WEEKEND WATCH GUIDE
Premier League: Liverpool at Watford, 6:30 a.m. Saturday, NBCSN. If Liverpool is going to be part of this year's title race, the Reds cannot afford a slow start. Jurgen Klopp's men appear to be somewhat unsettled, with Barcelona in hot pursuit of attacker Phillipe Coutinho, while Watford breaks in a new manager and a few new players at home.
Premier League: Manchester City at Brighton & Hove Albion, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Ch. 11. It was only a few years ago that Brighton & Hove Albion nearly folded, with the club bankrupt and the stadium sold to pay off the debts. Now, it's climbed all the way to the Premier League. Amex Stadium should be rocking for opening day.
Premier League: Tottenham at Newcastle, 7:30 a.m. Sunday, NBCSN. It's hard to believe that Newcastle, traditionally one of England's biggest clubs, could ever be relegated, but controversial owner Mike Ashley has achieved it twice. After only one season in the second division, though, Newcastle is back. Can it live up to its reputation this time?
Premier League: West Ham at Manchester United, 10 a.m. Sunday, NBCSN. West Ham largely flew under the radar last season, mostly because of a bad home record in its first season at Olympic Stadium. It's a new year, though, and the Hammers have Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez in the fold. He will return to Manchester United, his old club, with something to prove.
