Pompey and Villa kick off Sky coverage

Barclaycard Premiership newcomers Portsmouth will kick off their first season back in the top flight for 15 years in front of a live television lunchtime audience on Saturday, August 16.

Last season’s First Division champions will take on Aston Villa at Fratton Park, kicking off at 12:30pm against David O’Leary’s men.

Liverpool’s first home match against Chelsea has been moved to Sunday, August 17 at 4:05pm, with champions Manchester United’s match at Newcastle on Saturday, August 23 also to be screened live on Sky Sports with a midday kick-off.

The satellite broadcaster will have featured every top-flight club in a live game by the final week of October, with other highlights including Manchester United against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 21 and the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool on Saturday, August 30.

Vic Wakeling, Sky Sports’ managing director commented: “Over the first 31 days of the season, we shall see the top seven teams from last season, and all three promoted clubs in live games on Sky Sports. We think it’s a fascinating selection of matches.”