Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce will make a swift return to Bolton on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

Allardyce left the Trotters following eight largely successful years at the Reebok Stadium in late April, but was soon back in football when he was installed at St James' Park three weeks later.

In other fixtures, which were released this morning, champions Manchester United will open the defence of their crown at home to Reading, the surprise side of the last campaign.

Roy Keane's Championship winners Sunderland host Uefa Cup hopefuls Tottenham while newly-promoted Birmingham will travel to FA Cup winners Chelsea.

Champions League finalists Liverpool are away at Aston Villa - with both clubs now under American ownership.

Derby's reward for winning the play-off final at Wembley is a home date with Portsmouth in their first Premier League match since 2002.

West Ham - who controversially beat the drop last season - will kick off the new campaign against Manchester City at Upton Park.

Arsenal host Fulham, Wigan travel to Everton, and Middlesbrough will be at home to Blackburn.

Other notable fixtures falling in the first weeks of the new season see Chelsea at Anfield on August 18th, with the Manchester derby at Eastlands also scheduled for that weekend.

The initial fixtures are all, however, subject to change because of a new £1.7 billion television deal, which this season will see some 46 matches shown live on Setanta Sports as well as satellite broadcaster Sky.  PA