The fixtures of the new season of the Barclays Premier League were announced earlier today.
Season 2010-11 will kick off on August 14th, with all 20 teams in action. Defending champions Chelsea will face newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion at the Stamford Bridge. Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United,too, entertain promoted Newcastle United.
Blackpool, the third team to be promoted, will clash with Wigan Athletic for their first match in top-flight.
The biggest match of the opening day, arguably, will feature Liverpool at home to Arsenal. Liverpool, who parted ways with Benitez earlier in the summer, are yet too announce their new manager, and also face uncertainty about the future of the club, what with it being on sale. Arsenal, however, will be high on confidence after the new signings join them, and Arsene will look to go one better this season and land a major trophy.
Another big match though, will be Tottenham versus Manchester City, at White Hart Lane. The last time these two sides clashed, it was almost a playoff for the final Champions League berth, and Mancini’s ManCity will have a bitter taste in their mouth about those memories. Having to settle for the Europa League in spite of their signings, the blue half of Manchester seems destined to go on yet another spending spree and bring in a couple of more high profile signings after the World Cup.
Boxing Day fixtures, too are set to be a hoot with Arsenal hosting Chelsea at home, and Aston Villa host Tottenham. The December mothnw ill witness Chelsea play Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham in what promises to be a mouth-watering battle for top spot.
Add to that the Champions League and the Europa League schedules, and fans across the world will be licking their lips in anticipation. OPENING DAY FIXTURES
Aston Villa v West HamBlackburn v EvertonBlackpool v WiganBolton v FulhamChelsea v West BromLiverpool v ArsenalMan Utd v NewcastleSunderland v BirminghamTottenham v Man CityWolverhampton v Stoke
BOXING DAY FIXTURES
Arsenal v ChelseaAston Villa v TottenhamBlackburn v StokeBlackpool v LiverpoolBolton v West BromEverton v BirminghamFulham v West HamMan Utd v SunderlandNewcastle v Man CityWolverhampton v Wigan
FINAL DAY FIXTURES
Aston Villa v LiverpoolBolton v Man CityEverton v ChelseaFulham v ArsenalMan Utd v BlackpoolNewcastle v West BromStoke v WiganTottenham v BirminghamWest Ham v SunderlandWolverhampton v Blackburn