Manchester United and Fulham to contest opening Premier League fixture

Manchester City will begin their pursuit of an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title away to Chelsea on the opening weekend of the new season.

The match on Sunday, August 18th will pit Pep Guardiola against his former assistant Enzo Maresca, who was appointed Chelsea boss this summer after guiding Leicester to promotion last term.

FA Cup winners Manchester United will host the opening game of the campaign when Fulham visit Old Trafford on Friday, August 16th.

Newly-promoted Ipswich, back in the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, welcome Liverpool for the 1230 kick-off under their new manager Arne Slot a day later, when Championship play-off winners Southampton travel to Newcastle.

Leicester, back in the top flight after one season in the Championship and yet to name Maresca’s successor, will host Tottenham on the Monday night.

Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton reign will begin away to Everton on the Saturday, when new West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui will welcome Aston Villa.

The other opening weekend fixtures will see Arsenal host Wolves and Bournemouth head to Nottingham Forest on the Saturday, while Brentford face Crystal Palace on the Sunday.

The final day fixtures on May 25th see Manchester United host Villa, while Manchester City travel to Fulham. Liverpool host Palace and Arsenal are at Southampton.

The opening weekend is the only one so far for which games have been selected for television, with all other fixtures subject to change.

Manchester United are due to host traditional rivals Liverpool just two weeks into the new season on August 31st, with the reverse fixture on January 4th. The third round of the FA Cup takes place the following weekend, and there is no winter break this season.

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