Man Utd open up against Reading

Man Utd celebrate winning last year's Premiership title

Manchester United open up their Premier League defence with a home game against Steve Coppell's Reading.

Manager Sam Allardyce returns to the Reebok Stadium as his new side Newcastle open up against Bolton.

Newly-promoted Birmingham will travel to Chelsea, while Championship title winners Sunderland host Tottenham.

Play-off winners Derby face Portsmouth on the opening weekend, Liverpool are away to Aston Villa, while Arsenal host London rivals Fulham.

606: DEBATE Man Utd will need to get off to a flyer again as the following away trips to Portsmouth and City could be tricky encounters DD

West Ham, who beat the drop thanks to a goal from Carlos Tevez at Old Trafford on the final day of last season, begin their new campaign at home to Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Wigan travel to Everton and Middlesbrough will be at home to Blackburn.

The first clash of the heavyweights falls on weekend of 18 and 19 August with Liverpool and Chelsea set to do battle.

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Opening weekend fixtures - Saturday 11 August
Arsenal v Fulham
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Bolton v Newcastle
Chelsea v Birmingham
Derby v Portsmouth
Everton v Wigan
Man Utd v Reading
Middlesbrough v Blackburn
Sunderland v Tottenham
West Ham v Man City

Tuesday, 14 August 2007
Birmingham v Sunderland
Portsmouth v Man Utd
Reading v Chelsea
Tottenham v Everton
Wigan v Middlesbrough

Wednesday 15 August
Blackburn v Aston Villa
Fulham v Bolton
Liverpool P-P West Ham - due to Champions League qualifier
Man City v Derby
Newcastle P-P Arsenal - due to Champions League qualifier

Saturday 18 August
Birmingham v West Ham
Blackburn v Arsenal
Fulham v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Chelsea
Man City v Man Utd
Newcastle v Aston Villa
Portsmouth v Bolton
Reading v Everton
Tottenham v Derby
Wigan v Sunderland