Reds to open against Newcastle

Updated 10.18 Mon Jun 16 2008

Keywords: Sir Alex Ferguson, Barclays Premier League, Manchester United

Manchester United will begin their league title defence at home to Newcastle on August 16.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who pipped Chelsea to the title last season and also beat the Stamford Bridge club in the Champions League final, close the Barclays Premier League campaign with a trip to face Coca-Cola Championship play-off final winners Hull on May 24.

The Red Devils are at home to Chelsea on January 10, play host to Liverpool on March 14 and Arsenal visit Old Trafford on May 16, on the penultimate weekend of the season.

United face top four sides Liverpool and Chelsea away on successive weekends, September 13 and 20 respectively, before also visiting Arsenal in November.

The Red Devils are at home to Chelsea in January, play host to Liverpool in March and Arsenal visit Old Trafford on May 16, on the penultimate weekend of the season.

New Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari starts with a home game as the Premier League runners-up entertain FA Cup winners Portsmouth.

Chelsea then face Liverpool at home on October 25 and Arsenal at home on November 29.

The Blues visit Liverpool on January 31, Arsenal on May 9 and are away to Sunderland on the final day of the season.

Of the top sides Arsenal look to have the easier opening and closing day fixtures as they play at home to West Brom on August 16 and at home to fellow promoted side Stoke on May 24.

Arsenal's fixtures against fellow top four side Liverpool are at home on December 20 and away on April 18.

Liverpool begin their campaign away to Sunderland and face a final day home game with Tottenham.

Championship winners West Brom face a tough start at Arsenal and are away to Blackburn on the final day of the season.

Albion fans will be looking forward to trips to Manchester United in October, Liverpool in November and Chelsea on Boxing Day.

The Baggies are at home to Chelsea on November 15, Manchester United visit The Hawthorns on January 27, Arsenal visit on March 3 and Liverpool on May 16.

Stoke begin their season with an away fixture against Bolton and finish up with a final day trip to Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal.

Hull fans can look forward to a home match with Fulham on August 16 and a final day meeting with Manchester.