Chelsea will begin the defence of their English Premier League title against newly-promoted West Bromwich Albion as the fixtures for the 2010/11 season were published yesterday.

The August 14 match will mean a return to Stamford Bridge for former Chelsea midfielder Roberto di Matteo, now the West Brom manager.

Chelsea are next away to Wigan, where they lost last season, before Stoke come to west London on August 28.

Manchester United, last season's runners-up, start the campaign at home to another promoted team in Newcastle while Liverpool begin life after former boss Rafael Benitez at home to Arsenal.

Chelsea don't face one of the 'Big Four' until October 2 when they are at home to London rivals Arsenal.

The Blues' first match against United is on December 18 with the return fixture at Old Trafford on May 7 - Chelsea's penultimate away match.

An attractive opening day fixture sees Tottenham up against Manchester City, the team Spurs pipped to fourth spot and a Champions League place last term.

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