Baptism of fire for Birmingham as fixtures announced

Champions Manchester United begin the defence of their Premier League title at home to newly-promoted Birmingham on August 15.

Next up for the Red Devils is a visit to Burnley where they take on the Coca-Cola Championship play-off winners.

The title holders have to wait until the end of the month before their first match against one of the top four clubs as they take on Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 29, with the return fixture at Emirates Stadium on January 30.

Alex Ferguson’s side visit Anfield to play Liverpool on October 24 and the Premier League runners-up are at Old Trafford on March 20.

Chelsea are the last of the other top four sides to face United as new manager Carlo Ancelotti’s side are at home to the champions on November 7, with the return fixture on April 3.

United close the season at home to Stoke on May 9.

Liverpool start and end their season with away fixtures, at Tottenham on August 15 and Hull on May 9.

Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge on October 3 and play host to last season’s third-placed team on May 1.

Rafael Benitez’s side are at home to Arsenal on December 12 and visit the Gunners on February 9.

Ancelotti’s first game in charge of Chelsea in English football will be at home to Hull on August 15, with the season finishing at home to Wigan on May 9.

Chelsea are away to Arsenal on November 28 and at home to the Gunners on February 6.

Arsene Wenger’s side open their campaign away to Everton and close the season with a home fixture against Fulham.

Championship winners Wolves are at home to West Ham on the opening day of the season and finish off with a home fixture against Sunderland.

Wolves fans will be looking forward to a December 15 trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United and a home fixture against the champions on March 6.

Fellow new boys Birmingham have their opening day encounter with United and play host to the champions on January 9.

Alex McLeish’s side complete their fixtures with a trip to Bolton.

Burnley are second up against United, following Birmingham, but wait until January 16 to visit Old Trafford.

A visit to Stoke opens the season for Owen Coyle’s men, who sign off at home to Tottenham.