Champions Manchester United will begin their Premier League title defence at home to Newcastle on 16th August. Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who pipped Chelsea to the title last season, close the campaign with a trip to newly promoted Hull City on 24th May. United face top four sides Liverpool and Chelsea away on successive weekends, 13th September and 20th September, before also visiting Arsenal on 8th November. The Red Devils are at home to Chelsea on 10th January 10, play host to Liverpool on 14th March and Arsenal visit Old Trafford on 16th May, on the penultimate weekend of the season. New Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari starts with a home game as the Premier League runners-up entertain FA Cup winners Portsmouth. Chelsea then face Liverpool at home on 25th October and Arsenal at home on 29th November. The Blues visit Liverpool on 31st January, Arsenal on 9th May and are away to Sunderland on the final day of the season. Of the top sides, Arsenal look to have the more straightforward opening and closing day fixtures as they entertain West Brom on 16th August and are at home to fellow promoted side Stoke on 24th May. Arsenal's fixtures against fellow top four side Liverpool are at home on 20th December and away on 18th April. Tough Liverpool begin their campaign away to Sunderland and face a final day home game with Tottenham. Championship winners West Brom face a tough start at Arsenal and are away to Blackburn on the final day of the season. Albion fans will be looking forward to trips to Manchester United on 18th October, Liverpool on 8th November and Chelsea on Boxing Day. The Baggies are at home to Chelsea on November 15, Manchester United visit The Hawthorns on 27th January, Arsenal visit on 3rd March and Liverpool on 16th May Stoke begin their season with an away fixture against Bolton and finish up with a final day trip to Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. Hull fans can look forward to a home match with Fulham on 16th August and a final day meeting with Manchester United. OPENING GAMES Saturday, 16th August 2008 Premier League Arsenal v West Brom Aston Villa v Man City Bolton v Stoke Chelsea v Portsmouth Everton v Blackburn Hull v Fulham Man Utd v Newcastle Middlesbrough v Tottenham Sunderland v Liverpool West Ham v Wigan