Man City begins Premier League title defence at Chelsea

Manchester City begins its fifth straight title defence with a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on August 18, the Premier League said on Tuesday.

Erling Haaland celebrates with the Premier League Trophy during the Manchester City trophy parade. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Manchester City begins its fifth straight title defence with a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on August 18, the Premier League said on Tuesday.

Chelsea’s newly appointed manager, Enzo Maresca, will face a familiar side as he previously assisted Pep Guardiola during the treble-winning season and also coached City’s youth team.

FA Cup winners Manchester United hosts Fulham in the first match of the season on August 16 while last season’s league runners-up Arsenal hosts Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first match on Aug. 17.

Among the other opening fixtures, Championship winners Leicester City host Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United entertain play-off victors Southampton.

Ipswich Town is returning to the Premier League after 22 years following back-to-back promotions and will host Liverpool in an early kick-off on August 17.

The Premier League will begin in mid-August after the mid-season break was removed from the calendar in order to allow for a longer close-season break.