Man City begin Premier League title defence at Chelsea

Manchester City's fifth consecutive title defence begins on August 18 when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, the Premier League announced on Tuesday.

Chelsea's newly appointed manager, Enzo Maresca, will face a familiar opponent, having previously assisted Pep Guardiola during their treble-winning season and coached City's youth team.

FA Cup Winners Manchester United will host Fulham in the first match of the season on August 16, while last season's league runners-up Arsenal face Wolverhampton Wanderers in their first match on August 17.

Among the other opening games, Championship winners Leicester City will host Tottenham Hotspur, while Newcastle United will face play-off winners Southampton.

Ipswich Town, who are returning to the Premier League after 22 years of back-to-back promotions, will host Liverpool in an early kickoff on August 17.

The Premier League will resume in mid-August, after the mid-season break was removed from the schedule to allow for a longer close-season break.

SportsLigue