Carlos Tevez To Be Switched To Manchester City

Carlos Tevez appears to be edging closer to making a shock switch to Manchester City.

The Manchester United star, who is at the end of his two-year loan at Old Trafford, is seriously considering joining their city rivals, according to The Guardian.

Carlos Tevez has turned to Diego Maradona for advice as he decides which side of Manchester his future lies on.

The Argentine striker will decide this week whether to stay with United or move across town to City after both clubs agreed to match the price set by Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian.

And the input of Argentina coach Maradona could now hold the key. Tevez has been back in his homeland preparing for the World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Ecuador.

And he is torn between remaining a squad player under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford or becoming an Eastlands cult hero in the blue revolution being led by Mark Hughes.

United want to keep the Argentina striker but they have yet to agree a deal with the player's adviser Kia Joorabchian, who is demanding £25.5million when the current deal expires at the end of the month.

Reports last night suggested Tevez had already completed his switch to Eastlands and although they were premature, the chances of that happening are increasing by the day.

Manchester United to Sign Brazilian Youngster Dodo

The 17-year-old centre-back currently plies his trade with Corinthians and is regarded as an extremely exciting prospect for the future.

Dodo has been quoted as saying that he expects to join the Red Devils over the summer in a transfer that would see him link up with compatriots Rafael and Fabio da Silva and Rodrigo Possebon.

United have yet to indicate whether they will swoop for Dodo but the thought of such a move has angered 1970 World Cup winner Carlos Alberto.

Alberto finds it infuriating that big European clubs are able to sign Brazilian youngsters and has called on Fifa to change its laws.

"It is disgraceful United are allowed to do this to Brazilian football," Alberto said in the Manchester Evening News.

"The big teams have the money and can take our best players. It is a big problem in Brazil.

"The clubs cannot keep good young players because they can make much more money in other countries. They should change the law so, at least until the age of 20 or 21, the best players play in Brazil and get experience before moving to Europe.

Dimitar Berbatov "I Am More Than Just a Goalscorer"

Berbatov has been criticised by United fans since his club-record £30.75 million move from Tottenham for his laid back approach and nonchelant demeanour on the pitch.

It did not help matters that the Bulgarian managed only 14 goals in all competitions last season, with a section of United supporters even booing the 28-year-old towards the end of the campaign.

Notoriously haughty Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov has shown his deferential side by admitting that he regards Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson as an unquestioned authority.

"All the players have huge respect for him," he said. "You can be tying up your boots but when he begins to talk you just freeze and listen to him. His word is law to us."

The 28-year-old's high-and-mighty demeanour has not exactly endeared himself to the United fans, who will have perhaps been pleasantly surprised to hear him strike such a submissive tone when speaking of the gaffer.

However, Berbatov believes the criticism is unfair and that he contributes more than just goals.

He said: "I want people to remember me as a very good and skilful player. I don't want to be remembered as a top scorer.

"I have played with strikers with 100 goals who can't control the ball. It seems like a three metre pass when they are trying to control the ball with their feet."

Recent reports have suggested Berbatov might even be on his way out of Old Trafford. However, the player's agent, Emile Danchev, has said such claims are wide of the mark.

Danchev said: "Despite speculation that he may leave, I want to declare that Dimitar will play for Manchester United next season.

"He will stay and we hope he will win what he missed out on this year." The former Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham star went on to insist that lifting the Premier League trophy meant more to him than winning the Champions League would have.

"Yes, it was my number one aim," Berbatov was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "Probably, I was much more pleased than my team-mates but it was my first title after all.

"I think it's understandable since Ryan Giggs told me he has eleven championship medals."

Real Madrid Bid 80 Million Pound for Christiano Ronaldo

Manchester United have accepted a world record 80 million pound bid for Christiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid. Manchester United said on Thursday they have received a world record 80 million pound bid for forward Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

According to reports the club has accepted the offer from Real.

The Portuguese winger has been insisting to join the Spanish giants after two years of courting.

"At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player," a statement on the United website said.

"Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice."

The move comes just four days after Kaka was confirmed as the first signing of what will be a incredible summer of spending from Madrid.

