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United open title defence against Magpies

16/06/2008

Manchester United will begin their Premier League title defence in 2008/09 with a home fixture against Newcastle United.

The Red Devils also face a difficult September schedule with back-to-back away games against Liverpool and Chelsea.

Last season's runners-up Chelsea have a home match against FA Cup winners Portsmouth to open the season. Their first big game comes against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on August 30th.

Newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion have a tricky fixture to open their Premier League campaign with a trip to the north London to face Arsenal.

Hull City's first-ever top-flight fixture will be at their KC Stadium home against Fulham, while Stoke City kick-off their Premier League existence with an away fixture against Bolton Wanderers.

Liverpool travel to the north-east to play Sunderland on the opening day, while two European hopefuls Aston Villa and Manchester City will face-off in Birmingham.

Everton's home game against Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic's away match at West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur's trip to Middlesbrough complete the lineup for the opening day on August 16th.