Chelsea begin with Baggies visit

Chelsea will begin the defence of their Premier League title at home to newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion on August 14.

Their second game is a trip to Wigan Athletic where they lost towards the end of last season.

Meanwhile, predicted title challengers Liverpool and Arsenal will meet at Anfield on the opening weekend in an early heavyweight showdown.

Last season's runners-up Manchester United will open against another promoted club in Championship winners Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Blackpool, who earned their place in the top-flight after winning the Championship play-off final, have been handed a home game against Wigan Athletic at Bloomfield Road.

The Seasiders will also end the season with a mouth-watering trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

Elsewhere on the first day of the 2010/11 season, top four hopefuls Tottenham and Manchester City will meet at White Hart Lane.

Sunderland will be at home to Sunderland, Wolves take on Stoke City at Molineux and Bolton Wanderers play host to Fulham.

Aston Villa go head-to-head with West Ham United in the Midlands and Everton will travel to Ewood Park to take on Blackburn Rovers.

Opening fixtures (Saturday, 14 August):

Aston Villa v West Ham United, Blackburn Rovers v Everton, Blackpool v Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers v Fulham, Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion, Liverpool v Arsenal, Manchester United v Newcastle United, Sunderland v Birmingham City, Tottenham v Manchester City, Wolves v Stoke City.

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