As the 2016/17 Premier League fixtures are announced, it's a reminder that the forthcoming season will be full of mouth-watering matches.

With Pep Guardiola's arrival in England coinciding with Jose Mourinho's return to the Premier League and West Ham beginning their Olympic Stadium adventure there are stories galore.

We pick out 10 games to pencil into the diary…

Leicester City v Arsenal, August 20

It's the morning after the season before for Leicester fans and they've lots to look forward to with a trip to Wembley already booked and Champions League excitement too. How many of their star names will still be around for their return to the King Power remains to be seen. Will Jamie Vardy be turning out for Arsenal on August 20? Regardless of who stays or goes, victory over the Gunners would have everyone wondering whether lightning could strike twice.

West Ham v Bournemouth, August 20

It was the end of an era as West Ham said goodbye to the Boleyn Ground after 112 years so it's a new beginning in 2016 at the former Olympic Stadium. More than 50,000 season tickets have already been sold - confirmation of the club's vast potential. The team's first Premier League game at the venue against Bournemouth promises to be an occasion to remember.

Manchester City v Manchester United, September 10

The Manchester derby needs no added spice but in 2016/17 it's certainly got some as Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho go head-to-head for the first time since the days of El Clasico. The former colleagues turned ideologically-opposed coaching rivals seem to have a knack for getting under each other's skin. Everyone just wants to know… What happens next?

Manchester United v Liverpool, October 15

English football's two most successful clubs must do without Champions League football in 2016/17 but that only adds to the intensity of this Premier League clash. Jose Mourinho knows the importance of this one - against fans who love to hate him - but his record against Jurgen Klopp might be a concern. He's beat the German only once in five meetings.

Chelsea v Manchester United, October 22

In the first home game at Stamford Bridge following Jose Mourinho's departure, the old coach's name was being chanted and several players were booed. Bridges have since been built at Chelsea but what of Mourinho? Returning as Manchester United manager, he'd welcome a warm reception but one suspects its victory he'll really crave on his comeback.

Arsenal v Tottenham, November 5

For so long it seemed as though 2016/17 could be Tottenham's season but not only did Leicester run away with the title but neighbours Arsenal pipped them to second. For the Gunners, St Totteringham's Day was the worth the wait. Even so, Spurs supporters will be imbued with optimism about their young team and this derby is guaranteed to excite.

Manchester United v Arsenal, November 19

For many years this was the standout fixture in the Premier League season but in 2016/17 it gets even bigger as Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho resume hostilities. Their rivalry has ranged from the unmissable to the merely unpleasant with even a touchline shoving contest in X. Can Wenger finally chalk up a Premier League win against Mourinho?

Chelsea v Tottenham, November 26

There's always been an edge between these two teams but after a bitter encounter at Stamford Bridge in May, the rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham just went up a notch. The Blues revelled in helping to deny Spurs the title and tempers frayed on the pitch as well as the stands. Expect a few old wounds to be opened when the teams meet again at Stamford Bridge.

Southampton v Everton, November 26

Ronald Koeman's decision to walk away from St Mary's for a pay rise and the apparent potential at Everton was a bitter pill for Southampton fans to swallow given that they'd just finished five places ahead of the Dutchman's new club. His return not only offers fans the chance to let Koeman know their thoughts but also prove that he made the wrong decision.

Middlesbrough v Sunderland, March 11

Newcastle's relegation denies the Premier League one of its great derby occasions - and if recent history is anything to go by also robs Sunderland of some much-needed points - but the return of Middlesbrough to the top flight after a seven-year absence means there is a contest in the North East. The visit of the Black Cats should have the Riverside rocking.

Liverpool stormed to the top of the English Premier League table for the first time since May 2014 after they hammered Watford 6-1 on Sunday.
http://www.goalisma.com/2016/11/liverpool-go-top-of-premier-league.html