The 2015-16 season of the English Premier League will kick off on Saturday. Chelsea will begin their title defense, while Manchester United will look to start their campaign on a positive note.

Chelsea will go up against Swansea City at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are favored to win against Swansea City, but they could play without their top striker Diego Costa.

Costa, who led the Blues in scoring last season with 20 goals in 26 appearances, is doubtful for their season debut after hurting his hamstring again during a pre-season match.

The 26-year-old superstar missed their Community Shield match against Arsenal on Sunday, and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is unsure if Costa will recover in time to start for them against Swansea.

If Costa fails to play on Saturday, Mourinho will likely pick between Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao to lead their attack against Swansea City, who finished eighth in the final standings last season.

Swansea are expected to start Ghana international Andrew Ayew, who moved from Marseille this summer, while other new faces Eder, Frank Tabanou and Kristoffer Nordfelt will likely come off the bench.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will also open their campaign on Friday. The Red Devils, who finished fourth in the Premier League table last season, will face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal confirmed top goalkeeper David De Gea will not play in their season opener, as he has been struggling to focus because of rumors linking him to a move to Real Madrid.

De Gea is reportedly on his way to Real Madrid, but van Gaal insisted the Spain international is expected to play a big role for the Red Devils this season. Without De Gea, Sergio Romero or Sam Johnstone will get a chance to start.

Aside from De Gea, Marcos Rojo and Bastian Schweinsteiger will not be fit enough to play for Manchester United, who lost stars Angel Di Maria and Robin van Persie this summer.

EPL Week 1 Schedule

Saturday - August 8

  • Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur, 7:45 a.m. ET
  • AF Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa, 10 a.m. ET
  • Everton vs. Watford, 10 a.m. ET
  • Leicester City vs Sunderland, 10 a.m. ET
  • Norwich City vs. Crystal Palace, 10 a.m. ET
  • Chelsea vs. Swansea City, 12:30 p.m. ET

Sunday - August 9

  • Arsenal vs. West Ham United, 8:30 a.m. ET
  • Newcastle United vs. Southampton, 8:30 a.m. ET
  • Stoke City vs. Liverpool, 11 a.m. ET

Monday - August 10

  • West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester City 3 p.m. ET

Fans can catch the action via live stream on this link.

Related