Swans opener for Blues

Champions Chelsea will start the defence of their Barclays Premier League title against Swansea.

Jose Mourinho’s men finished eight points clear at the top last season and open at Stamford Bridge against Garry Monk’s side on August 8.

Manchester United’s home game with Tottenham is the standout clash of the opening weekend, though, after the 2015/16 fixtures were released yesterday.

Liverpool have an instant chance to banish memories of their 6-1 drubbing at Stoke on the final day of last season when they return to the Britannia on day one of the new campaign.

Manchester City start at West Brom while Arsenal kick-off against new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic at the Emirates.

Elsewhere, Steve McClaren takes charge of Newcastle after joining last week with the Magpies hosting Southampton on the opening day.

Leicester host Sunderland while Alex Neil’s play-off winners Norwich welcome Crystal Palace.

Last season’s Sky Bet Championship winners Bournemouth welcome Aston Villa in their first ever Premier League game while newly-promoted Watford go to Everton.

Once the opening weekend is out of the way Chelsea head to Manchester City for an earlyseason blockbuster.

The first Manchester derby of the season comes at Old Trafford on October 24.

The first Merseyside derby is set for October 3 at Anfield, with Arsenal and Tottenham facing off on November 7.