United face Spurs in EPL opener
LONDON – Chelsea will start the defence of their Premier League title with a home game against Swansea when the 2015/2016 season gets underway on August 8.
Next season ’ s calendar, released yesterday, gives Liverpool a chance to banish memories of their 6-1 loss at Stoke on the final day of last season, as they return to the Britannia on day one of the new campaign. Another highlight of the opening weekend is Tottenham ’ s visit to Manchester United.
Manchester City start out at West Brom, while Arsenal kick off against new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic at the Emirates.
Promoted Bournemouth, who have Bafana Bafana striker Tokelo Rantie in their books, begin life in the top flight at home to Aston Villa, with fellow newcomers Watford and new manager Quique Sanchez Flores at Everton. Play-off winners Norwich host Crystal Palace.
Elsewhere, on day one, Steve McClaren – one of three new bosses – starts out as Newcastle manager against Southampton at St James ’ Park and Leicester are at home to Sunderland.
Once the opening weekend is out of the way Chelsea head to Manchester City for an earlyseason blockbuster, followed by clashes at West Brom and at home to Crystal Palace. Man United are at Villa in week two, followed by a home game with Newcastle and a trip to Swansea. For City, Chelsea are followed by Everton (away) and Watford (home), with Arsenal taking on Palace (away), Liverpool (home) and Newcastle (away) after their opener.
The first Manchester derby of the season comes at Old Trafford on October 24. United face Chelsea on December 28. –