Man. United begin vs Birmingham

Manchester United will begin their Premier League title defence at home to newly promoted Birmingham City, after the 2009/10 fixtures were announced yesterday.

Liverpool, who finished second last season, travel to Tottenham Hotspur, while Chelsea under new coach Carlo Ancelotti host Hull City. Arsenal travel to Everton as the campaign begins on the weekend of August 15.

Newly-promoted Burnley's first top-flight match since 1976 will be away to Stoke City, while Championship winners Wolves host West Ham United. Burnley's next match will be at home to Manchester United.

New Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez starts his reign at Aston Villa, while Bolton Wanderers host Steve Bruce's new club, Sunderland.

Big-spending Manchester City travel to Blackburn on the opening day before hosting Everton at Eastlands on August 19.

United's first 'top four' test comes against Arsenal on August 29 at Old Trafford, with Liverpool next at Anfield on October 24.

Chelsea are the last of the other top four sides to face United as Ancelotti's side are at home to the champions on November 7, with the return fixture on April 3.

Liverpool end their season with an away fixture against Hull on May 9.

Benitez's team visit Stamford Bridge on October 3 and play host to last season's third-placed team on May 1. Liverpool are at home to Arsenal on December 12 and visit the Gunners on February 9.

Ancelotti's first season finishes at home to Wigan on May 9.

Chelsea are away to Arsenal on November 28 and at home to the Gunners on February 6.

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal close the season with a home game against Fulham.

Opening fixtures (Aug. 15)

Aston Villa vs Wigan; Blackburn vs Man. City; Bolton vs Sunderland; Chelsea vs Hull; Everton vs Arsenal; Man. Utd vs Birmingham; Portsmouth vs Fulham; Stoke vs Burnley; Tottenham vs Liverpool; Wolves vs West Ham.