Man Utd clash massive for Aston Villa captain Richards

Our opponents as the first Premier League opposition will be Aston Villa, probably best remembered by our older fans from the season of 1971-72 where we beat them 3-0 at Dean Court and lost 2-1 at Villa in front of a vociferous crowd of 48,110, a record at the time for the 3rd Division.

Team news: Marouane Fellaini continues his suspension following his red card at Hull City last term and Phil Jones is out with mild thrombosis.

Sunderland are another team to consider at 9/4, but they look short enough with Dick Advocaat at the helm. He was reassuring a local school that was threatening to kick the club off their training pitch and negotiating with utility companies ready to cut off the most basic supplies.

The Premier League has had its moments of extraordinary drama, excellence and controversy since its inception in 1992 but it is hard to think of anything more romantic than what has unfolded down in Dorset.

“Defenders invariably want to get out the way”.

The 26-year-old made an instant impact when he came off the bench to grab the victor in season opener at Bournemouth. Of course, we can improve.

“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”, he explained.

His return to the south coast in October 2012 signalled the start of a rapid ascent through the leagues and they knocked in 98 league goals last season on their way to topping the Sky Bet Championship. The biggest problem Leicester has is the loss of Esteban Cambiasso. Stuck to task well but again played more withdrawn.

The same goes for Villa, who need to try and assure themselves they will steer well clear of any relegation troubles this season after last year’s disappointing campaign. But he has since committed to a new four-year deal with the Cherries.

Tim Sherwood managed Villa to victory on Saturday afternoon – but how did he do it? I was playing against them and thinking “imagine if I played here”.

I’m disappointed Blackburn Rovers started with defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers, however, I’d like to say congratulations to Rudy Gestede who scored on his Aston Villa debut against AFC Bournemouth.