Finally, no more tediously barbed José Mourinho quotes about other team’s spending power or Arsène Wenger’s annual “this will be our year” July interview.

Both as predictable as a pre-season injury to Jack Wilshere and as insignificant as the Audi Cup.

Thankfully, all that will be forgotten tomorrow at 8.45am Bermuda time when the new Premier League season gets under way at Old Trafford.

New kits, new signings and a better-than-average chance of English sunshine combine to breed a dangerous sense of optimism — the kind that leads Norwich City fans to mark down Ricky van Wolfswinkel as a realible source of goals or Sunderland supporters to agree that John O’Shea had gained a yard of pace over the summer.

For many, this is the best time of the campaign before expectations are quashed, hopes extinguished and players are zoning out abuse from furious season ticket-holders.

Whoever you support, savour the freshly manicured grass but remember: it’s the hope that kills you.

11am kick-off unless stated

Tomorrow’s games

Man United v Tottenham Hotspur

8.45am

United have not been shy in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, while Wayne Rooney is set to spearhead the forward line. In short, the squad looks stronger — even offloading the inconsistent Ángel Di María looks like a blessing.

They should have too much on the opening day at home against Spurs, who will once again rely on Harry Kane’s goals. He’s a marked man now, though.

Prediction: 3-1

Bournemouth v Aston Villa

It takes a heart of stone not to want Bournemouth to defy convention and have a good season. Eddie Howe has added to his Championship-winning squad, with Max Gradel the most eye-catching of those additions.

Villa looked in decent shape until about two weeks ago when they lost Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph, their two best players. A long season awaits.

Prediction: 2-0

Everton v Watford

For the football geeks among you check out The Guardian’s feature on the Pozzo family’s ownership of Watford — their methods are more systematic than many have given them credit for.

Whatever you think of the sporting ethics of owning clubs in different countries and moving players between them, that option and ruthless approach suggests they may be a surprise package this season.

For Everton, there is a whiff of instability over the John Stones speculation. The pressure is on manager Roberto Martínez after underwhelming last season.

Prediction: 2-1

Leicester City v Sunderland

Leicester’s off-season was a shambles, with Nigel Pearson’s acrimonious exit and Esteban Cambiasso leaving. Claudio Ranieri’s appointment has the potential to be an unmitigating disaster.

Dick Advocaat dismayed his wife by taking on Sunderland for a season but the club should reap the rewards over the coming ten months.

Prediction: 0-2

Norwich City v Crystal Palace

Alex O’Neil impressed as he brought the Canaries up last season but this is a tricky opener against Palace, who have managed to bring in Yohan Cabaye to bolster the midfield in an eye-opening move.

Optimism is rife at Selhurst Park and, for a change, it looks justified.

Prediction: 2-3

Chelsea v Swansea City

1.30pm

The more you find out about Swansea manager Garry Monk the more you like him. Attention to detail, indefatigable work ethic and a strong squad at his disposal. They are organised, have pace and could trouble the champions.

Diego Costa’s fitness is a worry as is Falcao’s ability, or lack of, to regain past glories. A shock draw as Chelsea struggle to go through the gears.

Prediction: 1-1

Sunday’s games

Arsenal v West Ham United

9.30am

Arsenal’s squad is maturing to the brink of a genuine title challenge and the signing of goalkeeper Petr Cech is a masterstroke.

Slaven Bilic’s reign at West Ham already feels like it’s on a knife edge — a great character but yet to prove that he is a great coach. Press conferences should be gold, however.

Prediction: 4-0

Newcastle United v Southampton

9.30am

Whisper it but Newcastle may not be the joke they were last season. Some interesting signings include Georginio Wijnaldum and the promising striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Southampton look like they have made some more shrewd signings to replace their annual high-profile departures. They can make the most of teething problems in the North East.

Prediction: 1-2

Stoke City v Liverpool

Noon

The perfect chance for Liverpool to banish the 6-1 defeat at the Brittania Stadium on the final day of last season. A host of new players include Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino, Danny Ings and Nathanial Clyne are under instant pressure to deliver.

Can they gel quick enough to beat a Stoke side that are increasingly able to attract the likes of former Barcelona man Ibrahim Afellay? The fitness of the silky Bojan Krkic could have a huge influence.

Prediction: 1-2

Monday’s game

West Bromwich Albion v Man City

4pm

Raheem Stirling will be the focus of all the attention here as he starts to try to justify his exorbitant price tag.

City have the players but do they have the motivation and chemistry. As usual, much will depend on the superb Sergio Agüero.

Prediction: 1-2