Sources said the deal was agreed when Ramon Calderon was at the helm of affairs at the Santiago Bernebeu and the new president Florentino Perez has merely ensured the formalities are completed.

Perez has promised to deliver a "spectacular sporting project" built around the world's greatest players, and local media have spoken of a 300 million euro war chest which will be used to finance a second 'Galactico era' at the Bernabeu.

Having lured the likes of Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham to Real earlier in the decade, Perez's flagship first signing on his return was Kaka.

It was a declaration of intent and a dig at his predecessor.

He has also spoken of interest in Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, Bayern Munich's Ribery, Liverpool's Xabi Alonso and Valencia duo David Villa and David Silva.

New coach Manuel Pellegrini is the man tasked with blending these talents into a team capable of challenging treble-winners Barcelona.

Federico Macheda Put Manchester United Back on Top

Sunderland 1-2 Manchester United

Federico Macheda climbed off the bench to snatch victory for the second time in a week as Manchester United clawed their way back to the top of the Barclays Premier League table.

The 17-year-old Italian needed just 45 seconds to claim three points for his side with a 76th-minute winner at Sunderland and send the reigning champions back above Liverpool, who had briefly headed them as a result of their 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.

His intervention could not have been more timely with the Black Cats having dragged themselves back into the match courtesy of Kenwyne Jones' 55th-minute equaliser, his first goal since 7th February.

United looked to be in complete control when Paul Scholes capped a dominant start by heading the visitors into a 19th-minute lead, but they allowed the Wearsiders back into the match in front of a partisan crowd of 45,408.

Sir Alex Ferguson's troops will now regroup ahead of their testing Champions League quarter-final, second leg trip to Porto on Wednesday evening knowing they remain a point clear of Liverpool with a match in hand in the race for the Barclays Premier League title.

By contrast, Sunderland face a monumental home fixture with fellow strugglers Hull City at the Stadium of Light next weekend with their top-flight status very much in the balance.

Villa Win Put Manchester United On Top

Manchester United have retained their top position in the Premiership after a dramatic match at Old Trafford on April 5 that saw the scoreline swing several times. United opened the scoring in the 13th minute with Cristiano Ronaldo on target from an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area, but lost their grip and managed to fall behind after a 31st minute John Carew and a 58th minute Gabriel Agbonlahor goals.

United regrouped and pushed everything they had forward in attack to bridge the gap with Liverpool, who were two points ahead of them in the table, having won a day earlier against Fulham. Ronaldo then scored again in the 80th minute and debutant Federico Macheda scored a third in added time, insuring that Alex Ferguson's men would claim the three points and intensify the drama at the top of the Premiership.

The win put United back on the top of the table, a point clear of Liverpool and with a game in hand. After the match, Ferguson was quoted as saying by the United website: "The surge towards the end of every game at United is always great and you always hope you can get something out of it."

"It doesn't always happen, but the drive and determination to do so is always there. We were seven or eight players short against Villa, but you could see how the young lads were prepared to go right until the very end.

Regarding Macheda, Alex Ferguson said: "His whole contribution was fantastic from the minute he arrived. He made some penetrative runs and was a threat all the time; I actually thought he could have had a penalty when he went for header not long after he came on."

"I said 'well done' to him afterwards, but he'll need to keep his feet on the ground because he'll get a lot of publicity over the next few days and he'll need to handle that."

Manchestar United beats Southampton 3-0 in FA Cup

Defending champion Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at second tier 10-man Southampton in the FA Cup on Sunday and will host Tottenham in the fourth round.

Danny Welbeck got the opening goal after 20 minutes and Nani added a 48th-minute penalty kick for the record 11-time F.A. Cup champion. Darron Gibson made it 3-0 after 81 minutes.

Facing a 10-man team that is struggling in the League Championship, United created many more chances but appeared lucky to its second goal. Nani scored from the penalty spot in the 48th minute for a handball against Southampton's David McGoldrick. Darron Gibson added the third in the 81st after a strong run by Wayne Rooney.

Matthew Paterson of second-tier Southampton was dismissed after 37 minutes for a challenge on Nemanja Vidic.

The Saints had an upset 1-0 win over United in the 1976 final, the only time they’ve won the tournament.

Aston Villa won 2-1 at Gillingham and will travel to Cheltenham or Doncaster in the next round.

