Claudio?"

"Nah you are alright, just gonna get in my helicopter."

GOAL

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Well that was short-lived.

Willian's shot deflects off Federico Fernandez and loops into the back of the net and it is as you were!

Remember you can follow detailed updates from this game via our dedicated live text commentary.

GOAL

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Brilliant finish by Andre Ayew after an equally brilliant save by Thibaut Courtois. The Chelsea keeper kept out Bafetimbi Gomis header but Ayew swept in at the second attempt.

Premier League standings

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Lap it up Leicester fans, your lot are top of the table. 

It is early days, of course, but a great start to the season for the Foxes.

Vote result

We've been asking you today which of the three promoted clubs you think is most likely to stay up and, despite their loss to Aston Villa, you think Bournemouth are in the best position to survive.

They got 44.9% of the vote, with 32.6& of you saying Norwich and 22.4% saying Watford.

Thanks for voting.

GOAL

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The defending champions take the lead as Oscar's free-kick evades everyone and flies into the back of the net.

Follow the action from this game via our dedicated live text commentary page.

Manager reaction

Norwich City boss Alex Neil:  "We dominated the game at the start and we had to take our chances, but we didn't do that.

"I thought in the main, our use of the ball was good. We controlled most of the game, but it is a lesson."

On Norwich's disallowed goal: "It was a key moment in the game. It's extremely disappointing, more often than not that goal would be given."  

Player reaction

Crystal Palace debutant and goalscorer Yohan Cabaye: "They got back at 2-1 and after that it was difficult for us. 

"We were under pressure but we stayed together and fought to keep the score."

Manager reaction

PA

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew: "It was a really good first game, all round really. After about five minutes I realised I'd picked the wrong team today. Norwich were brilliant for the first 20 minutes. 

"Sometimes your players have to get you out of jail, as a manager. I thanked them after the game.

"Jason Puncheon was our best player today. Wilfried Zaha was great, but Punch was our best player last season and carried that on today."

Manager reaction

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood:  “I thought we were slow in the first period but we set out to nullify them and try to quieten this carnival atmosphere. We did that for half an hour and then we didn’t stick to the plan for the last 15 minutes, and had to rely on Brad Guzan to make a few saves.

“Rudy hasn’t trained an awful lot, but we knew he would give us a different dimension. We worked very hard to bring him to this football club so we’re delighted – and that’s a victory or the people behind the scenes at the club.

“You can adore Gestede because he looks so good as well! He’s a big menacing guy and he doesn’t give centre backs a minute’s rest.

“A lot of our fans have probably come down here for the weekend, so we’ve sent them home with a nice tan!”

Better than my first Chelsea game - Ranieri

Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri:  "It was a very good start and I am very happy with my players in the first match, which is so important in front of our fans. They supported us. I told my players to be the warriors for them.

"The performance was outstanding from the beginning. I was calm because I saw my players concentrate. I don’t like to concede but we made a little mistake and didn’t close the man. They were clever to find the solution. Now is important to forget what happened and improve what we did not so good.

"I remember my first match [as Chelsea boss] was against Manchester United and we were losing 2-0 and ended up drawing 3-3. This was better."

Manager reaction

I'm very happy with the players and the result. We have only been working together for six weeks and we have lots of different nationalities. We want to be happy with this result and think about the next match. Maybe we have to add a little, but I'm really happy with the players we have."

Quique FloresWatford boss

KICK-OFF

Chelsea have got their title defence under way! 

We'll have regular updates right here but if you want even more detail from their game against Swansea you can follow the action via our dedicated live text commentary.

Manager reaction

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It was a really good performance from us. I can't be too critical. We created chances and got into good areas. When you get those chances you have to be clinical. We were disappointed to concede the goal. I'm disappointed with the defeat but looking forward to the rest of the season.

Eddie HoweBournemouth manager

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Hot stuff from Gestede

BBC

It can be easy to forget that it is not all over for footballers once the final whistle goes, because there are the post-match interviews to do. Sometimes they can be just as draining as the game itself.

After match winner Rudy Gestede gave his thoughts to BBC Sport in the tunnel at Bournemouth, the Aston Villa press officer attempted to whisk away the striker from the rest of the waiting media, saying he was too hot and needed a rest.

Gestede, though, was happy enough in the heat and continued chatting away about his dream debut.

I suppose you could say he was too hot for Bournemouth to handle (sorry!).

'We were hit with a sucker punch'

We were outstanding in the first half. We were hit with a sucker punch. We were disappointed with the goal. We didn't do well enough."

Eddie HoweBournemouth manager

Football League results

BBC

It's a three way log-jam at the top of League Two, with Cambridge, Portsmouth and Wycombe all winning 3-0.

Jonathan Smith scored a 92nd minute equaliser for Luton at Accrington, with opening day wins coming for Plymouth, Northampton and Hartlepool.

Manager reaction

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We were in pre-season mode a bit in the first half. Watford shocked us a little bit. We need to make sure we use this transfer window to be stronger."

Roberto MartinezEverton manager

Courtois a doubt for Chelsea

An early blow for Chelsea?

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is a possible injury doubt having apparently injured his knee during the warm-up.

You can find out more details, and follow the game in detail via our dedicated live text commentary page.

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Player reaction

High praise for 'The Tinkerman' from Marc Albrighton.

“Claudio Ranieri has come in with fresh ideas to add to the way we were playing," he says.

"He didn’t want to change too much but he has new ideas and we are taking them on board. 

"It is too early to say what the season will hold but if we can take confidence and pride in the way we play we will do well.”

Player reaction

Leicester midfielder Marc Albrighton : "It's a good start. We set the tempo in the first 15/20 minutes and just built from then on. 

"Towards the end of last season our main strength was our starts and we just carried that on. 

"I don't know if they were shocked but they should probably have seen that coming."

Get Involved

Pembo in Leicester:  Everyone thought Villa were going to go to Bournemouth and have their tummies tickled but we were the ones wielding the feather. Up the villa!     

Andrew:  Really? Gareth Barry at left back? Everton have some work to do this transfer window.   

Football League results

BBC

Gillingham thrashed Sheffield United 4-0 to go top of the pile in League One, closely followed by a Nicky Byrne hat-trick for Swindon in their 4-1 trouncing over Bradford.

On loan striker Adam Armstrong scored twice on his debut as Coventry beat Wigan 2-0, with wins for Burton, Chesterfield and Rochdale.

Player reaction

Aston Villa goalscorer Rudy Gestede:  “It’s not easy to come here and get the 3 points. I scored a goal so I’m very happy today. Bournemouth played a very good game especially in the first half. 

"I had two chances and I scored one. It’s not easy to win away, but we take it and we train hard and focus on the next game.”

Bournemouth played a very good game especially in the first half. I had two chances and I scored one. It’s not easy to win away, but we take it and we train hard and focus on the next game."

Rudy GestedeAston Villa goalscorer

Player reaction

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We're disappointed not to get the three points. We showed character to twice come from behind. The manager told us at half-time we had to be much better. I was disappointed with my goal tally last season. But to get a goal in first game of the season is pleasing. The result is more important though."

Ross BarkleyEverton midfielder

Team news

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Chelsea make two changes to the team which lost to Arsenal in the Community Shield last Sunday. Diego Costa is fit after his latest hamstring problem while Oscar replaces Ramires.

Swansea boss Garry Monk hands a debut to forward Andre Ayew after his move from Marseille in June. But defender Jordi Amat has not recovered in time from a broken foot.

Chelsea XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.

Swansea XI: Fabianski, Naughton, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor, Ki Sung-Yueng, Shelvey, Sigurdsson, Ayew, Montero, Gomis.

Football League results

BBC

MK Dons are the early leaders in the Championship after a comprehensive 4-1 win at Rotherham and Charlton recorded an impressive 2-0 victory against QPR.

Brentford turned it around in spectacular fashion against Ipswich, scoring in the 92nd and 96th minute to snatch a point.

Elsewhere, Birmingham, Wolves and Hull all won.

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Full-time results

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That was fun!

Right, stick with us for all the reaction from today's games. 

Meanwhile, the defending champions Chelsea get their season up and running in 30 minutes against Swansea and you can follow our dedicated live text commentary of that game here.

Joey Barton

Midfielder, BBC Radio 5 live at the Vitality Stadium

It's probably the right result. Bournemouth shaded the first half. Villa came out after the break with a lot more intent.

FULL-TIME

Three points for Crystal Palace as they pick up from where they left off at the end of last season.

FULL-TIME

Reuters

All over, a great return to Premier League action!

FULL-TIME

Claudio Ranieri. What a start.

FULL-TIME

Reuters

Not the fairy tale start for the Cherries.

Shrewd business

Chris Sutton

Former Blackburn striker on Final Score

Rudy Gestede is the best at what he does in the country. People can't handle him. He went for £6m and people are talking about £12m for Jordan Rhodes. It doesn't make sense.

