Premier League kick-off: 11 surprising new things to watch out for when the top flight wakes up from its summer slumber

AS the the 2016/17 Premier League season gets under way it promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable years ever.

With the likes of Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp managing the big clubs and superstars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic joining the fray, SunSport is here to run you through some of the changes and firsts in this new top-flight season.

5

One surprise addition to the list is Manchester United new boy Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who becomes the first ever Armenian player to star in the Premier League.

Mourinho’s new signing earned a big-money move to Manchester after a successful season at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga where he netted 11 league goals, assisting another 15.

5

For last term's heroes Leicester, it is the first time in Prem history that they will start the season as reigning champions.

And it's also their maiden campaign in the Champions league and the first time they will feature in the pre-season curtain-raising Community Shield, where they will play FA Cup holders United.

5

As well as a number of surprising firsts on the list, there are also new laws that players must get up to speed on - including the popular rule in place at the Euros where players had to pass backwards from kick-off.

Touchline antics that have a negative influence on the game can result in a penalty or free kick - if the game is disturbed by a sub or manager.

It will be a free kick if the ball is outside the box and a penalty if inside.

5

Last but by no means least, let's not forget Match of the Day host Gary Lineker's promise via Twitter last season, that he will now host the show in his underwear thanks to his boyhood team Leicester's title victory.

But remember . . . once you've seen that, you can never unsee it!

NEW CHANGES TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE THIS SEASON

1. Going backwards: as seen at Euro 2016, the ball no longer has to go forward at kick-off.
2. Pre-match red cards: new law states a player may be sent off any time between the pre-match inspection and when the referee leaves the field at the end of the game.
3. Twilights: top-flight highlights will appear on social media as it makes a big push to show more sports video.
4. Claret and blues: for the first time Aston Villa will not be in the Prem.
5. Fox in the box: Leicester will play in the Community Shield for the first time.
6. Quids in: Premier League to cap the cost of away tickets at £30.
7. Stay off the grass: if play is stopped due to interference from a team official or substitute, rather than the award of an indirect free-kick or drop ball, the referee will now award a free-kick or even a penalty kick to the opposition.
8. Arm and a leg: Henrikh Mkhitaryan - a £26million signing from Borussia Dortmund - is the Premier League's first Armenian player.
9. No also Rans: the first time Leicester will be reigning champions and will play in the Champions League.
10. Load of pants: first time MOTD will be hosted by a bloke in his underwear.
11. Badged up: Premier League has a new logo and for the first time will not have a title sponsor, after Barclays was dropped last season.

5