Sport

English football fixtures announced

Football fans can start filling their diaries as the eagerly awaited full list of match fixtures for the 2009/2010 season have been announced.

Current champions, Manchester United, will begin the defence of the Premier League title at home to newly promoted side Birmingham.

Newcomers to the Premier League Burnley will first visit Stoke at Britannia Stadium before facing Manchester United at home on August 18.

Newly appointed Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti's first game in charge will be against Hull at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool open at Tottenham while Arsenal face Everton at Goodison Park while Wolves take on West Ham at Molineux.

Manchester City journey to Blackburn on the opening day before hosting Everton at Eastlands on August 19.

New Wigan boss Roberto Martinez starts his reign at Aston Villa, while Bolton are at home to Steve Bruce's Sunderland and Portsmouth meet Fulham at Fratton Park.

The campaign gets under way on Saturday August 15.

Source: BBC News