GOAL

No last-minute drama at Norwich as Yohan Cabaye helps himself to a debut goal for Crystal Palace, and it is a simple finish for the ex-Newcastle man.

James McArthur does the hard work, showing good feet on the edge of the area before sliding a pass to put Cabaye through and he makes no mistake.

'I'd be worried if I was Eddie Howe'

Joey Barton

Midfielder, BBC Radio 5 live at the Vitality Stadium

If I'm Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe I'd be a bit worried with what I've got in the dressing room. I might just dip back into the transfer market."

Sunderland's travelling fans let out a roar as the fourth official reveals there will be five additional minutes. It will still require a mighty fine effort if they escape from here with anything other than a defeat.

How the equaliser was scored

Big Romelu (10) drived at the Watford defence and laid off to Kone (9) who did the rest...

#bigmanlittleman

Opta

FIVE minutes of added time, plenty for some last-minute drama!

Chances at both ends as this game heads towards its conclusion as first Steven Whittaker sees his effort hooked off the line by Scott Dann, before Yohan Cabaye's shot from distance is kept out by John Ruddy.

Minutes left and you can follow the closing stages in detail via our dedicated live text commentary page.

Five minutes of added time at Bournemouth. Time running out for the Premier League new boys. 

Reuters

Remember vanishing spray? It's out on show at the King Power as Jeff Schlupp is hauled down by Sebastian Coates on the edge of the box. Dick Advocaat will be more concerned about his vanishing defence after this display.

GOAL

Reuters

What a finish to this game as Everton hit back! 

Almost straight from the restart the hosts work the ball to Romelu Lukaku inside the Watford area and the big striker holds the ball up before feeding it to Arouna Kone, who finishes neatly for only his second goal in Everton colours.

Matt Ritchie tries his luck from 20 yards...but it whistles just wide of the target. Bournemouth throwing everything at this in the closing stages. Can they force an equaliser?

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GOAL

Reuters

Everton's cheers are relatively short lived as Watford stun the hosts for a second time. 

Substitute Odion Ighalo twists and turns on the edge of the area, putting John Stones on the floor and opening up space for him to have a shot. He gobbles up the opportunity gleefully to restore Watford's lead. 

Can they hold on for a big opening day win?

Breaking team news

Diego Costa - despite ongoing talk of a hamstring problem - starts for Chelsea against Swansea in the evening kick-off. Full team news to come shortly.

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SUBSTITUTION

There will be no hat-trick for Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian receives a standing ovation after his two goals as he is replaced by new signing Christian Fuchs.

'What a shocker'

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich striker on Final Score

The decision to disallow Cameron Jerome's effort for Norwich for a high boot does not go down well with the striker's union.....

"That's the worst decision you will see all season - on the opening day. If Palace had scored it I would have been saying the same. It was a wonderful finish. Was it the referee or the assistant? It's ridiculous. All he did was hook it over his shoulder.

Reuters

GOAL

WHAT A GOAL! 

Brilliant from Ross Barkley (20) as Arouna Kone (9) lays the ball into the young midfielder's path just outside the area and he powers an unstoppable drive into the back of the net.

Opta

Joey Barton

Midfielder, BBC Radio 5 live at the Vitality Stadium

It was always coming. Ashley Westwood stood that delivery up. Gestede's movement reminds me of Andy Carroll.

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THE EQUALI...no it is offside. 

For a moment, Norwich think they have staged a stunning fight back as Cameron Jerome drives the ball into the net, only for it to be ruled out for a high boot.

Football League update

Tony Watt has given Charlton the lead against QPR in the Championship, with Tom Lees bagging for Sheffield Wednesday against Bristol City.

In League One, Nathan Byrne has turned it around for Swindon against Bradford, netting a second half hat-trick, while Steve Morison and Lee Gregory have scored for Millwall at Shrewsbury.

In League Two, Barry Corr has a brace for Cambridge, and Northampton and Accrington both lead.

GOAL

That's the way to mark your debut! 

Former Blackburn striker Rudy Gestede (39) powers home a header from a corner to finally break Bournemouth's resolve. Now, can the hosts fight back?

Opta

GOAL

It's raining goals at the King Power. A header by substituteSteven Fletchersilences the home fans following Jermain Defoe's cross. This is a belter. Sunderland's away fans are now chanting 'we're going to win 5-4'.

PA

GOAL

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Where did that come from!?

Nathan Redmond receives the ball from Wes Hoolahan around 25 yards outside of the area and decides to have a pop. His dipping effort evades the dive of Alex McCarthy and suddenly it is game on!

The introduction of Nathan Redmond is giving Crystal Palace something to think about and Alan Pardew's side are becoming less adventurous, allowing Norwich to attack.

Redmond creates a chance when his cross is cleared only as far as Jonny Howson, who fires wide from outside the area.

Follow a dedicated live text from Norwich v Crystal Palace here

GOAL

Game over. Any hope of a Sunderland fightback vanish as Marc Albrighton produces a terrific low finish from the edge of the area after Jeff Schlupp had fired the ball in. The home fans have started the party.

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SUBSTITUTION

Roberto Martinez does indeed decide it is time for a change, but Romelu Lukaku survives. 

Instead, Martinez opts to bolster his forward line by introducing Arouna Kone for full-back Brendan Galloway. 

Kone slots in alongside Lukaku, with Gareth Barry shifting to left-back.

opta

Romelu Lukaku is not picking up the ball in the right areas...

Goodison has found its voice. The home fans seem much more optimistic after an improved display so far in this half.

They still need to find more bite in attack because, at the moment, it is not coming from Romelu Lukaku. Will Roberto Martinez be contemplating a change?

GOAL

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A consolation or something the start of a dramatic comeback? It's been all Leicester but Sunderland get a goal out of nowhere as Jermain Defoe latches onto a pass by Adam Johnson and slips the ball beyond Kasper Schmeichel.

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker on Final Score

Norwich have learned a lesson today. They missed two big chances, especially one for Lewis Grabban, before Palace scored. Last time they were in the Premier League they didn't score enough goals and that would be a worry against this season.

SUBSTITUTION

Norwich have made a couple of changes as they look to get back into this game, taking off misfiring striker Lewis Grabban and midfielder Alex Tettey and bringing on Cameron Jerome and Nathan Redmond.

Steven Whittaker then works Alex McCarthy in the Palace goal, but the keeper holds the defender's left-footed shot. They'll need better than that to halve the deficit.

HITS THE WOODWORK

There's still another half an hour or so to go but no doubt about Leicester's man of the match. Riyad Mahrez has been a constant menace and the Algerian is denied his hat-trick by a post after more trickery inside the Sunderland area. The Foxes win a corner and Mahrez gets a standing ovation as he walks over to take it.

SUBSTITUTION

Dick Advocaat shed tears of joy when Sunderland secured Premier League survival near the end of last season. He must feel like shedding a few more watching this display. It should be six or even seven for Leicester. New signing Adam Matthews has come on for the Black Cats.

Much better from Everton as they start to claw at the Watford defence. 

First, Romelu Lukaku heads just wide when he meets Ross Barkley's cross before James McCarthy's dangerous low cross is well defended by Craig Cathcart.

Can Watford keep them at bay here?

CLOSE!

Electric burst of pace by Jamie Vardy as he scampers down the flank before cutting into the Sunderland area and dinking the ball past Costel Pantilimon...and just past the post. So close to 4-0.

PA

GOAL

Superb start to the second half by Crystal Palace as Pape Souare (23) knocks the ball down inside the Norwich area and Damien Delaney (27) is on hand to lash home. Tough task for Norwich to avoid an opening day defeat now.

Opta

CLOSE!

What's Tim Sherwood said to his players at half-time? Villa have come flying out of the traps and Idrissa Gueye is denied by a fine close range save by Artur Boruc.Will Villa get a better chance?

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A bit more zip about Everton at the start of the second half and they win a corner inside 90 seconds. Kevin Mirallas takes it, but sends the ball far too deep and the opportunity is gone.

KICK-OFF

We're back under way. A big 45 minutes coming up.

They're on their way back out at Bournemouth. Can the new boys get the campaign off to a winning start?

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Football League update

In the Championship,  MK Dons have taken a 3-1 lead at Rotherham, while Benik Afobe and David Edwards have put Wolves ahead against Blackburn. Recently relegated Hull and Birmingham both lead.

In League One, Sheffield United have gone 2-0 down at Gillingham, and a Mark Cullen brace has given Blackpool something to cheer about against Colchester. Barnsley, Coventry and Fleetwood are all 1-0 up.

In League Two, Tom Nichols has bagged a double for Exeter, with Plymouth and Notts County edging in front.

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Follow the game of your choice

Remember you can follow all the action from your favourite Premier League club's game with our individual live text commentaries.

Just click on which game you want to follow, sit back and enjoy the action as it happens.

Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa

Everton 0-1 Watford

Leicester 3-0 Sunderland

Norwich City 0-1 Crystal Palace

Taxi for Sunderland?

'When I'm 64' - LVG sings!

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport at Old Trafford

Reuters

Not often you hear a manager singing in the news conference but Louis van Gaal is a law unto himself. When he was asked if it was his birthday today, he replied: "64 - the Beatles had a song about it" and then started singing it himself, before adding "When you hear what they are singing about, all my wishes are fulfilled."

Get Involved

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker on Final Score

In his wildest dreams, Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri couldn't have wished for an easier first 45 minutes.

I said before the game that the Leicester fans might be feeling a bit deflated by everything. They won't be now. What a start."

Joey Barton

Midfielder, BBC Radio 5 live at the Vitality Stadium

That would have been the perfect time to score a goal for Eddie Howe's side. Marc Pugh did everything he could do - unfortunately the effort was straight at Brad Guzan."

HALF-TIME

Goalless but Bournemouth have spurned another chance. Marc Pugh is denied by Brad Guzen from 12 yards but the Cherries midfielder should have done better.

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HALF-TIME

Standing ovation for Leicester at half-time. Men against boys...

HALF-TIME

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Norwich started brightly, but left Wilfried Zaha alone for one minute and he punished them. The forward seems to have found his form back at Palace and under Alan Pardew.

For half-time stats and detailed updates in the second half, follow the action via our dedicated live text.

GREAT SAVE!

Leicester are ending the half the way they started it - on the attack. Terrific full stretch stop by Costel Pantilimon to keep out Danny Drinkwater from 30 yards.

HALF-TIME

Boos at half time.

I think many Everton fans at Goodison would rather be pottering in the garden or wandering around the shops.

Get involved

Ian:  Said it last year, #EFC will be relegated if they stick with Martinez.   

Sam Hodge:  When he's in the mood, Wilfried Zaha is just too good. The things he can do with a football are simply outrageous  

Joey Barton

Midfielder, BBC Radio 5 live at the Vitality Stadium

Meanwhile, in the only Premier League game without a goal...

It looks more likely that Bournemouth will score than Villa.

Romelu Lukaku has been distinctly quiet and here is why. He is not getting the opportunity to get into the box enough and instead is having to come back to midfield and help his side build attacks. Consequently, he has not had a single touch inside the area.

The Toffees have gone a little closer, Ross Barkley curling a shot just over but they are still not worrying Watford enough.

For minute-by-minute coverage of this game, head to our dedicated live text commentary page.

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CLOSE!

Dick Advocaat must surely be regretting shelving those retirement plans. Another Leicester attack as Jamie Vardy leaves Sebastian Coates for dead and tees up Riyad Mahrez who flashes a volley just over. Sunderland can't wait for the half-time whistle.

Reuters

GOAL

PA

Crystal Palace have been building and draw first blood with a simple enough attack. 

Jason Puncheon works his way down the right before lifting a cross towards the far post where Wilfried Zaha is left all alone and he volleys into the back of the net.

A tad harsh for Norwich, but that's life in the Premier League!

CLOSE!

Villa can't get the ball out of their penalty area and it falls for Dan Gosling who....blazes high and wide from 12 yards. No doubt about it - that should have been Bournemouth's first Premier League goal. 

Seaside special

Chris Sutton

Former Norwich, Blackburn and Celtic striker on Final Score

I think with the energy they have, I give Bournemouth the nod over the other two promoted sides to have the best chance of staying up."

If it's action-packed at Leicester, they are still waiting for the game to kick into life at Bournemouth. There's certainly no lack of effort from the Cherries and they're grafting away. But it's a game of few chances. Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has touched the ball four times in the opening half an hour. Get the picture?

Reuters

Football League update

Tight in the Championship so far, where the only goals scored are at Rotherham against MK Dons. Ryan Hall gave the visitors the lead, before Matt Derbyshire restored parity.

Plenty of goals in League One where Barnsley, Gillingham and Bradford all lead, while in League Two, Wycombe lead the way after two goals in the opening half an hour. Hartlepool and Cambridge are also in front.

Much better Crystal Palace! 

John Ruddy has to be alert as Joel Ward's header finds Glenn Murray in the box, he shoots and forces a fine save out of Ruddy.

Palace are finding their feet a bit now.

'Phenomenal start by Leicester'

Joey Barton

On BBC Radio 5 live

They've carried over the momentum from the back end of last season. Phenomenal start from Leicester. Sunderland have spent money, they might need to spend more before the transfer window closes.

I'll stress again, it is obviously very early days but there is a predictability about Everton's play at the moment. 

Patient passing in an attempt to find the opener, but no-one making incisive runs. One such spell ends with Ross Barkley lashing an effort well, well over from 25 yards.

SUBSTITUTION

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Sunderland have not turned up. They are being run ragged by a rampant Leicester. Dick Advocaat reacts bymaking an early substitution. Off goes Lee Cattermole - he is not limping - and on is striker Steven Fletcher.

More routine action for John Ruddy in the Norwich goal as Crystal Palace win a free-kick out wide. 

Yohan Cabaye fancies it, floating the ball into the box and it is easy pickings for Ruddy, who clutches the ball out of the air.

GOAL

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Hands up who predicted this? Be honest. Riyad Mahrez picks himself up off the floor to slot past Costel Pantilimon. Claudio Ranieri is in dreamland.

PENALTY TO LEICESTER

What on earth is Lee Cattermole doing? The Sunderland midfielder gifts Leicester a penalty with a blatant trip on Riyad Mahrez. 

ge

Joey Barton

Midfielder, BBC Radio 5 at the Vitality Stadium

Villa haven't got going. It's like they expect to win this game. They've tried to spring forward Gabriel Agbonlahor. But you can't always expect him to run on from behind."

CLOSE!

First chance for Bournemouth,. Simon Francis picks out Marc Pugh at the back post but the midfielder, 15 yards out, can't keep his header down and it flies over. Groans from the home fans.

Reuters

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Plenty of possession but not where it counts for Everton at the moment, the ball spending more of the time in their own half. 

You can already sense a bit of frustration in the crowd at the lack of creativity shown by the Toffees at the moment, but so far so good for Premier League newbies Watford.

Crystal Palace have added some real flair and excitement to their side over the summer, with the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Patrick Bamford arriving, but they are yet to click at Norwich.

Cabaye in particular has been quiet with John Ruddy's only task of the game so far being to pluck Joel Ward's cross out of the air. Early days though.

GOAL

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Sunderland's defence is still on the beach. Andfy King missed a great chance to double Leicester's lead from close range before Riyad Mahrez's cushioned header makes it 2-0 following another assist by Marc Albrighton. Too easy for the Foxes.

All quite tame on the south coast. Bournemouth are enjoying lots of possession but neither keeper has been seriously tested so far. Nice passing from the Premier League new boys but no cutting edge so far.

Reuters

Someone's getting excited...

GOAL

Reuters

What a start for Watford! Back in the big time after finishing second in the Championship last season and they send Goodison into silence by snatching the opener. 

The Toffees defence fails to clear a ball into the box and Miguel Layun is left alone to rifle into the roof of the net.

CLOSE!

Oh dear Lewis Grabban! Shocking miss. 

The striker has a fine chance to put Norwich ahead as Steven Whittaker finds enough space on the right to feed a low ball behind the defence and to the feet of Grabban. He has an open goal but somehow slices wide. 

We'll let that one go as early season rustiness Lewis...

GOAL

What a start to Claudio Ranieri's Leicester reign.

The Foxes have been on the defensive for much of the opening exchanges but from their first serious attack Jamie Vardy glances home Marc Albrighton free-kick from the left.

And there's a somersault from Vardy to celebrate.

Getty Images

CLOSE!

Early jitters in the Leicester defence as Kasper Schmeichel is forced to make three saves in quick succession. After keeping out Jermain Defoe from close range, the Foxes keeper stretches himself to frustrate Younes Kaboul and Sebastian Coates following a corner.

Six new faces in the Watford team and there is an element of getting to know you about their play in the opening stages of this game, with passes a little wayward and Everton instead seeing more of the ball. 

No chances of note yet, though.

Scrappy start at the Vitality Stadium but nothing to worry Bournemouth in the opening exchanges. The Premier League new boys are standing their ground.

Reuters

Canaries to keep flying

Dion Dublin

Former Norwich and Aston Villa striker on Final Score

I think Norwich have the know-how to stay up. The manager (Alex Neil) is raw but has the hunger and has the right group of players

An early sighter by Graham Dorrans sails just over the bar as Norwich make an enthusiastic start to life back in the Premier League. 

Moments later, Lewis Grabban stabs just wide, but he was offside anyway. Good start by the Canaries.

