Baggies get tough season start

17 June 2011 13:05
Albion to host champions on opening day The Baggies have been given a challenging start to the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season. Albion will host champions Manchester United on Saturday 13th August – the club’s first home fixture in the Premier League. It doesn’t get any easier either for Roy Hodgson’s men as they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea a week later. Boggy side Stoke City will then travel to The Hawthorns on Saturday 27th August. The first Black Country derby of the season will again be at The Hawthorns on Saturday 16th October, with Albion travelling to nearby Villa Park a week later. Albion will be at home over the Christmas period with Manchester City visiting the Black Country on Boxing Day and Everton on New Year’s Eve. There will be no love lost at return fixture against Wolves three days before Valentine’s Day (February 11th) with Albion’s last three fixtures against Aston Villa (h), Bolton Wanderers (a) and Arsenal (h). Baggies defender Stephen Reid says Albion have been given a difficult opener against United, but believes Roy Hodgson’s side won’t be fazed. "We showed last season we're capable of getting results against the top teams so we have nothing to fear,” said the former Republic of Ireland international. "We've just had a good season so we'll be looking to get off to a good start this year. "The lads should be full of confidence and play without fear. "We deserved something out of the home game against United last season. "Peter missed a penalty and we should have had another one and Gary Neville sent-off. "We performed well against them last season and came back from two goals down at Old Trafford to get a point. "We didn't perform in either game against Chelsea last season - at home - and especially in the opening game at their place. "It brings back pretty bad memories of that 6-0 defeat. "We'll be looking to put that right and hopefully get off to a good start by getting results in both of those games." How do you think Albion will get on next season? Have your say at Baggies Banter here.

Source: FOOTYMAD