Manchester United will begin the defence of their Premier League title with a home match against Reading ahead of a visit to Manchester City a week later, following the publication of next season's fixtures on Thursday.
Chelsea also begin at home, against promoted Birmingham City, Liverpool, seeking their first title since 1990, travel to Aston Villa while Arsenal are at home to Fulham on the opening weekend of matches scheduled for Aug. 11/12.
Sunderland, promoted as division one champions, are at home to Tottenham Hotspur, while Derby County, back in the top flight for the first time since 2002, are at home to Portsmouth.
Newcastle United, under new manager Sam Allardyce, travel to his old club Bolton Wanderers.
The first clash between "the big two" takes place on Sept. 22 when Manchester United host Chelsea, while the return at Stamford Bridge is scheduled for April 26 -- running the risk that it might be a repeat of last season when the match took place after the title had been secured.
© 2024 Rediff.com -