'Great day for the fans'

Joey Barton

Midfielder, BBC Radio 5 Live

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The Bournemouth players will be slightly apprehensive. While it is a great day for the fans I'm not sure it'll be great for the players. It looks absolutely roasting out there.

A big hug and huge smiles on the faces of fellow Spaniards Roberto Martinez and Quique Flores as the two managers greet each other before kick-off. 

Who will still be smiling in 90 minutes?

KICK-OFF

We're under way in all four of our 15:00 BST Premier League games.

Big welcome for Ranieri

What a welcome for Claudio Ranieri. The 63-year-old Italian is suited and booted as he walks onto the pitch and applauds all four sides of the ground. 

Get Involved

Vote

We've teamed up with Final Score to ask which of the three promoted teams is the most likely to stay up.

You can have your say at the top of the page. The vote will close just after full-time. Terms and conditions can be found here.

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Spider ball, spider ball, does whatever a normal ball can.

The Premier League's groovy new ball is ready to be kicked about in Premier League grounds this afternoon. 

Out come the players.Almost time for kick-off.

Countdown to kick-off

Bournemouth is home to piers, pantos, pensioners...and now Premier League football. The players are gathering in the tunnel. There's a huge noise at the Vitality Stadium...and not a single spare seat in the house.

EIGHT MINUTES TO KICK-OFF

Is everyone ready? We're almost ready to go. Can Bournemouth start life in the Premier League with a win? Will Claudio Ranieri secure three points in his first match back in England? We'll soon find out.

Player reaction

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Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney: “Today was all about the three points. Pre-season was relatively short compared to previous ones. We’re still working. It was a big victory for us today.”

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling: “It was good to get that clean sheet. At times we didn’t play well today, but we dug in at the end and it was an important three points. It was important we got off to a good start.”

Tottenham defender Kyle Walker: “We gave them a game today but we just lacked the goals. (For the own goal) I tried to stick my foot in the way so that he’d kick my foot instead of the ball, so it’s a bit unlucky really as I’d  made up a lot of ground to get there. We just look onwards and upwards to our next game.”

BBC Radio 5 live comes from Bournemouth today with full match commentary on their game against Aston Villa. They will also have updates of goals from all around the grounds.

Countdown to kick-off

bbc

Return of Ranieri

Anyone remember Claudio Ranieri's last match in the Premier League? It actually ended in a 1-0 win for Chelsea against a Leeds team that included an 18-year-old midfielder called James Milner. What on earth happened to him?

Eighteen signings at Notts County

Has there been a busier club in the transfer market this summer than Notts County? The Magpies are beginning life in League Two with 18 new players following relegation. Ricardo Moniz's side, who start at Teddy Sheringham's Stevenage, have added former Sunderland and Ipswich striker Jon Stead as well as Adam Campbell – a prolific scorer while coming through the Newcastle United ranks - among others.

Barnet and Bristol Rovers, promoted from the Conference, start away to Leyton Orient and at home to Northampton respectively.

Tough times for Wigan

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Two years ago they were the FA Cup holders and getting ready for a Europa League campaign. But Wigan Athletic start the 2015-16 season away to Coventry City in League One after a disastrous 24 months which has seen them tumble down the divisions.

Burton Albion are playing in the third tier for the first time in their history. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's side are at home to Scunthorpe United.

FULL-TIME

Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

It wasn't a good game between two teams that will be top six at the end of the season. It's a hot day and they've had hard pre-seasons. A draw would have been a fair result.

Bouncing back?

There's plenty of life outside the Premier League...

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What chances of Burnley,Hull City and QPR bouncing straight back to the Premier League after relegation?

The Clarets begin life back in the second-tier at Leeds United, while Steve Bruce's Hull entertain Huddersfield and QPR are at Charlton Athletic.

Middlesbrough, who have signed Stewart Downing, are at newly-promoted Preston North End on Sunday.

BBC Final Score

Follow the nail-biting action from the first day of the Premier League season and first full day of the Football League, and the latest news from Scotland on Final Score.

It is under way right now on the Red Button & online.

You can then watch the programme on BBC One from 16:00 BST. (BBC One Wales: 16:30; BBC One NI 16:00).

Presenter Jason Mohammed is joined by Dion Dublin and Chris Sutton.

Countdown to kick-off

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FULL-TIME

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All over at Old Trafford and Manchester United are up and running with a win thanks to Kyle Walker's own goal in the first half. 

Up to the top of the table they go, for now.

Countdown to kick-off

Will Eddie Howe still be smiling in two and a bit hours time? The Bournemouth boss, wearing a black short sleeved club top, has just been signing autographs by the side of the pitch as his players carry on their on-pitch drills. If the Cherries boss is nervous ahead of his side's first Premier League match then he's hiding it well.

Villa boss Tim Sherwood is currently sat in the opposition dugout wearing a light blue shirt, legs crossed, sipping from a bottle of water. 

Championship full-time

Another 1-1 draw in the Championship as Leeds draw with Burnley - back in the second tier following relegation from the Premier League.

Countdown to kick-off

You can follow all the action from your favourite Premier League club's game with our individual live text commentaries.

Just click on which game you want to follow, sit back and enjoy the action as it happens.Build-up in all four of the 15:00 BST kick-offs is starting now.

Bournemouth v Aston Villa

Everton v Watford

Leicester v Sunderland

Norwich City v Crystal Palace

'Norwich can stay up'

Danny Murphy

Former England midfielder

"Norwich, for me, are the most equipped, simply because they have players who have been there before. That extra bit of experience of being there before and going through it means a lot.

"If I was to put a bet on who will stay up it would be on Norwich. Watford and Bournemouth I fear for."

Cherries on top

Bournemouth are loving life at the top of the Premier League right now...well for a few more minutes anyway. 

Because their full name is AFC Bournemouth, they start the Premier League season on top of the pile alphabetically, and they are proudly showing that off in the club shop today

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'Bournemouth good enough to stay up'

It's a glorious day in Bournemouth and the Vitality Stadium is beginning to fill for the town's first ever Premier League game. But will it be a fruitful season for the Cherries? Harry Redknapp thinks so....

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Former Bournemouth manager Harry Redknapp on BBC Radio 5 live: "Bournemouth will have setbacks this season and it will be about how they recover from those. There will be ups and downs this season. There will be blips but suddenly you pick up a win and away you go again.

"I am very confident that Bournemouth will be good enough to stay in the division. They were so good last year and I don't see why they cannot continue playing well."

Follow Scottish football action

BBC

So much football today!

BBC Scotland's live text commentary of today's Scottish football action is up and running, with the focus on the four games in the Premiership.

There will also be updates from the Championship and Leagues One and Two.

Team news

Shinji Okazaki makes his Leicester City debut but fellow newcomer Christian Fuchs must make do with a place on the substitutes’ bench as manager Claudio Ranieri takes charge of the Foxes for the first time in the Premier League.

Leicester XI:  Schmeichel, De Laet, Huth, Morgan, Schlupp, Albrighton, Drinkwater, King, Mahrez, Okazaki, Vardy.  

Summer signings Jermain Lens and Younes Kaboul make their Sunderland bows, while Sebastian Coates – who made his loan move from Liverpool permanent this summer – also starts.

Sunderland XI: Pantilimon, Jones, van Aanholt, Kaboul, Coates, Cattermole, Rodwell, Larsson, Johnson, Lens, Defoe

Get your predictions in!

There's still time for you to predict the scores of this afternoon's Premier League matches - head over to our Predictor now.

You'll even get your performance analysed by a Match of the Day pundit at the end of the weekend.

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Championship latest

A flurry of goals in the Championship as Leeds break the deadlock when Mirco Antenucci curls in a fine opener, but Sam Vokes levels for Burnley just three minutes later.

Follow the action here.

Team news

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has made eight signings since the end of last season but only two of them - goalkeeper Artur Boruc and striker Josh King - make the starting line-up on a historic day for the club.

Bournemouth XI:  Boruc, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Ritchie, Gosling, Surman, Pugh, King, Wilson

It's been a busy summer in the transfer market for Aston Villa and more than half their starting line-up is made up of new signings - winger Scott Sinclair, defenders Micah Richards and Jordan Amavi, midfielders Idrissa Gueye and Jordan Veretout and forward Jordan Ayew.

Aston Villa XI : Guzan, Bacuna, Richards, Clark, Amavi, Veretout, Gueye, Westwood, Ayew, Agbonlahor, Sinclair.

Still time for Rooney to deliver

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Wayne Rooney loves an opening day goal. He also loves to score against Tottenham too, having scored 10 goals in 15 appearances against Spurs.

It is not happening for him so far today, though. We are into the closing stages of the Premier League opener and you can follow a blow-by-blow account here.

Breaking team news

Alex Neil names two new signings in his XI, with Graham Dorrans and Robbie Brady starting for the Canaries. Lewis Grabban starts up front with Wes Hoolahan just behind.