Arsenal beat Manchester United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United

Arsenal beat Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger got the response he wanted as Arsenal bounced back from last week's defeat to Stoke City, with victory over United.

Gunners manager Wenger admitted dressing-room morale was low after their draw with rivals Tottenham Hotspur and defeat to Stoke - but Saturday's win breathes life into their campaign and lifts them above United in the Barclays Premier League table.

Goals from Samir Nasri provided the attacking threat, taking advantage of slack marking in each half to grab his fourth and fifth of the season.

Rafael da Silva, on as a substitute, volleyed home to give Sir Alex Ferguson's men hope, but it was not enough as Arsenal claimed the points.

Manchester United 4-0 West Bromwich Albion

Manchester United were convincing winners against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney took his tally to eight goals in six matches to set United on their way to victory.

Rooney had already seen a first-half effort disallowed for a push on Gianni Zuiverloon when he broke the Baggies' resistance with an excellent solo effort 11 minutes after the re-start.

He then set up Cristiano Ronaldo for a second before Dimitar Berbatov wrapped up a productive 15-minute period and substitute Nani completed the scoring at the end.

Manchester United 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Manchester United gained their first Premier League home win of the season with a 2-0 defeat of Bolton that left their neighbours nursing a sense of injustice.

Cristiano Ronaldo's opener left a sour taste for the Trotters as referee Rob Styles gave the hosts a penalty after Jlloyd Samuel played the ball when he slid into Ronaldo just before the hour mark.

Substitute Wayne Rooney also found the net for the first time this season, curling home after exchanging passes with Ronaldo. Bolton boss Gary Megson will know his side were frustrating their hosts until Styles' intervention.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson started with Rooney on the bench and Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez up front, but - while Tevez and Berbatov tried hard - there was no sense of a partnership between them.

The only time they were involved in anything meaningful was when they helped set up Rio Ferdinand. But the centre-half bounced his half-volley straight at Jaaskelainen.

Bolton's Fabrice Muamba was presented with the best opportunity either side had to break the first-half deadlock. He ought to have forced Edwin van der Sar into a save when Gretar Rafn Steinsson's low cross rolled into his path after Ferdinand had slid in with Kevin Davies at the near post.

But from 10 yards, the England Under-21 international was so off target his shot nearly rolled out for a throw-in.

Ferguson must have felt a bit sheepish when Styles watched Samuel what looked a perfectly timed tackle on Ronaldo, then pointed to the spot. Ronaldo stepped up and sent Jaaskelainen the wrong way.

The introduction of Rooney and Paul Scholes came not long afterwards and Rooney curled a shot into the bottom corner after a neat exchange of passes with Ronaldo 13 minutes from time.

Dimitar Berbatov Fit for Premier League Clash Against Chelsea

The Bulgaria international picked up a knee injury during the defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last weekend but has been passed fit for one of the early season's key Premier League fixtures.

The news will doubtless buoy Ferguson and the rest of the United squad who are under considerable pressure to secure a result at Stamford Bridge after a stumbling start to their Premier League season. Defeat for United will hand Chelsea a staggering nine-point advantage over their rivals, albeit having played a game more.

Berbatov, United's record summer signing, missed the Champions League 0-0 draw against Villarreal at Old Trafford but along with Cristiano Ronaldo, who came on as a substitute in midweek, gives Ferguson a wealth of attacking options.

Nevertheless, Ferguson faces a headache in defence with Nemanja Vidic suspended. Jonny Evans filled in against Villarreal and it remains to be seen if Ferguson opts to hand the Northern Irishman a second consecutive start.

Having commanded a transfer fee of £30.75 million, Berbatov's performance against Liverpool went some way to justifying United's dogged pursuit of the forward and Ferguson is keen to have him available for Sunday's fixture against Chelsea.

"I think he (Berbatov) has a good chance and hopefully he is fit," Ferguson said.

Meanwhile, Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has picked up an ankle injury that will keep him on the sidelines for six to eight weeks.

Manchester United and Arsenal Played Out Draws in their Champions League Ties

Captain William Gallas bundled in a late equaliser to make it 1-1 and rescue a point for Arsenal from their opening Champions League Group G match against Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine.

Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin van Persie, twice, and Cesc Fabregas all had good first-half chances for the Gunners, who still have yet to win a European tie in the former Soviet Union.

Kiev made them pay when Bacary Sagna was adjudged to have pushed over Ognjen Vukojevic and Ismael Bangoura scored a 64th-minute penalty - only for Gallas to net two minutes from time at close range.

The return of Cristiano Ronaldo as a second half sub saw Manchester United begin the defence of their crown with a 0-0 draw against Villarreal at Old Trafford.

United could come no closer than a late Jonny Evans diving header that bounced back off a post as their 12-match winning streak on home soil in the competition was brought to an end. The Yellow Submarines almost sank Sir Alex Ferguson's men altogether when Guille Franco hit the woodwork as well.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Ready to Lift United?

CRISTIANO Ronaldo is ready to mount his white charger and come to United's early season rescue.

Last season his 32 league goals were hugely influential as United outscored the Premier League and became champions.

Without him as he recovered from his summer ankle surgery nobody has scored fewer than the Reds in the opening matches.

Three goals from three games sees United needing an urgent injection of attacking power.

The Portuguese winger could be back on Wednesday against Villarreal at Old Trafford as United open the defence of the Champions League.

If the clash with the Spaniards is too early then a comeback could come against Chelsea - the Premier side he last faced - at Stamford Bridge next Sunday.

And that second instalment of the back-to-back heavyweight clashes is a perfect pick-me-up following Saturday's disappointment surrender in the 2-1 defeat at Liverpool according to captain Rio Ferdinand.

Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United

Liverpool Defeated Manchester United 2 -1 and ended their dream run of 5 successive wins over Liverpool in Premier League.

Ryan Babel's second-half strike ended Manchester United's run of five successive league wins over Liverpool. Liverpool came from a goal behind to beat Manchester United 2-1 in a dramatic Anfield encounter that could easily have been won by either side.

It also gave Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez his first victory over the Old Trafford men in 10 Premier League attempts. A first-half own goal from Wes Brown and a Ryan Babel winner close to the end were enough for Rafa Benitez to take three points off rival Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time.

United took the lead early on through Carlos Tevez. But Liverpool forced their way back into the match with a bizarre Wes Brown own goal, before dominating the second period - which saw Nemanja Vidic sent off. Then substitute Babel struck the winner.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "It was good for the confidence of the players. At half-time we were talking about having confidence and determination going forwards and in the second half we were the best team. We showed quality and character to come back and the understanding of (Robbie) Keane and (Dirk) Kuyt was very good."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "You don't expect that from Manchester United. When we have a bad day we usually still get something from the game. Overall, they were the better team today. Liverpool produced a performance of tackling, hassling and getting about us. You have to give them credit for that - but at the end of the day, we should cope."

Battle of the Reds - Liverpool vs Manchester United

Liverpool's challenge for their first league title since 1990 gets its first real test of the season on Saturday when they seek to end a dire series of Anfield results against champions Manchester United.

United manager Alex Ferguson said this week that he expected United to soon overhaul Liverpool's record of 18 league titles, and since his team have won 10 of their 17 since Liverpool's last triumph, it is not exactly a wild prediction.

Liverpool fans are extremely unhappy about the prospect and, despite their continued European success, their regular failure to mount a serious domestic league challenge hangs above the club like a dark cloud.

"The fans are screaming out for it, the players want it and we need to deliver. If we're out of the race again come January or February, there will be a lot of unhappy people around here. The city will explode if we win the league, and I don't want it to happen when I'm retired. Over the last couple of years we've gone into games against United and Chelsea very organised tactically - defensive if you like - and still lost 1-0," Gerrard said.

"It's important a few risks are taken to try to score that goal against these teams because it gives you such a psychological boost."" captain Steven Gerrard said this week.

Gerrard, who had surgery to fix a groin problem last week, is unlikely to make the game where both sides will expect to improve on some hesitant early-season displays.

Liverpool have lost five and drawn one of their last six home league games against United and have not managed a league goal against them at Anfield for almost five years.

With Fernando Torres also likely to miss out with a hamstring strain, Liverpool will hope Robbie Keane returns energised from his Ireland duties and ready to find the target for the first time following his move from Tottenham Hotspur.

