August 14th, 2011

Colin Murray introduces highlights of the day's top-flight games. Premier League champions Manchester United begin the defence of their crown with a trip to West Brom. The Baggies were the only visiting team to claim a league point at Old Trafford last season, but their home record against the Red Devils is less impressive - United have won their last seven league games at the Hawthorns. The reigning champions have bolstered their squad this summer with the signings of Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be hopeful of securing a fifth Premier League title in six seasons. Chelsea's first game under new manager Andre Villas-Boas is an awkward trip to Stoke, who were last season's beaten FA Cup finalists. Villas-Boas arrived at Stamford Bridge after a hugely successful season with FC Porto, prompting inevitable comparisons with Jose Mourinho, who led the Blues to back-to-back Premier League titles.