Norwich XI: Ruddy; Whittaker, Martin (c), Bassong, Brady; Howson, Dorrans, Tettey, Johnson; Hoolahan; Grabban.

Palace’s new record signing Yohan Cabaye starts alongside James McArthur in midfield. New goalkeeper Alex McCarthy also makes his debut with Glenn Murray preferred up front for Alan Pardew’s men.

Crystal Palace XI: McCarthy; Ward, Dann, Delaney; Souare; McArthur, Cabaye; Zaha, Mutch, Puncheon; Murray

Breaking team news

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku is passed fit to start, while Tom Cleverley makes his competitive debut. John Stones is in at centre-back, but Leighton Baines is replaced at left-back after taking a knock in training. His replacement Brendan Galloway, 19, will be making just his third league appearance.

Everton XI:  Howard, Galloway, Jagielka (c), Stones, Coleman, Barry, McCarthy, Cleverley, Barkley, Mirallas, Lukaku.

Watford manager Quique Flores hands debuts to five of the club’s summer signings. Allam Nyom, Sebastian Prodl, Jose Holebas, Etienne Capoue, Valon Behrami and Jose Jurado all start. 

Watford XI: Gomes (GK); Nyom, Cathcart, Prödl, Holebas; Capoue, Behrami; Anya, Jurado, Layun; Deeney.

Get Involved

Breaking team news

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Bournemouthstart life in the Premier League with two new signings in their line-up - goalkeeper Artur Boruc and forward Joshua King.

Aston Villastart will six summer signings including winger Scott Sinclair and defender Micah Richards.

Ritchie's rise

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My tip for one of the surprises of the season - Matt Ritchie. 

The Bournemouth winger was brilliant for the Cherries last season, and was a cut above when I saw him regularly playing for Swindon a couple of years ago. 

Cut this entry out and keep it, because I reckon he will grab a few goals this season.

Is he in the first XI today? We are about to get all the 15:00 BST kick-off team news.

Dedicated follower of fashion

Now I am as excited about the arrival of the new season as the next person, but donning shoes with your team's badge plastered all over it? Bit much...

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Getting shirty

Championship latest

All over in Wales as Cardiff rescue a point against Fulham, Matt Smith's first-half goal cancelled out by Craig Noone's equaliser. 

It could have been three points to Fulham, though, but Ross McCormack somehow failed to fire home in the last minute.

Meanwhile, Leeds versus Burnley is still goalless with just over 20 minutes left.

bbc

Pardew confident

We managed to sign some big players. We have real talent come into the squad. We have some way to go to get to the level of Stoke. It's not about endurance, it's about making an impact of winning a cup or getting into Europe.

Alan Pardew on Football FocusCrystal Palace manager

Pardew packing the positivity at Palace

Alistair Mann

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"Off the back of their best ever Premier League finish, Alan Pardew has enhanced the positivity surrounding Crystal Palace with the additions of record signing Yohan Cabaye and Connor Wickham.

"He has increased the quality of the squad still further with Chelsea's prolific young striker Patrick Bamford and former Wolves winger Bakary Sako.

"It all points to a tough-looking opener for play-off winners Norwich, whose own summer reshuffle has been a great deal more modest. 

"With their home form likely to be pivotal, I don't foresee this being an ideal start!"

KICK-OFF

Meanwhile, we are back under way at Old Trafford. Can Tottenham fight back? Follow the action here.

EPA

Championship latest

Cardiff finally bag an equaliser against Fulham after a spell of domination, substitute Craig Noone scoring an absolute stunner.

There's about five minutes left in that game and you can follow the action in our dedicated Championship live text commentary.

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Ranieri's return

Martin Fisher

Getty Images

"Leicester and Sunderland will be relieved just to be involved in the new Premier League campaign.

"Sunderland hovered nervously around the drop zone throughout last season while Leicester required the greatest escape of all time to save their skins, somehow winning seven of their last nine games - although that bit of magic wasn't enough to keep Nigel Pearson in a job.

"Claudio Ranieri steps in to his shoes. A surprise appointment to many, it will be fascinating to see how the Italian fares on his return to English football.

"Meanwhile, will Dick Advocaat rue his decision to stay on at Sunderland after shelving his retirement plans?"

Stones rolls into Goodison

Here's John Stones strolling into an empty Goodison Park not too long ago.

It has certainly been an interesting summer for the Everton defender, with Chelsea having made their interest in him very public.

Will it have an affect on his performance today, should he play?

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HALF-TIME

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Half-time at Old Trafford with Kyle Walker's own goal giving Manchester United the lead. 

They have the advantage, but Louis van Gaal's side haven't even managed a shot on target yet. 

Catch up on all the half-time chat from our pundits, as well as the key stats, in our dedicated live coverage page.

Goals at Goodison?

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Hornets to spring a surprise?

Steve Bower

BBC football commentator

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"This is an intriguing clash between the Premier League's two Spanish bosses, each managing very different expectations this season.

"Roberto Martinez begins his third season in charge of Everton and knows an improvement will be needed on last season. He's been frustrated in his attempts to add to the squad so far and wants a couple of additions before the transfer window closes.

"Watford's new head coach Quique Sanchez Flores needs to get an early grip on English football and the new signings will need time to settle but could surprise a few early on."

Championship latest

Half-time in the second of the early Championship kick-offs, with Leeds goalless against Burnley. 

Stuart Dallas hit the crossbar early on for Leeds, and that is the closest either side has come to a goal.

Follow all the latest from the Football League in our dedicated live coverage page here.

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Bournemouth's enormous shopping list

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Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live earlier this week: "The last couple of months have been really hectic. At first we had to check the paper to make sure we had been promoted but it reality hit home when we had the Premier League come down and we had an induction day - that was practically the day from hell. 

"When we got the shopping list of everything we needed to do to get the stadium to comply with Premier League regulations, it was enormous. 

"First thing that was discussed was digging up our prize-winning pitch and installing under soil heating. The groundsman loves the pitch more than his family."

Bournemouth playing 'fantasy football'

Jonathan Pearce

BBC football commentator

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Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe guided the Cherries into the Premier League for the first time in their history

"Eighteen years ago, Bournemouth fans saved the club with a bucket collection at the Winter Gardens concert hall. They've survived administration, winding-up orders and the sell off of the stadium. The club's amazing journey is the very stuff of fantasy football. 

"But Tommy Elphick admits 'the fairy story has to stop here'. The team needs to get to work fast to make sure they stay up. They'll be targeting games like this for a win. 

"Players who've longed for years to play at this level will be hungry to rip into a Villa side being rebuilt by Tim Sherwood. The Vitality Stadium will be bedlam. Bournemouth can nick an historic win."

Saturdays are for football again

No DIY, no pottering around the garden, no trips around a certain big blue warehouse full of flat-pack furniture, because football is back!

Three o'clock is creeping up on us and no doubt fans up and down the country are making that familiar pilgrimage to watch the team of their choice.

We'll have team news from all the 3pm games in just under one hour, so now seems like as good a time as any to take a closer look at each of the mid-afternoon kick-offs in the Premier League...

Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

You feel sorry for Tottenham. Bentaleb, who has given the ball away already, is punished. You feel sorry for Kyle Walker. He tries to poke it away from Rooney but pokes it in instead.

Reuters

GOAL

And the first Premier League goal is one to forget for Tottenham's Kyle Walker, an own goal.

Wayne Rooney is one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The skipper gets his feet in a muddle and in an attempt top nick the ball away, Walker only manages to poke it into the net. 

Find out more details in our separate live coverage page.

Reuters

Championship latest

We have our first goal of the day!

Fulham have got the ball rolling as Matt Smith fires home for the Championship side at Cardiff.

Follow the action in our dedicated page here.

'Chelsea the team to beat'

Danny Murphy

Former England midfielder

"I think Chelsea are the team to beat, they have to be. They set such high standards last season. 

"Manchester City are the best equipped to challenge them. Their squad is strong. Fabian Delph is a terrific signing, Raheem Sterling is a good signing but he needs to improve and find a position in that side."

"A lot closer this year"

Alan Shearer

BBC Sport

"It has been a long six or seven weeks. And the exciting thing is that I think we are in for a better Premier League this season.

"Last year was a little disappointing for me. The race was over in February with Chelsea winning it at a canter.

"There has been a fortune spent on so many players, some very exciting ones. I’m expecting bigger and better things.

"I think it will be a lot closer this year."

Crouch hails new Stoke

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Nobody relishes facing Stoke away. We've got players who play the ball at their feet. We are playing football, but we don't want to forget the beliefs that got us here."

Peter Crouch on Football FocusStoke striker

CLOSE!

Ten minutes into the game at Old Trafford and we were not far off our first Premier League goal of the season, Christian Eriksen going very close indeed.

Follow regular updates via our dedicated coverage page.

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No easy way back for Reds

Kevin Kilbane

Football Focus

I think Liverpool will finish fifth. They have spent a lot of money but overall I think the top four sides are still stronger.

