By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Newly promoted Ipswich Town will mark their return to the Premier League after a 22 year absence by hosting Liverpool on the opening weekend of the upcoming season. The fixtures, announced today, reveal that Manchester City, as defending champions, will begin their title defense with an away match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 18th.
The Premier League action kicks off with Manchester United facing Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday, August 16th. Arsenal, runners up to City last season, will play Wolves at home on Saturday, while Aston Villa, finishing fourth, travels to West Ham.
Southampton, winners of the Championship playoffs, start their campaign against Newcastle at St James' Park, Everton hosts Brighton, and Nottingham Forest meets Bournemouth in other Saturday fixtures.
On Sunday, Brentford welcomes Crystal Palace, and Leicester City, winners of the Championship, will host Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, August 19th. Ipswich's return to the Premier League follows a 5-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield in their last top flight game during the 2001-02 season. The club was relegated a year after unexpectedly finishing fifth.
City secured their fourth consecutive English league title in May by finishing two points ahead of Arsenal, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting start to the new Premier League season.