Match of the Day

MOTD - August 18th, 2012 (2012x1)

Air date: Aug 18, 2012

Gary Lineker introduces the best of the action and reaction from seven matches on the opening day of the 2012/13 Premier League season, with studio guests Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer providing expert analysis. Arsene Wenger's Arsenal host Sunderland in North London as the Gunners kick off another hungry search for a first trophy since 2005. To the east of the capital, Aston Villa visit newly-promoted West Ham, with new boss Paul Lambert desperate to revive the flagging fortunes of the Midlanders. Elsewhere, Liverpool fans get their first glimpse of league life under Brendan Rogers against West Brom, with Newcastle and Tottenham - two teams that both battled for but ultimately failed to land Champions League qualification last season - looking to get their campaign off to a flying start in the north east. Other matches include Stoke's trip to Reading, Fulham taking on Norwich, and QPR against Swansea.