Ready for work!

You can watch Match of the Day on the BBC Sport website later this evening - and we'll have a live text to accompany the show, with all the best stats and analysis to complement the programme. You can follow that from 22:15 BST (UK only).

In the Championship...

It's half-time in the first game of the day - the Championship affair between Cardiff and Fulham.

It's been a pretty tight affair in south Wales, with Matt Smith hitting the post for the visitors but the Bluebirds piling on the pressure as the half wore on.

You can follow our Championship live text commentary here.

De Gea in the house

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport

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"In normal circumstances, David De Gea would be on the pitch and behind the United defence as their opening game of the season gets under way. 

"Today, he is behind me - in the Old Trafford executive box. The Spanish keeper, left out because he has been distracted by talk of a move to Real Madrid, will have plenty of time to think about his potential move in the next 90 minutes or so but is here to cheer his current team-mates on."

New season, new rules

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New season, new signings, new kits..new rules. 

As the English football season gets under way, players and staff will also have to come to terms with new disciplinary rulings, offside decisions and a brand new ball.

The biggest change in discipline sees players who feign injury to get an opponent sent off facing the prospect of being penalised themselves - while managers must adhere to a written code of conduct.  

Find out more by clicking here.

KICK-OFF

The whistle goes and Tottenham get things up and running at Old Trafford. 

Follow the action here.

It is a glorious day in Manchester, perfect weather to kick off the Premier League season.

Out stroll the players, it is almost time for kick-off.

Remember you can follow minute-by-minute updates in our dedicated live coverage page.

Stay with us for regular updates and build up to the rest of the day's football.

Reuters

Get your predictions in!

There's still time for you to predict the scores of this afternoon's Premier League matches - head over to our Predictor now.

You'll even get your performance analysed by a Match of the Day pundit at the end of the weekend.

There is just a few minutes for you to get your predictions in for Man Utd versus Tottenham, so get cracking!

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Championship latest

It is all kicking off. 

Now Leeds versus Burnley is under way and you can follow a more detailed coverage of that Championship fixture in our dedicated live coverage page.

It's Gunner be Arsenal

Trevor Sinclair

Former West Ham and Man City winger Football Focus

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The Premier League has not been successfully defended since 2008-09 and it's getting more competitive. Arsenal have taken Petr Cech from Chelsea and that's a vital blow and I think that could be the difference. I am backing Arsenal to win the title.

Season too soon for Spurs?

Guy Mowbray

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"The fact that Spurs were keen to move this game to Sunday suggests the start of the season has come too soon for them, even if by just 24 hours.

"Having crammed their pre-season games into nine days before the big kick-off, there could be a danger of being 'undercooked' on day one against a United side that had their preparation matches wrapped up before Spurs had started.

"It's by and large been another successful summer for Louis van Gaal's team, but another failure to take that momentum into the season proper will leave him mightily unimpressed.

"With new signings having cost around £80m and counting, a good start is imperative."

Sherwood has recruited well at Villa

Kevin Kilbane

Former midfielder, Football Focus

Villa have lost two influential characters - Fabian Delph and Christian Benteke. With letting Benteke go they've got Rudy Gestede who is a good target man. It's good recruitment by Tim Sherwood."

Bournemouth Cherry-ripe

Trevor Sinclair

Football Focus

Bournemouth haven't brought loads of players in which is a reward and a show of loyalty to the players they had, which is great for team spirit."

Football Focus - live from Bournemouth

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Radio 5 live

"It's the first day of the season. There is so much optimism and you can feel it here in Bournemouth."

Reuters

We are going to play the same way we played in the Championship - to change the way we play is to go against what helped us succeed."

Eddie HoweBournemouth manager

Don't forget you can watch Football Focus by using the link at the top of this very page.

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A year in the life

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport

What a difference a year makes for Harry Kane, who starts up front for Tottenham today, and is rumoured to be a £40m target for Manchester United. 

On the opening day of last season he was on the bench as a bit-part player for Spurs who had barely played in the Premier League. Now? An England striker and the PFA Young Player of the Year, who has spent the last week or so having to play down those United stories. 

His amazing progress should show Dele Alli and Tom Carroll, who are among the Tottenham substitutes today, what is possible in the next 12 months. 

Alli, in particular, has been making quite a splash in pre-season - could he be part of the England squad for Euro 2016? Who knows...

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Championship latest

The second Championship game of the season is under way, with Cardiff hosting Fulham.

No goals as yet, but Matt Smith has just rattled the post for the visitors.

Follow the action in detail here.

New season, new faces

PA

Fifty-two goals in 181 appearances for his previous club, 62 caps for his country and a Champions League-winning dad.

And a fat zero for a transfer fee.

Andre Ayew, son of Abedi Pele, is a good shout for the bargain of the summer.

The 25-year-old Ghana international agreed a deal with Swansea after his contract expired at Marseille and is expected to fill the vacancy up front that has been unfilled since Wilfried Bony left for Manchester City in January. 

Man Utd v Tottenham - follow every kick

BBC

This season you can follow YOUR team's games in more detail with dedicated live text commentaries on every Premier League fixture.

If you want to follow in-detail updates on Manchester United v Tottenham, then head on over to our dedicated page.

We'll still be providing updates right here, but this page is also the home of the build up and news for all of today's football.

Football Focus - watch now

Football Focus is getting under way as we speak, over on BBC One. It's pretty sunny down in Bournemouth.

Alternatively you can watch live at the top of this very page.

'We're waiting to see what Depay has to offer'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder, BBC Sport

Manchester United definitely look better than they did last season but they won't win the title. We are all waiting to see what this Memphis Depay has to offer."

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You've only got about 40 minutes until the wait is over, Jermaine. Assuming he scores direct from kick-off with a rabona that is.

Get Involved

Keep the tweets and texts coming in - we want to know:

1 Who will be your team's star man? 2 Who will be your team's biggest let down? 3 Where will your team finish?

Coming up - Football Focus

You've got just under ten minutes to settle in before the first Football Focus of the season...

Who is Sergio Romero?

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport

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Summer signing Sergio Romero did not start a single game of Manchester United's pre-season tour, so he is probably spending the next 45 minutes or so trying to memorise the names of the men who will be playing immediately front of him. As long as he doesn't call Chris Smalling 'Mike', he should be OK...

Romero is obviously new to the Premier League but it has actually been a while since the Argentina international played a league game of any description - his last one for former club Sampdoria was in December 2014.

New season, new faces

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Junichi Inamoto. Hidetoshi Nakata. Shinji Kagawa. 

The history of Japanese players in the Premier League is short and inglorious.

Shinji Okazaki might be the one to buck the trend though. 

Signed for £7m, the Foxes have picked up a striker who has 43 goals in 93 international games as well as 29 goals in 70 games for previous club Mainz.

He has already found the net for Leicester, scoring in the pre-season friendly against Birmingham.

De Gea gear. Any takers?

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport at Old Trafford

Understandably, David De Gea gear is not proving too popular today. Nobody I spoke to has sold any, in fact, and I certainly can't see anyone outside the ground wearing anything showing the name of United's player of the year last season. 

It's not quite in the bargain bins with the Angel Di Maria t-shirts and the Radamel Falcao baseball caps yet, but it might not be long until it is available for a vastly reduced price, like the man himself - who could leave on a free next summer.

BBC

Follow the Football League action

BBC

Of course, it's not all about the Premier League today. 

Brighton kicked off the Football League season by beating Nottingham Forest last night, and there's a packed schedule of games in the Championship, League One and League Two today. It all kicks off with Cardiff v Fulham (12:00 BST) and Leeds against Burnley (12:30 BST). 

We've got a dedicated live coverage page on today's early games, so you don't have to miss a kick. 

Team News

Michel Vorm is in net instead of Lloris, with the Frenchman presumably not quite recovered from a broken wrist. He did play against AC Milan in a friendly on Wednesday, though,

Man Utd XI:  Romero; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Memphis, Schneiderlin; Mata, Rooney, Young.   

Spurs XI:  Vorm, Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies, Bentaleb Dier, Chadli, Eriksen, Dembele, Kane. 

Team news

Manchester United begin their Premier League season with four debutants.  Memphis Depay , Morgan Schneiderlin, and  Matteo Darmian all start,while goalkeeper  Sergio Romero  replaces  David De Gea, who is left out of today's squad. 

Tottenham hand a debut to defender Toby Alderweireld , Harry Kane starts up front, and there is no Hugo Lloris.

Get Involved

This morning we've been asking you:

1 Who will be your team's star man? 2 Who will be your team's biggest let down? 3 Where will your team finish?

England regain the Ashes

BBC

Hold the football for a moment, because this is most definitely worth highlighting.

England have just beaten Australia to regain the Ashes!

Get all the reaction in our Ashes live coverage here.

