Blues up first for champions

Published: 17 Jun 2009 - 09:33:00

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Manchester United go in search of an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title when they host newly-promoted Birmingham on the opening day of the new campaign. Sir Alex Ferguson`s side follow it up with a trip to Burnley - in their first-ever Premier League campaign - the following Tuesday, before travelling to Wigan to complete the first week of the campaign scheduled for August 22. The month of August ends with a visit of Arsenal to Old Trafford as other key dates in the calendar include the first Manchester derby of the campaign, at home to City on September 19, and a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on October 24. Stamford Bridge beckons to meet Chelsea on November 7 with Boxing Day including Hull (away) and Wigan (home) on December 28. The return clash with Arsenal is scheduled for January 30, Liverpool arrive in Manchester on March 20, and Chelsea head to Old Trafford on April 3. Blackburn, Man City and Spurs complete the April line-up with the campaign closing at Sunderland (May 1) and at home to Stoke on the final day (May 9).