Champions Manchester United will kick off the defence of their Premier League crown at West Brom before facing Tottenham and Arsenal at Old Trafford, fixtures for the 2011/2012 season showed yesterday.

Manchester United will travel to The Hawthorns on August 13 before consecutive home games against Spurs and old rivals Arsenal. Alex Ferguson’s team will complete their domestic campaign with a trip to Sunderland on May 13 next year.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will open their season against Newcastle at St James Park, where the Gunners squandered a 4-0 lead earlier this year as the Magpies battled back to draw 4-4.

Arsene Wenger’s men then have a daunting home fixture against Liverpool before travelling to Old Trafford for their tie with Man. United.

Chelsea open their campaign at Stoke before facing West Brom at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool new signing Jordan Henderson will meet his old club Sunderland on the opening day at Anfield while newly-promoted Swansea have a baptism of fire against Manchester City at Eastlands.

Swansea’s first home game will be against Wigan, meaning an emotional return for Latics boss Roberto Martinez who left the club two years ago. Swansea’s season concludes against Liverpool at home on May 13.

Of the other Premier League newcomers, QPR make their return to the top flight after a 15-year absence at home to Bolton while Norwich travel to Wigan.

QPR boss Neil Warnock said he was relishing the opportunity of leading a team in the Premier League once more.

“It’s just fabulous to be involved,” he told Sky Sports News.

“When you see the fixtures it’s so exciting. It doesn’t matter who you play, the Premier League is where we all want to be. It’s just fabulous to be involved.

“I’m really glad I’m in the Premier League and I’ve got to make sure whoever plays us it’s difficult for them.”

Opening day – August 13

Blackburn vs Wolves;
Fulham vs Aston Villa;
Liverpool vs Sunderland;
Man. City vs Swansea City;
Newcastle United vs Arsenal;
QPR vs Bolton;
Stoke City vs Chelsea;
Tottenham vs Everton;
West Brom vs Man. United;
Wigan vs Norwich.

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