LONDON: Manchester City will begin the defence of their English Premier League title at home to newly promoted Southampton on August 18, it was announced on Monday.
Manchester United, who were just pipped to the title, are away to Everton before Fulham visit Old Trafford the following weekend.
Arsenal, third last term, start at home to Sunderland before travelling to Stoke and Liverpool.
The opening day of the season sees two Europa League rivals go head-to-head when Newcastle welcome Tottenham Hotspur to St James’ Park.
European champions Chelsea, with Roberto di Matteo now their full-time as manager, begin their quest for the Premier League title away to Wigan. They did not finish well in the EPL, but will seek to change all that.
Brendan Rodgers’ first Premier League match as Liverpool manager will be at West Bromwich Albion.
Rodgers is set for a tough start in front of the Liverpool faithful, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United the first three league visitors to Anfield next season.
West Ham’s return to the Premier League starts at home to Aston Villa, now managed by former Norwich boss Paul Lambert. (AFP)
