Manchester City will commence their fifth consecutive title defence with a match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 18, the Premier League announced on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Manchester United will start the new season a day earlier with a home game against Fulham.

Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, who previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola during their treble-winning campaign, will face his former team.

Manchester United’s game against Fulham, as FA Cup winners, will be the inaugural match of the season, scheduled for Friday evening, August 16. The previous season’s runners-up, Arsenal, will take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 17.

Other notable opening fixtures include Championship winners Leicester City hosting Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United playing against playoff winners Southampton.

Ipswich Town, returning to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years after successive promotions, will face Liverpool in an early kickoff on August 17.

This season starts in mid-August following the elimination of the mid-season break to allow for a prolonged close-season rest.

Premier League Opening-Weekend Fixtures (all BST)

Friday, August 16

Manchester United vs Fulham (20:00)

Saturday, August 17

Ipswich Town vs Liverpool (12:30)

Arsenal vs Wolverhampton (15:00)

Everton vs Brighton (15:00)

Newcastle United vs Southampton (15:00)

Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth (15:00)

West Ham United vs Aston Villa (17:30)

Sunday, August 18

Brentford vs Crystal Palace (14:00)

Chelsea vs Manchester City (16:30)

Monday, August 19

Leicester City vs Tottenham (20:00)