LONDON, AP:

Chelsea could have to begin the defence of its Premier League title without striker Diego Costa when the champions host Swansea at Stamford Bridge today on the opening weekend of the new season.

The Spain striker, who propelled Chelsea to the domestic title with 20 goals in 2014-15, missed his side's 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield last weekend because of a hamstring problem.

It's the same type of injury that restricted his appearances throughout the last campaign, and José Mourinho is unlikely to risk Costa's health early. That means new signing Radamel Falcao could spearhead Chelsea's attack.

Falcao's arrival at Chelsea is an intriguing one. The Colombia international was one of the most prolific marksmen in the game until his clinical form deserted him last season during a loan spell at Manchester United from Monaco.

He managed only four goals in 29 appearances in an underwhelming year at Old Trafford.

Manchester United began last season with the early Saturday kick-off against Swansea and lost 2-1 at Old Trafford in Louis van Gaal's first game in charge.

The Dutchman will be hoping it is not an omen, as his team again takes part in the Premier League curtain-raiser today, hosting Tottenham.

Liverpool returns to Stoke tomorrow, the scene of a humiliating 6-1 mauling on the final day of last season.

A beleaguered Brendan Rodgers accepted after the game that "if the owners want me to go, I will go".

However, he remains as Liverpool manager and leads a new-look side back to Stoke, looking to banish the memories of the defeat in May.

Arsenal's season begins at home to West Ham, and Arsene Wenger can be quietly optimistic of his team's chances of mounting a title challenge.

The arrival of goalkeeper Petr Cech, from London rival Chelsea, strengthens a defence that has often lacked the assured nature of its rivals.

Raheem Sterling can make his debut for Manchester City on Monday at West Bromwich Albion.

The winger became the most expensive English footballer ever when he signed for $76-million from Liverpool in July.