Premier League: Champions Manchester City begin title defence at Chelsea

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

The game, on Sunday August 18, will pit Pep Guardiola against his former assistant Enzo Maresca, who was named Chelsea boss this summer after guiding Leicester to the Championship title last season.

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

Newly-promoted Ipswich Town, back in the Premier League for the first time in more than 20 years, host Liverpool for a lunchtime kick-off under their new manager Arne Slot on the Saturday.

Leicester, back in the top flight after one season in the Championship and yet to name Maresca’s successor, will host Tottenham for the first Monday night football of the new season on August 19.

The final day fixtures on May 18 see City travel to Fulham, Liverpool host Crystal Palace, Arsenal playing away at Southampton, United face Aston Villa at Old Trafford, and Chelsea go to Nottingham Forest.

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