Soccer:Manchester United will start their defence of their Barclays Premier League title with a trip to West Brom. Alex Ferguson's men are at The Hawthorns on August 13th, with their next two games at Old Trafford against Tottenham and Arsenal. The champions round off the campaign on May 13th with a match at Sunderland.

Arsenalstart with a match at Newcastle- a contest which finished in a 4-4 draw last season - while a testing opening continues with a home game against Liverpool before the trip to Old Trafford.

Last season's runners-up Chelseatravel to Stoke on the opening day before taking on West Brom at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpoolstart their campaign at home to Sunderland, meaning Reds midfielder Jordan Henderson will get an immediate match against the team he supported and played for, prior to his recent big-money move to Anfield.

The Black Cats' opening home match is against arch-rivals Newcastle the following weekend.

Manchester City'sfirst match is at home to Swansea, who made sure of their place in the top flight with a play-off final win over Reading last month.

Wiganprovide the first home opposition for Swansea, meaning a return for former boss Roberto Martinez - who left south Wales for the Latics a little more than two years ago.

The Swans have an appealing final-day fixture, with Liverpool visiting The Liberty Stadium on May 13th.

Newcomers QPRopen with a home match against Boltonand Norwichtravel to Wigan.

Elsewhere on the opening day, Tottenhamand Evertonmeet at White Hart Lane, Fulhamand Aston Villaface each other at Craven Cottage, while Blackburnhost Wolvesat Ewood Park.

Opening week of Premier League fixtures - August 13th

Blackburn V Wolves

Fulham v Aston Villa

Liverpool v Sunderland

Man. City v Swansea

Newcastle v Arsenal

QPR v Bolton

Stoke v Chelsea

Tottenham v Everton

WBA v Manchester Utd

Wigan v Norwich