News Vortex: This weekend on BBC Sport

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MANISH BHASIN ON THE NEW PREMIERSHIP SEASON

At long last, it's finally here. With the absence of much football over the summer, the anticipation ahead of the new Premier League season is close to fever pitch.

With record amounts of money being poured into the league, managers haven't held back in splashing the cash.

As always, it'll be interesting to see how the new boys bed in.

Manchester United certainly haven't rested on their laurels with the champions bringing in Ronaldo mark II in Nani, not to mention Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves.

Chelsea have been surprisingly prudent with the cash but good to see Jose Mourinho investing in home-grown talent in Steve Sidwell.

Rafa's Liverpool have caught the eye by signing Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel, while I'm also one of those who believes Arsenal's position in the top four is under serious threat by arch-rivals Tottenham.

Along with the new players, there are several new managers in the top flight and some mouth-watering touchline contests in store.

Roy Keane v Fergie (not to mention Keane v Mourinho) and Sven v Lawrie Sanchez, whet the appetite. (Wonder what the odds are of David Healy scoring the winner in that last one?)

Talking of managers, it's a big season for Premier League rookies Sammy Lee at Bolton and Derby's Billy Davies.

In the SPL, Celtic are chasing their third successive title, while it's great to see Gretna in the division after what can only be described as a fairytale few years.

Off course, this season isn't all about the top flight. If your side's aim is promotion, avoiding relegation or just consolidation - all the best.

Amidst all the highs and lows - I hope you manage to enjoy it!


THIS WEEKEND ON BBC SPORT	All the TV and radio times

FOOTBALL

bbc.co.uk/football

Saturday

Football Focus (1210 BST, BBC ONE/online); SPL: Commentary from every game (1230 & 1500, BBC Radio Scotland/online); Sunderland v Tottenham commentary (1245, Radio Five Live/online); Score (1430, BBCi/online); Premier League commentary (1500, Radio Five Live/online); Aston Villa v Liverpool commentary (1715, Radio Five Live/online); Match of the Day (2215, BBC ONE/online).

Sunday

Match of the Day repeat (0740, BBC ONE/online); Arsenal v Fulham commentary (1200, Radio Five Live/online); Chelsea v Birmingham commentary (1330, Radio Five Live/online); SPL: Aberdeen v Hearts (1400, BBC Radio Scotland); Man Utd v Reading commentary (1600, Radio Five Live/online); Match of the Day 2 (2245, BBC TWO/online).

MORE SPORT ON THE BBC

bbc.co.uk/tvandradio

Saturday

Cricket: Third Test, England v India (1045-1830, BBCi, BBC Sport website, Radio Five Live Sports Extra, Radio 4 LW); Racing: Ascot and Haydock (1300, BBC ONE/online; 1410, BBC TWO/online); Rugby Union: Scotland v Ireland (1410, BBC ONE/online); Rugby Union: England v France highlights (1900, BBC THREE/online); Golf: US PGA (2100, Radio Five Live Sports Extra).

Sunday

Cricket: Third Test, England v India (1045-1830, BBCi, BBC Sport website, Radio Five Live Sports Extra, Radio 4 LW); Rugby league: Super League Show (1330, BBC ONE North & BBC Sport website); London Triathlon (1330, BBC TWO/online); Rugby Union: England v France highlights (1515, BBC TWO/online).