The English Premier League released is 2009-2010 schedule this morning and champions Manchester United will begin the defence of their Premier League title at home to newly promoted Birmingham.
Carlo Ancelotti’s first game in charge at Chelsea will be against Hull at Stamford Bridge as the campaign gets under way on the weekend of August 15.
Liverpool open at Tottenham while Arsenal face Everton at Goodison Park.
Wolves play West Ham at Molineux and Burnley visit Stoke on their return to the top flight before facing Manchester United at Turf Moor 18 August.
Big-spending Manchester City make the journey to Blackburn on the opening day before hosting Everton at Eastlands on 19 August.
New Wigan boss Roberto Martinez starts his reign at Aston Villa, while Bolton are at home to Steve Bruce’s Sunderland and Portsmouth meet Fulham at Fratton Park.
Manchester United have to wait until the end of the month before they play one of the top four clubs as they take on Arsenal at Old Trafford on 29 August, with the return fixture at the Emirates on 30 January.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side visit Anfield to play Liverpool on 24 October and last season’s runners-up are at Old Trafford on 20 March. Chelsea are the last of the other top four sides to face United when they play the champions at Stamford Bridge on 7 November, with the return fixture on 3 April.
Last season’s losing Champions League finalists close the season at home to Stoke on 9 May, while Liverpool finish their season at Hull on 9 May. Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge on October 3, while Chelsea travel to Anfield on 1 May.
Opening weekend – Saturday, 15 August
Aston Villa v Wigan
Blackburn v Manchester City
Bolton v Sunderland
Chelsea v Hull
Everton v Arsenal
Manchester Utd v Birmingham
Portsmouth v Fulham
Stoke v Burnley
Tottenham v Liverpool
Wolves v West Ham
Tuesday, 18 August
Arsenal v Bolton
Birmingham v Portsmouth
Burnley v Manchester United
Fulham v Blackburn
Hull v Tottenham
Sunderland v Chelsea
West Ham v Aston Villa
Wigan v Wolves
Wednesday, 19 August
Liverpool v Stoke
Manchester City v Everton