Keane's former Spurs strike partner Dimitar Berbatov is also set to feature in the game, making his debut for United after his deadline-day move. The pair equally shared 46 goals for the London club last season.

Foreign Ownership of Premier League Clubs

ASTON VILLA - American billionaire Randy Lerner completed his takeover of Aston Villa last September for 62.6 million pounds ($122.5 million) after securing the required 90 percent of the Birmingham club's shares. The Cleveland Browns owner installed himself as chairman of Villa, taking the place of Doug Ellis who stepped down after 38 years at the Midlands side.

CHELSEA - In July 2003 Russian businessman Roman Abramovich agreed to buy the company that owned Chelsea in a deal which valued it at nearly 60 million pounds ($99.50 million). Under the cash offer, Abramovich, through his English offer vehicle Chelsea Ltd, agreed to purchase 84.9 million Chelsea Village shares at 35 pence each, just over half of its entire issued share capital. Abramovich has spent millions on the club since 2003 and has been rewarded with Chelsea winning successive Premier League titles and domestic cups.

FULHAM - In 1997 Egyptian-born businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, owner of top London department store Harrods, invested 30 million pounds ($49 million) in Fulham and took over as chairman after agreeing to acquire a controlling stake. With his financial backing Fulham repurchased the freehold to their Craven Cottage stadium on the banks of the river Thames in west London for an estimated 7.5 million pounds, while on the pitch they were promoted to the top-flight in 2001.

LIVERPOOL - The 2005 European champions, seeking an injection of cash for two years to help challenge for top honours and fund a new stadium, agreed in 2006 to be taken over by U.S. sports tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks for 174 million pounds ($340 million). The 18-times English league champions had been in talks with Dubai International Capital (DIC), but DIC dropped its bid plans when Liverpool asked for more time to consider a rival offer from Gillett. In March 2008 takeover talks involving Tom Hicks and Dubai International Capital (DIC) were terminated in March amid disagreement over who should be running the club. DIC, which made a 400 million pounds ($807.6 million) bid for the Merseyside club, said it was "in advanced discussions" with Liverpool's co-owners although no agreement had been reached on price or shareholding percentage.

MANCHESTER CITY - In July 2007 former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was hailed as an unlikely saviour when he bought the club for 81 million pounds ($146.3 million). New managers Kevin Keegan and Sven-Goran Eriksson, both tried to restore the clubs fortunes, but failed. Eriksson joined the City scrapheap in June 2008 after just a season in charge. Mark Hughes was named new manager on June 4. Prospective new owners, Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment, said on Monday they wanted to make Manchester City the biggest club in the Premier League.

MANCHESTER UNITED - In August 2005, supporters were unhappy with the American tycoon, Malcolm Glazer's 790 million pounds ($1.41 billion) takeover and used the first home game where his sons Joel, Avi and Bryan, all board members, were in attendance, to make their voices heard. U.S. financier Malcolm Glazer said he had raised his stake in Manchester United to over 75 percent, finally gaining full control in May 2005 of the club he had battled to acquire for more than two years.

PORTSMOUTH - Alexandre Gaydamak acquired full control of Portsmouth in July 2006 after he bought the remaining stake from chairman Milan Mandaric. Media reports suggested that Mandaric had sold his remaining shares to Gaydamak, a Russian-born French national, for about 32 million pounds ($58.46 million). Gaydamak's initial investment for a 50 percent stake in the club had been reported at 15 million pounds. Mandaric injected new life into Portsmouth after taking over the club in 1998, winning promotion from the second division in 2003. He has stayed on as a non-executive chairman.

WEST HAM - In November 2006 West Ham United agreed an 85 million pounds ($161.3 million) takeover from a consortium led by Iceland Football Association president and UEFA member Eggert Magnusson. Magnusson replaced Terry Brown as West Ham chairman and shortly after sacked coach Alan Pardew, replacing him with Alan Curbishley.

Champions League draw Announced

Defending champion Manchester United will face British rival Celtic in the group stage of the Champions League. Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who beat Barclays Premier League rivals Chelsea on penalties in the final in Moscow in May, were also joined by Spanish side Villarreal and Danish club Aalborg in Group E.

