Ipswich host Liverpool on Premier League opening weekend

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Newly promoted Ipswich will host Liverpool, while champions Manchester City will travel to Chelsea on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

Ipswich, returning to the top flight after a 22-year absence, will play on Saturday, August 17. Manchester City will begin their title defense at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 18.

The campaign kicks off with Manchester United’s game against Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday, August 16.

Arsenal, last season’s runners-up to City, will play at home against Wolves on Saturday. Fourth-placed Aston Villa will face an away game against West Ham on the same day.

Championship play-off winners Southampton will take on Newcastle at St James’ Park, Everton will host Brighton, and Nottingham Forest will play Bournemouth to complete the Saturday fixtures.

On Sunday, Brentford will welcome Crystal Palace, and Championship winners Leicester City will host Tottenham on Monday, August 19.

Ipswich’s last Premier League game was a 5-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on the final day of the 2001-02 season. Their relegation came just a year after finishing a surprising fifth in the top flight.

City secured a record fourth consecutive English league title in May, finishing two points ahead of Arsenal.

Premier League opening-weekend fixtures in full

All times BST

Friday, 16 August

Manchester United v Fulham (20:00)

Saturday, 17 August

Ipswich Town v Liverpool (12:30)

Arsenal v Wolverhampton (15:00)

Everton v Brighton (15:00)

Newcastle United v Southampton (15:00)

Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth (15:00)

West Ham United v Aston Villa (17:30)

Sunday, 18 August

Brentford v Crystal Palace (14:00)

Chelsea v Manchester City (16:30)

Monday, 19 August

Leicester City v Tottenham (20:00)