Blackpool begin EPL journey

Blackpool take on Wigan,while champions Chelsea kick-start campaign against West Bromwich Albion.

Blackpools first top-flight match since 1971 is not the glamorous English Premier League debut fans were dreaming of when the Tangerines were promoted in May. At least Saturdays short trip to Wigan represents a more realistic chance to start the season with some points than the opening games for the other two promoted clubs.

West Bromwich Albion is at Chelsea and Newcastle plays at Manchester United on Monday.

Striker Marlon Harewood joined Blackpool this week and is one of the clubs few players with Premier League experience. He said even a game against a Wigan side that finished six points above last seasons relegation zone will prove a challenge for his new team mates.

Were the underdogs now but weve got nothing to worry about,weve just got to go out there and enjoy ourselves, said the former West Ham and Aston Villa striker. Theyll get used to it straight away but obviously its a big step up from the championship and theyll realise that on the first day.

Harewood is one of the few additions to a side that finished sixth in the second-tier League Championship and clinched qualification through the playoffs. Harewood,defender Craig Cathcart,winger Elliot Grandin and midfield pair Ludovic Sylvestre and Malaury Martin all arrived at Blackpool this week.

Blackpool is favorite to finish last in the Premier League and return back to the League Championship,but then it was also expected to be relegated last season instead of getting promoted.

I will make good preparations and Ill be ready, Grandin said. I can keep hold of the ball and Ill create opportunities for the guys in front of me,applying speed to the game out wide.

Story continues below this ad

West Broms challenge on its return to the Premier League after a season away is to at least keep the score respectable against defending champion and FA Cup holder Chelsea.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is back from the knee ligament injury that ruled him out for several months last season and manager Carlo Ancelotti is likely to install the Ghana international alongside John Obi Mikel.

I feel like I am ready for the season and I am looking forward to it so much, Essien said. I think this season could be a big one.

However,midfielder Frank Lampard could miss the opener at home on Saturday.Manager Carlo Ancelotti said he sustained an ankle problem in Englands 2-1 victory over Hungary on Wednesday.

Story continues below this ad

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is hoping striker Andy Carroll recovers from a back problem in time to lead the attack against a Manchester United. Carroll was hurt in the Magpies final preseason friendly but has trained this week. New signing Sol Campbell is not yet fit to face Wayne Rooney,Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov in Newcastles first Premier League match since a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa condemned it to relegation in May 2009.

Also on Saturday,its: Aston Villa vs. West Ham; Blackburn vs. Everton; Bolton vs. Fulham; Sunderland vs. Birmingham; Tottenham vs. Manchester City; Wolverhampton vs. Stoke. Arsenal is at Liverpool in Sundays match.