EPL 2010-11 Season Preview: Schedule

With the World Cup entering its last week the focus will start to shift to the transfer window for the upcoming European season. In fact, we are now less than 6 weeks away from the kick-off of the 2010-2011 EPL season. Over the next few weeks I will be doing a few features getting you ready for the new campaign as Chelsea try to defend their title by taking a look at the schedule, transfers, newly promoted clubs, predictions and more. This week lets take a look at the first month of action scheduled and highlight a few key match-ups.

August 14th, 2010:
 - Arsenal vs. Liverpool - Hardly a better way to start a new season than two power houses facing off. This match-up could see one or more World Cup winners involved with the Dutch and Spain both into the semi-finals.
 - Tottenham vs. Manchester City - This duo slugged it out for the 4th spot in the EPL last year with the Spurs edging out City for a place in the UEFA Champions League. Expect both teams to re-load with new players in the weeks to come and renew this rivalry.
 - Manchester United vs. Newcastle United - Newcastle makes its return to the EPL after a one year absence and coming of a Football League Championship. How will Manchester United respond to losing their title after a 3 year reign and how will Wayne Rooney come back from a dreadful World Cup?

August 21st, 2010:
 - Manchester City vs. Liverpool - ManCity was one of three clubs to push Liverpool out of their normal finishing position amongst the top 4. With a new manager, no Champions League action and rumors that they could Gerrard and/or Torres this is not a good time to start the season off with two hungry and talented competitors. ManCity could establish themselves as contenders with two early wins over the Spurs and Liverpool.
 - Fulham vs. Manchester United - Fulham have lost their coach, but did make a strong run to the Europa League Final despite finishing 12th in the league. Fulham will look to pull off an early season upset at Craven Cottage against a ManU that might still be reforming with new players and recovering from injuries.

August 28th, 2010:
 - Everton vs. Aston Villa - Two top 8 sides that have been working hard the past few seasons to crack into the elusive EPL 'big four'. Both sides fell less than 10 points behind 4th place Tottenham and will see this as a key early season match-up to gain the advantage. Everton finished their last three months of the season without a loss and will look to continue that strong streak.
 - Chelsea vs. Stoke City - The champions should get off to a great start with their toughest of their first action in August coming against Stoke City (11th last year). Drogba should be back in good form along side a newly crafted Chelsea side that has dropped some age and added new talent. Stoke will be looking to continue their slow climb up the EPL table.

September 11th, 2010:
 - Everton vs. Manchester United - Manchester United doesn't have any highly difficult match-ups in the first month of action, but none of their games shall be push-overs either. A road trip against Everton could be a place where the Red Devils drop early season points. Everton still have all of their key players from last season and the rumors of a Landon Donovan move will linger until the end of the transfer window after his successful loan spell last season.
 - Birmingham vs. Liverpool - Last year's Cinderella team went from newly promoted to top half of the table with a 9th place finish. A good core carried forward from last year has this team primed for an upset over a waving Liverpool. On the other hand Liverpool will want to reaffirm its dominance over the most recently successful clubs with a clear victory.