Chelsea to kick off title defence against Man City

LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) Chelsea will kick off the defence of their English Premier League title at home to Manchester City on August 19.

Runners-up Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford while FA Cup winners Liverpool must travel to promoted Sheffield United in the opening fixtures for the new season announced today.

Aston Villa will be the first league visitors to Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium.

Newly promoted Watford and Reading will play away to Everton and at home to Middlesbrough respectively.

Newcastle United, resigned to starting the season without their injured England striker Michael Owen, start the season at home to Wigan.

Iain Dowie's first fixture as Charlton Athletic manager takes him back to FA Cup runners-up West Ham, the club he played for as a striker.

REUTERS PM KP1510