The 2010-2011 Premier League schedule has been released and it throws up two very interesting games on the opening weekend. Liverpool start the post-Rafael Benitez era with a home match against Arsenal, while Tottenham and Manchester City meet at White Hart Lane.
Champions Chelsea get a very easy start in defense of their title as they open up at home against newly-promoted West Bromwich on August 14th. After that they travel to Wigan before playing Stoke at home on August 28.
Chelsea will have to wait until October 2 for their first match against one of the big four clubs, when they face Arsenal at home, with the return fixture on Boxing Day. Carlo Ancelotti’s side first play Manchester United on December 18, with the two shaping up at Old Trafford on May 7 – the Blues’ penultimate away fixture.
The Premier League will end after the FA Cup final next season for the first time for almost a decade. The reason is that Wembley is hosting the Champions League Final on May 22nd, so the FA Cup final will be played on May 14, with the final matches of the Premier League season eight days later on May 22.
Opening Day Games
Liverpool v Arsenal
Spurs v Manchester City
Manchester United v Newcastle
Chelsea v West Brom
Aston Villa v West Ham
Blackburn v Everton
Blackpool v Wigan
Sunderland v Birmingham
Wolves v Stoke
Bolton v Fulham