Coming up - Football Focus

What do John Terry, Alan Pardew, Teddy Sheringham and Peter Crouch have in common? 

They all feature in the first Football Focus of the 2015-16 season, that's what. 

Today's programme starts at  12:10 BST on BBC One and comes live from Bournemouth ahead of their first ever Premier League match against Aston Villa. 

How do you spell Schweinsteiger?

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport at Old Trafford

Away from a football ground, nobody in their right mind would be looking to buy a scarf on a scorching day like today, but the souvenir sellers outside Old Trafford are doing a roaring trade in merchandise featuring some of Manchester United's summer signings. 

My very rough count sees Bastian Schweinsteiger the runaway winner when it comes to spotting the new-boys' names on the back of fans' shirts - even more impressive when you think how much all his letters must cost.

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BBC TV coverage

Don't forget you can follow all the action from the first day of the Premier League season and first full day of the Football League, plus the latest news from Scotland, on  Final Score.

It begins at 14:30 BST on the Red Button and online.

You can then watch on BBC One  from 16:00 BST. (BBC One Wales: 16:30; BBC One NI 16:00).

Presenter Jason Mohammed will be joined by Dion Dublin and Chris Sutton.

New season, new faces

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Yohan Cabaye needs to feel a little dugout love after his return to France with Paris St Germain turned out to be a bit of a damp squib; 13 starts and a switch back to England.

Is Alan Pardew the man to provide it?

Frenchman Cabaye scored 18 goals in 93 appearances for Newcastle under Pardew and the Eagles boss has bet £10m of Palace's transfer kitty on being able to relight the fire.

Palace are away to Norwich at 15:00 BST this afternoon.

One wicket away...

Reuters

In case you hadn't heard, there is a bit of a cricket match going on today, too.

England are playing Australia, apparently, in something called the Ashes? 

The wickets have been falling already and England are just one away from winning the series.You can follow it all here, it's kind of a big deal...

Get Involved

We've been asking you: 

1 Who will be your team's star man? 2 Who will be your team's biggest let down? 3 Where will your team finish?

Stephen, Arsenal fan from Milton Keynes: 1. Mesut Ozil, a phenomenal talent, one of the most gracious players in the game 2. Mikel Arteta, unfortunately I think wenger will play him far too often when he should've been sold this summer, his legs have completely gone and 3. Second, I'm optimistic that we can perform well but Mourinhos titles always come in twos.... 

Michael Brown:  1 Depay will be a revelation 2 Di Maria 3 2nd unless new def than poss champs....          

How do you feel, United fans?

Chris Bevan

BBC Sport at Old Trafford

Shorts, sunglasses and selfies are the order of the day in the bright sunshine outside Old Trafford, but the summer vibe does not seem to be translating into over-confidence for Manchester United fans on the opening day of the season.

James Whitty (pictured left) said: "We will definitely be better than last season but I still think we are short of one or two players."

Dan Moore (right) added: "We need a striker and a centre-half. At the moment we are looking at second or third, not winning the title."

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Ex-Fox Cambiasso joins Olympiakos

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One notable absentee from this year's Premier League will be the shiny bald head and silky skills of Esteban Cambiasso.

The 34-year-old former Real Madrid midfielder spent last season with Leicester but rejected the chance to extend his one-year deal with them and has instead joined Olympiakos.

Shame. There was something special about watching ex-non league footballer Jamie Vardy playing off a former Champions League winner..

We shall see, Alan. 

You get the feeling three points and a brilliant showing from 'call me Memphis' Depay could set something in motion at Manchester United. 

Whether they're there or indeed thereabouts come May, well of course it's too early too say for sure. It's all just part of the opening day thrill - dream away.

'United can't win league'

Alan Shearer

BBC Sport

On that subject, Alan Shearer can tell you who will definitely not be winning the Premier League this season. 

It's not, not Newcastle. 

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I don't think United can win the Premier League. They have made some good signings, but I look at the defence and the problems they are having with David De Gea and they just lack the solidity required. Last season was a free bite of the cherry for Louis van Gaal, but this is his team now. There are no more excuses and he cannot afford to go through the season without silverware."

What a scene it is at Old Trafford. Absolutely glorious weather this morning. 100 minutes to go until kick-off.

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Get Involved

Today we've been asking you:

1 Who will be your team's star man? 2 Who will be your team's biggest let down? 3 Where will your team finish?

Lacazette extends Lyon contract

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Here's a bit of transfer news (sort of). Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette has signed a new contract at the French club - it'll run until 2019. 

Unless Arsenal come in for him before the end of the window that is. Because he's French you see, in case you were wondering what the logic behind it all is. 

And he scores goals - 27 of them in 33 Ligue 1 matches last year. 

Still, he says he's staying put, and anyway, Karim Benzema is supposed to be the striker they need to win the league, right?

BBC TV coverage

The new season of Football Focus kicks off at 12:10 BST on BBC One, live from newly promoted Bournemouth.

Presenter Dan Walker will joined by former Premier League players Kevin Kilbane and Trevor Sinclair.

There will be interviews with Cherries boss Eddie Howe, Chelsea defender John Terry, Stoke striker Peter Crouch, Stevenage manager Teddy Sheringham and Premier League chief Richard Scudamore.

Newspaper round-up

Guardian

The Guardian have an interview with Spurs striker Harry Kane, who talks of being mobbed at Westfield, golf, holidays in New York and Bahamas and how he sees himself at White Hart Lane "for a very long time."

Get involved

We're asking you:

1 Who will be your team's star man? 2 Who will be your team's biggest let down? 3 Where will your team finish?

De Gea to Real, then?

The first question should be: do Real Madrid still want him? The fans certainly seem to. An online poll by newspaper Marca saw over 80% back the potential move.  

Iker Casillas has moved on to FC Porto, leaving Keylor Navas as Rafael Benitez's number one at Madrid.

Today Sergio Romero, 28, Anders Lindegaard, 31, or Sam Johnstone, 22, will be replacing the Spaniard at Old Trafford. 

For now, at least.

Van Gaal right to drop De Gea

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder, BBC Sport

Former England and Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas has backed Van Gaal's decision though. 

When it’s your keeper, I think it's the right thing to leave David De Gea out if his mind isn’t right. Even if they get him to stay one more year, they have no cast iron replacement now, they can spend the next 12 months looking for someone else."

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De Gea situation 'a huge gamble'

Alan Shearer

BBC Sport

And as to whether that's a wise thing to do, well opinion seems to be divided.

First up here's what former England captain Alan Shearer makes of it: 

"It is a huge gamble for Manchester United to have let the David De Gea issue rumble on as long as it has. If he wants to go to Real Madrid, he will get there, whether it is this summer, in the transfer window or when his contract expires at the end of the season. Even Manchester United cannot afford to let his contract run down. The owners will not be happy to let him leave for free and miss out on £30m. It just doesn't make business sense.

AP

When can your goalkeeper being ridiculously good become a problem? When Real Madrid want to sign him and the new season is just about to get under way.  

David De Gea will not be lining up for Manchester United against Tottenham in just over two hours' time - with manager Louis van Gaal saying he didn't think the Spaniard could focus on the match...

Get Involved

So, we want to know:

1 Who will be your team's star man? 2 Who will be your team's biggest let down? 3 Where will your team finish?

Newspaper round-up

AP

In the Daily Telegraph, Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says the current squad is the best in his time at the club. "I just think that the way we are working together combined with how many quality, talented players we have got then I would say it's the strongest. Our best players are now staying and we are adding to them. It gives us the best chance."

How to become a Fantasy Football champion

PA

Still pouring over the stats trying to shoehorn a striker into your Fantasy Football team? 

Take a last-minute gander at Fantasy Premier League champion Simon March's guide to success: 

Worth a look: Callum Wilson, Troy Deeney, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Patrick Bamford, Matt Ritchie, Memphis Depay, Dimitri Payet, Mesut Ozil, Yaya Toure, Juan Mata, Diafra Sakho

"There is plenty of potential value among the players new to the Premier League this season, especially in the forward positions.

"Bournemouth's Callum Wilson and Watford's Troy Deeney (both Championship) and Newcastle's Aleksandar Mitrovic (Belgian top flight) are arriving off the back of prolific goalscoring seasons in their respective divisions.

"Chelsea loanee and Championship Player of the Season Patrick Bamford will gain lots of attention if he can cement a spot up front in Alan Pardew's increasingly attacking Crystal Palace team."

'Kane can have another successful season'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfieder, BBC Sport

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What about Tottenham? How will they do this season? Will Harry Kane be able to replicate the brilliant form he showed last year?

Jermaine Jenas reckons so: 

Clubs are going to be aware of Harry Kane this season. The second season is always going to be hard but I believe he can do it."

Newspaper round-up

BBC

Sam Wallace in The Independent asks if this could be Arsenal's best chance in recent memory to better Chelsea and writes: "This summer, no rival club has damaged Arsenal by buying their best players, nor blown them away by signing someone else's best."