Celtic met United competitively for the first time in 2006-07, avenging a 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford with a 1-0 victory at Parkhead.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's team will look to go one better than last season when they were beaten on penalties by Manchester United in the final. Chelsea, which lost May's final on penalty kicks to the Red Devils, also has a relatively easy group, featuring AS Roma, Bordeaux and newcomer CFR Cluj.

Arsenal have been handed a tough draw in Group G of the Champions League. The Gunners must face Porto of Portugal, Fenerbahce of Turkey and Dynamo Kiev of Ukraine. Arsenal reached the quarter-finals of last season's competition, losing to Barclays Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Five-time champion Liverpool have been drawn in Group D along with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven and Spanish stars Atletico Madrid. French side Marseille make up a testing group for the Anfield outfit with the first matchday scheduled next month. Rafa Benitez's side will be hoping to improve on last season's semi-final appearance where they were beaten by Barclays Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Juventus has a tough return to the lucrative competition after a two-year absence. The Italians will have to overcome nine-time champion Real Madrid, UEFA Cup winner Zenit St. Petersburg and debutante BATE.

Two-time champion FC Barcelona will meet Sporting, FC Basel and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Manchester United Signed Sponsorship Deal with Saudi Telecom

Manchester United has signed a lucrative 5 years sponsorship deal with Saudi Telecom Co., the Arab world's largest phone company. The five-year deal with Saudi Arabia's biggest telecommunications company was announced at Old Trafford on Sunday ahead of United's season-opening home match against Newcastle. Details of the deal, which is reportedly worth US$18.2 million, were to be announced at a news conference on Monday.

It is the European and English champion's biggest marketing deal outside of jersey sponsorship. Insurance group AIG pays US$27.4 million annually for its branding to be emblazoned across United's jerseys.

Saudi Telecom, whose adverts featured inside and outside Old Trafford on Sunday, will be able to use the United brand and players in advertising campaigns in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Telecom will have exclusive rights to use United's brand in its domestic marketing, and to offer subscribers in the kingdom game highlights and team news via mobile phones, a joint statement said. The deal is worth more than 10 million pounds ($18.2 million), the Sunday Times said.

Executives from the company were presented on the pitch before kickoff at Sunday's match.

United negotiated a territory-specific sponsorship deal with Smirnoff Vodka in June for the right to use the club's imagery in China, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam from September.

Barclays Premier League - 2008/2009 Season Starts on August 16th

CHAMPIONS Manchester United will begin their Barclays Premier League title defence at home to Newcastle on August 16. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, who pipped Chelsea to the title last season and also beat the Stamford Bridge club in the Champions League final, close the campaign with a trip to face Coca-Cola Championships play-off final winners Hull on May 24.

United face top four sides Liverpool and Chelsea away on successive weekends, September 13 and 20 respectively, before also visiting Arsenal on November 8. The Red Devils are at home to Chelsea on January 10, play host to Liverpool on March 14 and Arsenal visit Old Trafford on May 16, on the penultimate weekend of the season.

New Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari starts with a home game as the Premier League runners-up entertain FA Cup winners Portsmouth. Chelsea then face Liverpool at home on October 25 and Arsenal at home on November 29. The Blues visit Liverpool on January 31, Arsenal on May 9 and are away to Sunderland on the final day of the season.

Of the top sides Arsenal look to have the easier opening and closing day fixtures as they play at home to West Brom on August 16 and at home to fellow promoted side Stoke on May 24.Arsenal’s fixtures against fellow top four side Liverpool are at home on December 20 and away on April 18.

Liverpool begin their campaign away to Sunderland and face a final day home game with Tottenham. Championship winners West Brom face a tough start at Arsenal and are away to Blackburn on the final day of the season.

Albion fans will be looking forward to trips to Manchester United on October 18, Liverpool on November 8 and Chelsea on Boxing Day. The Baggies are at home to Chelsea on November 15, Manchester United visit The Hawthorns on January 27, Arsenal visit on March 3 and Liverpool on May 16.

Stoke begin their season with an away fixture against Bolton and finish up with a final day trip to Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. Hull fans can look forward to a home match with Fulham on August 16 and a final day meeting with Manchester United.