2015-16 Premier League Schedule: Chelsea-Man City Among Early Season Clashes

LONDON — Chelsea will begin its Premier League defense against Swansea City, and Manchester United will host Tottenham on the opening weekend in August.

The schedule for the 2015-16 campaign was released Wednesday, less than a month after Chelsea collected the league trophy.

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Chelsea, which is at home on the weekend of Aug. 8-9, routed Swansea 5-0 in their last meeting in January. But on the second weekend, Jose Mourinho’s side travels to Manchester City, which finished second last month after being deposed as champion by Chelsea.

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Liverpool has an immediate chance to avenge a 6-1 loss at Stoke on the final day of last season, after being selected to go back to the stadium to start the new campaign.

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Slaven Bilic’s first match as West Ham manager will be at Arsenal, which finished third last season, while new Newcastle manager Steve McClaren will open against Southampton.

Bournemouth will start its first-ever topflight campaign with a home game against Aston Villa. Fellow newcomer Watford will be at Everton, and playoff winner Norwich will host Crystal Palace.

Here is a look at when the most anticipated head-to-heads are, with dates subject to change:

Chelsea-Arsenal: Sept. 19, Stamford Bridge; Jan. 23, Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea-Manchester United: Dec. 28, Old Trafford; Feb. 6 Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea-Manchester City: Aug. 15, Etihad Stadium; April 16, Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United-Manchester City: Oct. 24, Old Trafford; March 19, Etihad Stadium.

Manchester United-Liverpool: Sept. 12, Old Trafford; Jan. 16, Anfield.

Manchester United-Arsenal: Oct 3. Emirates Stadium; Feb. 27, Old Trafford.

Arsenal-Tottenham: Nov. 7, Emirates Stadium; March 5, White Hart Lane.