Flying start for Gulls
BRIGHTON hit the jackpot as next season’s Premier League fixtures were revealed yesterday. Seagulls boss Chris Hughton (left) will see his side entertain Manchester City in their first game back in the big time. The game is scheduled for Saturday, August 12, but is sure to be high on the list of the TV schedulers. Huddersfield, back in the top flight for the first time since 1972, might have hoped for a more glitzy starter than a trip to Crystal
Palace. Then it is successive home games against Newcastle and Southampton for David Wagner’s side, whose last four games are against Chelsea, Everton, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Championship winners Newcastle host Tottenham in their opener.
Chelsea, who face Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool following Champions League games, open their title defence at home to Burnley. Antonio Conte’s team then travel to Wembley for Spurs’ first game in their temporary home.
As a result of their move from White Hart Lane, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have already had to start rearranging games, as have West Ham.
Spurs are due to host Burnley on August 26, when the national stadium is to stage rugby league’s Challenge Cup Final. The club said they were “in discussions with Burnley on this matter”.
West Ham will have to change their opening games with the Olympic Stadium not scheduled to be ready in time for the new season after hosting the World Athletics Championship from August 4-13.
Slaven Bilic’s side are due to welcome Southampton on August 19 but West Ham said their opening fixtures in August will be played away from home.
The opening weekend does not feature any clashes between sides expected to be battling it out at the top of the table.
Arsenal host Leicester, Manchester United face West Ham at Old Trafford, while Liverpool are at Watford.