Man Utd, Arsenal face tricky opening fixtures

Friday, June 17th, 2011 | Post By

LONDON (AFP) -Champions Manchester United will kick off the defence of its Premier League crown at West Bromwich Albion before facing Tottenham and Arsenal at Old Trafford.

United will travel to The Hawthorns on the Premier League’s opening day August 13 after the official fixture list was revealed on Friday.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s team will complete their domestic campaign with a trip to Sunderland on May 13 next year.

Arsenal meanwhile will open its season against Newcastle at St James Park, where the Gunners squandered a 4-0 lead earlier this year as the Magpies battled back to draw 4-4.

Arsene Wenger’s men then have a daunting home fixture against Liverpool before travelling to Old Trafford for their tie with United.

Chelsea opens its campaign at Stoke before facing West Brom at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool new signing Jordan Henderson will meet his old club Sunderland on the opening day at Anfield while newly promoted Swansea has a baptism of fire against Manchester City at Eastlands.

Swansea’s first home game will be against Wigan, meaning an emotional return for Latics boss Roberto Martinez who left the club two years ago.

Swansea’s season concludes against Liverpool at home on May 13.

Of the other Premier League newcomers, QPR makes its return to the topflight after a 15-year absence at home to Bolton while Norwich travels to Wigan.

QPR boss Neil Warnock said he was relishing the opportunity of leading a team in the Premier League once more.

“It’s just fabulous to be involved,” he told Sky Sports News.

“When you see the fixtures it’s so exciting. It doesn’t matter who you play, the Premier League is where we all want to be. It’s just fabulous to be involved.

“I think the thing is to try to play without fear. We know we’re going to have one or two defeats but it’s how you bounce back in the Premier League – and our home record’s always been good.

MAN UTD: Champions

“I’m really glad I’m in the Premier League and I’ve got to make sure whoever plays us it’s difficult for them.”

In other opening-day games, Tottenham and Everton meet at White Hart Lane, Fulham and Aston Villa clash at Craven Cottage and Blackburn entertains Wolves at Ewood Park.

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