1. Neil Warnock will get shouty

Cardiff City v Newcastle United, Saturday 18 August, 11.30am, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Cardiff’s manager isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. An earthy throwback in an increasingly polished world, Warnock is the rambunctious uncle you dread introducing to friends. Cardiff have a great chance of beating a predictably unpredictable Newcastle, but one thing that’s absolutely certain is Warnock will give someone ­– Rafa Benitez, a small child, it doesn’t matter – a proper earful at some point during the match.

2. Huddersfield will run their socks off

Manchester City v Huddersfield Town, Sunday 19 August, 12.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Manchester City and Huddersfield played twice last season. City had roughly 80 per cent of possession in each of those games. That’s a lot of tiki-taka. Huddersfield can expect to leg it around the Etihad Stadium for another 90 minutes this weekend, and although the visitors can take encouragement from their 0-0 draw with the champions at the back end of the last campaign, anything other than a City win will be a big surprise. Prepare the ice baths.

3. José will (finally) crack a smile

Brighton and Hove Albion v Manchester United, Sunday 19 August, 3.30pm, Sky Sports Premier League (CH 512/502)

Grump. Crank. Sourpuss. However you might choose to describe him, something’s up with José Mourinho. So it’s just as well that he’s heading to the seaside this weekend when his United side takes on Brighton. The Red Devils will be expected to leave the coast with three points – and maybe a stick of rock for the coach back. Then again, they were meant to win this fixture last season before slumping to a 1-0 defeat…

4. There will be goals at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace v Liverpool, Monday 20 August, 7pm, Sky Sports Premier League/HD (CH 512/502)

Crystal Palace and Liverpool sure know how to put on a show. With an average of 3.4 goals in each of their last 11 encounters, something magical happens when these two teams get together (namely they both forget how to defend). Can the Eagles win their first home match of the season, or will the Reds make it six wins out of seven against Palace? Whatever happens, grab the popcorn because it should be loads of fun.

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