BBC radio coverage

BBC Radio 5 Live

BBC Radio 5 live's new season of Premier League commentaries begins with a bang - Manchester United v Tottenham at 12:45 BST. Commentator John Murray is joined by former England midfielder Chris Waddle.

And from 15:00 it's league new boys Bournemouth v Aston Villa, with commentator Ian Dennis and former QPR midfielder Joey Barton. 

As usual, there'll also be coverage of all the goals as they go in across the English and Scottish Leagues.

At 17:00, Sports Report will provide a full round-up of the day's action.

Then at 18:06, phone-in show 606 returns with Darren Fletcher and Robbie Savage.

Get Involved

Keep the tweets coming in, because we want to know: 

1 Who will be your team's star man? 2 Who will be your team's biggest let down? 3 Where will your team finish?

Pat Nevin

Ex-Scotland international

For the record, of those 30 BBC TV and radio pundits asked, four went for Arsenal as Premier League winners. No prizes if you guessed Ian Wright was one of them, but that makes them the second most-fancied (after Chelsea's total of 19).

Manchesters United and City had two apiece. Nobody said Liverpool, and they only featured once in the pundits' take on a potential top four - Dion Dublin is the man to thank for that.

Why so few for City? Pat Nevin has this:

Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure are massively important to the City team and I just don't know if they are going to be as good as they were again. If they aren't, I don't think City have a good enough squad to win the league."

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Opening day quiz

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How well do you remember some of the great Premier League opening-day moments?  

From Jurgen Klinsmann's dive to David Beckham's lob and Alan Hansen's 'you can't win anything with kids' gem, see if you can get the perfect 10 in our opening-day quiz.

'Being at Chelsea might help Falcao'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder, BBC Sport

PA

How Radamel Falcao fares at Chelsea is going to be one of the more intriguing sub-plots of the season. 

You just don't forget how to be a goalscorer in one season, do you? Some of you might suggest asking Andriy Shevchenko, or Fernando Torres, but here's what Jermaine Jenas makes of his chances:

In the couple of games Radamel Falcao has played, he hasn’t really looked like scoring. When you watch Falcao up close his movement is exceptional. I feel last season he was in a struggling Manchester United side. At Chelsea he has a few more South American players around him, he's in London, feeling a bit more loved, it might help him."

Get Involved

This morning we're asking you: 

1 Who will be your team's star man? 2 Who will be your team's biggest let down? 3 Where will your team finish?

But surely there's a case to be made against Chelsea  having such an easy time of it?

The Blues have not done an awful lot in the transfer window in my humble opinion. Loan signing Radamel Falcao could go either way, but there are plenty of Manchester United fans who'd tell you otherwise. 

Manchester City  don't look much stronger than they did last year either - Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph to make the difference, anyone? - but United,  Liverpool and Arsenal, certainly do. 

Petr Cech the signing of the summer so far?

A walk in the park for Chelsea?

Alan Shearer

BBC Sport

With BBC Sport's Chris Bevan asking the questions, 22 out of 30 BBC TV and radio pundits went forChelseaas their predicted Premier League champions this season.     

Here's a little of former England captain Alan Shearer's reasoning:

"Chelsea are still the team to beat because of their experience and I also think they will be better than they were last year when Diego Costa was injured a lot and Cesc Fabregas did not play his best football from February onwards.

"It also would not surprise me if they sign another big hitter before the transfer window shuts..."

What about Liverpool's signing of Christian Benteke - is he the striker they seemed to be missing all of last season? Where does Daniel Sturridge fit in? And what about Mario Balotelli? Actually, just how many strikers do Liverpool actually need?

The Reds don't play until Sunday - they're away to Stoke City in a 16:00 BST start. 

Benteke scored an absolutely stunning volley at Swindon last week, if you haven't seen it yet...

PA

Get involved

This morning we're asking you: 

1 Who will be your team's star man? 2 Who will be your team's biggest let down? 3 Where will your team finish?

Can Schweinsteiger still run?

How is Manchester United Bastian Schweinsteiger feeling this morning? 

And more importantly for United, can he still run? The 31-year-old midfielder seems to be dividing opinion - I've seen him touted as both the best and the worst signing of the summer transfer window. 

It'll be intriguing to see how he gets on this season. Remember, he's never played for any club other than Bayern Munich. 

I thought the move was a sensational one - it's like Paul Scholes going the other way in 2004.

The bad news for United fans is that Schweinsteiger is not likely to feature today as he is not considered fit enough.

'Cherries will do best of promoted sides'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder, BBC Sport

I think Bournemouth will do the best out of the promoted teams. I liked what I saw of them last season. I think they will be able to score most goals of the teams that have come up."

Bournemouth go retro

It's been quite a close season at Bournemouth since their promotion from the Championship, with major works taking place to revamp the ground, install undersoil heating and generally cater for the demands of life in the Premier League.

But one thing that hasn't quite happened in time is getting the new kit into the club shop - a manufacturing delay means fans cannot buy replica kits just yet.

So some fans are planning a retro day - with supporters encouraged to dig out their shirts from years gone by. It should all add to the atmosphere on the south coast when the Cherries host Aston Villa later today...

Bournemouth.vitalfootball.co.uk

Where will Man Utd finish?

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

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"Louis van Gaal's job last season was to put the pieces back together in the wake of David Moyes's dreadful reign and get Manchester United back in the Champions League. Mission accomplished.

"However, United will not be satisfied by such comparatively limited ambition this time around. With expensive outlay on the likes of Memphis Depay,Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin - and every chance of another huge signing to come - Van Gaal needs to be challenging for the title. No excuses.

"But how will they cope if world-class keeper David De Gea leaves? United's defence still fails to give off complete reassurance - and until Van Gaal buys a central defender of real authority the Premier League title may remain out of reach.

"Not convinced they will be near a title unless more stellar signings are made but every chance of a cup success."

Phil's prediction:  4th

Think you can beat Lawro?

BBC

You've also got until kick-off to have a go at your predictions for this opening weekend of the Premier League season. 

Think you know your football? Believe you can beat Lawro?

Test your expertise by playing our Premier League prediction game and seeing how many results you can predict correctly.

You'll even have your performance analysed by one of the Match of the Day pundits at the end of the round. What are you waiting for?

My Premier League Life

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It's also definitely worth checking out BBC Sport's new feature - My Premier League Life. 

Ever wondered how many games your team have played during your lifetime? Goals scored? Trophies won? Managers employed?

All you need to do is choose a team from the 20 in the Premier League this season, input your date of birth and, to discover even more information, your postcode, and My Premier League Life will do the rest.

How to become a Fantasy Football champion

A timely one for many of you I feel:

In case you missed it earlier this week, last year's Fantasy Premier League winner Simon March has been sharing tips on how to follow in his footsteps. 

There's still time to pick yours this morning, right?

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Top picks: Wayne Rooney, Diego Costa, Jordan Henderson, David Silva. 

"Having already delivered season after season, Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero practically pick themselves, as might Alexis Sanchez after his explosive debut season at Arsenal. 

"However, with doubts over whether the latter two will start the season following their late return from the Copa America in Chile, I think Wayne Rooney offers a great early season captaincy option at Manchester United. Now stationed up front, Rooney has an excellent goalscoring record against each of his first three opponents - Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle."

You can read more, over here.

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Get Involved

Not to mention Premier League newcomers Bournemouth.   

Whether you're on the hotel wifi on your holidays or waking up to what feels like the first sunny summer day in the United Kingdom, we'd like to hear from you. 

You've had all summer to think about it - how is your team going to do this year? Optimistic? It'd be rude not to be, surely?

This morning we'd like to know:

1. Who will be your team's star man? 

2. Who will be your biggest let down? 

3. Where in the table will you finish?

You can join the conversation using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or drop us a line on the BBC Sport Facebook page. 

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - but please don't forget to include your name and location.

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I reckon I can think of a few desperate souls who would make the case for domestic football running all year round, but where would we be now without the chance to stand back and breathe? 

For some the summer break is a respite from the pain of expectations not reached, for others it's a glorious bask in last year's success. 

But the time off allows everyone a chance to dream - away from the reality of it all. And I bet there are plenty of dreamers out there today.

Are Arsenal serious title contenders? How will Raheem Sterling do at Manchester City? What about the champions Chelsea, and big-spenders Manchester United? 

Liverpool? 

Welcome back - the football's here

But then it didn't really ever go away now did it?  

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A lot has happened since May - England's brilliant showing at the Women's World Cup has got to top the list - but there's nothing quite like the return of the domestic calendar. 

It all got under way last night in the Football League - Brighton beat Nottingham Forest - but today the top flight makes its entrance too. 

Manchester United host Tottenham in a 12:45 BST kick-off at Old Trafford.

But we've an awful lot to get through before then...