Chelsea defender John Terry (C) holds up the Premier League trophy during the presentation at Stamford Bridge in west London. PHOTO: AFP
LONDON: Chelsea will start the defence of their Premier League title with a home game against Swansea when the 2015-16 season gets under way on August 8.
Next season’s calendar, released on Wednesday, gives Liverpool a chance to banish memories of their 6-1 drubbing at Stoke on the final day of last season, as they return to the Britannia Stadium on day one of the new campaign.
Another highlight of the opening weekend is Tottenham’s visit to Manchester United.
Manchester City start out at West Brom, while Arsenal kick-off against new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic at the Emirates.
Promoted Bournemouth begin life in the top flight at home to Aston Villa, with fellow promotees Watford and new manager Quique Sanchez Flores at Everton. Play-off winners Norwich host Crystal Palace.
Elsewhere on day one, Steve McClaren — one of three new bosses — starts out as Newcastle manager against Southampton at St James’ Park and Leicester play at home with Sunderland.
Once the opening weekend is out of the way Chelsea head to Manchester City for an early-season blockbuster, followed by clashes at West Brom and at home to Crystal Palace.
United are at Aston Villa in week two, followed by a home game with Newcastle and a trip to Swansea.
For City, Chelsea are followed by Everton (away) and Watford (home), with Arsenal taking in Crystal Palace (away), Liverpool (home) and Newcastle (away) after their opener.
The first Manchester derby of the season comes at Old Trafford on October 24, with the Etihad clash penned in for March 19. United face Chelsea in a tasty-looking festive clash on December 28 and meet them at Stamford Bridge on February 6.
McClaren’s first taste of the north-east rivalry with Sunderland will come at home on October 24, the first Merseyside derby is set for October 3 at Anfield, with November 7 the date for the first meeting between Arsenal and Tottenham.
Chelsea face Arsenal first on September 19, playing the reverse fixture at the Emirates on January 23.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 18th, 2015.
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